CCWR - Creation of a new wildlife centre

• landowners concerns over rapid expansion and development in Kanata
• awareness of the immediate need for wildlife rehabilitation resources
• need to relocate Angora Goat Sanctuary
• acquisition of charity licence

This adventure starts with a fawn who was brought to Galloping Goat Farm in the summer of 2009. Because it is illegal to keep wildlife without MNR approval, we knew we had to transfer her into the care of an authorized wildlife custodian.

A lot of web searching and telephoning put us in contact with the Sandy Pines Wildlife Sanctuary in Napanee. We were very surprised to find that there was no organization closer to Ottawa that could take in fawns. More research revealed that Ottawa has the highest number of collisions with deer in Ontario. Also there are many wild mammals in this region that are injured or orphaned as a result of human impact each year and a huge lack of resources for taking responsibility for these animals.

Our group of Dunrobin area landowners had became increasingly aware of wildlife issues resulting from the rapid expansion of the Kanata area. New subdivisions are popping up quickly where recently there were forest and meadow, displacing wildlife without giving the animals time to adapt. These concerned community members decided to pursue a wildlife custodian authorization and create a new wildlife rehabilitation centre, initially to be located at Galloping Goat Farm.

It can sometimes take years to obtain a charity licence, however we were fortunate in being offered an existing charity and expand its mandate to include wildlife rehabilitation.The Angora Goat Sanctuary, is a charity founded by Sue and Ron Lindsay in 1999. Over the years, they have provided loving care to over 30 angora goats in need of a safe haven. The sanctuary also became home to several Nubian goats, a sweet donkey and a capable barn cat.

In 2009, the remaining animals in the sanctuary were transferred to Galloping Goat Farm petting zoo in Dunrobin. Sue and Ron are still actively involved in the care of the goats but needed another person who appreciates these animals to take over their primary care. Lynne Rowe, who considers goats her kindred spirits, was happy to welcome them to her farm. Several Galloping Goat Farm rescue animals are now included as members of the Sanctuary.

The focus and mandate of the Angora Goat Sanctuary has been expanded to include wildlife rehabilitation, public education on wildlife issues and advocacy on behalf of wildlife. The name of the sanctuary has been changed to Constance Creek Wildlife Refuge. The mission still includes on-going care of the rescued farm animals.

All of this work is rewarding but takes a lot of time, energy and money! As a registered charity, we are able to issue tax receipts for donations. If caring for rescued animals is a cause dear to you, please consider donating to help us out! You can peruse the stories about our rescued farm animals and choose one to sponsor. Or you can read about the wildlife work we are doing and let us know which aspects you would like to support.