The National Wildlife Rehabilitation Foundation (NWRF) is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting wildlife rehabilitators and rehabilitation centers across Canada. It focuses on aiding the care of orphaned, injured, and sick wildlife, ensuring they receive quality life-saving treatment and are released back into their natural habitats. The foundation emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy environment and nurturing the ethical and moral character of society through its mission[1][4].

History and Mission

NWRF was established with the goal of providing resources—such as funding, specialty formulas, food, and supplies—to wildlife rehabilitation professionals who directly care for vulnerable wild animals. The organization no longer provides direct rehabilitation services but instead concentrates on equipping rehabilitators and centers with the necessary tools to save wild babies, some as small as three grams, which require immediate and intensive species-specific care[1][4].

The foundation's mission also encompasses promoting ecosystem health by releasing healthy wildlife back into the wild, reflecting the interconnectedness of humans, animals, and the environment[1]. With over 200 years of combined rehabilitation experience among its board and members, NWRF is committed to supporting those on the front lines of wildlife rescue and recovery[4].

Activities and Support

NWRF provides life-saving specialty formulas, food, and funding for rehabilitation centers throughout Canada. Donations to the foundation are used to order, pay for, prepare, and deliver essential supplies directly to volunteers and rehabilitation centers, thereby saving time, energy, and financial resources for wildlife caregivers[1][4].

Wildlife rehabilitators supported by NWRF care for orphaned and injured animals, which require high-quality, often expensive formulas, specialized caging, and medical supplies. The foundation acts as a critical intermediary, enabling these caregivers to focus on animal care by managing the logistics and fundraising aspects[1][4].

Organizational Structure and Recognition

The National Wildlife Rehabilitation Foundation is registered as a charity in Canada with the business registration number 798365698RR0001. It complies with the Canada Revenue Agency's regulations and is authorized to receive tax-deductible donations. It utilizes platforms like CanadaHelps to facilitate secure and efficient fundraising, allowing donors to support wildlife rehabilitation while benefiting from tax credits[4].

Impact and Vision

Through its support network, NWRF contributes to the preservation of Canadian wildlife populations by ensuring injured and orphaned animals receive proper care and can be successfully returned to the wild. The organization fosters collaboration between rehabilitators, volunteers, and donors, promoting community engagement in wildlife conservation efforts[1].

By aiding in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, NWRF helps maintain healthy ecosystems and safeguards biodiversity. This aligns with the broader ecological concept of One Health, recognizing the interdependence of human health, animal health, and environmental health, although this concept is more explicitly emphasized by related organizations such as the National Wildlife Centre[1][5].

This article summarizes the role and operations of the National Wildlife Rehabilitation Foundation as a key supporter of wildlife rehabilitation efforts across Canada.