Clint and Irene Davy founded Gibsons Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, located near Gibsons on the Sunshine Coast of B.C., on their 1.6 acre property. Outside there were various aviaries, including one 60 ft x 25 ft with a pond and a garden shed where the birds could go at night. A trailer on the property housed bird patients who weren’t ready for the outdoors yet.
Hidden in the woods at the back of the property was a “squirrel house” where orphaned squirrels went prior to being released to the wild. There was also a raccoon enclosure where orphan kits were raised before being released into the wild.
With over 30 years of wildlife rehabilitation experience, Clint and Irene received a Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal for their wildlife rehabilitation efforts. They were both previously active Board members of the Wildlife Rescue Association of B.C. and OWL (Orphaned Wildlife) Rehabilitation Society .
With Clint’s passing in 2020, Irene continued to run the Centre until December 31, 2024. This was made possible by the support of part-time staff members and many volunteers, without whom the centre would not have existed. GWRC worked closely with veterinarians and Irene is a members of the Wildlife Rehabilitators’ Network of B.C., the International Wildlife Rehab. Council and the National Wildlife Rehab. Association.
The Centre admitted birds as small as nestling hummingbirds and as large as mature bald eagles. They also took into care bats, squirrels, raccoons, fawns and seals.
After initial assessment and stabilization, seal pups were transferred to the Marine Mammal Rescue Centre for more specialized care and bear cubs were transferred to Critter Care Wildlife Society. On occasion, birds of prey needing extended or specialized care were transferred to OWL (Orphaned Wildlife) Rehabilitation Society in Delta, B.C.
Although Gibsons Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre operated under Federal and Provincial Permits to do wildlife rehabilitation work, we received no regular Government funding. We operated solely on donations (which are tax deductible) from the public and some businesses.
Starting in 2025, we will focus our efforts on public education about wildlife and fundraising to purchase a dedicated property for a new rehabilitation centre.