The Manitoba government is investing $650,000 in capital improvements at the Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre, a move aimed at expanding the facility’s ability to care for injured, sick and orphaned wildlife.
Premier Wab Kinew announced the funding, noting the investment will help modernize Manitoba’s largest wildlife rehabilitation facility while supporting long-term wildlife stewardship efforts across the province.
“Wildlife Haven rehabilitates injured, sick and orphaned wildlife so they can return to the wild, and we’re supporting them in this important work,” Kinew said. “These upgrades to the centre will help support long-term sustainability and our shared stewardship of Manitoba’s wildlife.”
Founded in 1984, Wildlife Haven has cared for more than 55,000 animals. Annual admissions have grown dramatically over the years, increasing from approximately 200 animals in the 1980s to more than 2,000 each year today.
According to the province, the funding will support a series of capital improvements, including repairs to the centre’s main building and raptor enclosures, safety upgrades, modernization of its contact centre, and construction of two new outdoor enclosures for aquatic mammals and waterfowl.
“We’re grateful for the opportunity to improve our services and campus thanks to this support,” said Zoé Nakata, executive director of the Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre. “We’re excited for the first step in working with the Manitoba government to continue protecting the wild animals of our beautiful province.”
The province noted that Indigenous collaboration remains a key component of Wildlife Haven’s work. The centre incorporates traditional Indigenous knowledge into wildlife rehabilitation practices, including animal care and release methods, while working with Indigenous communities across Manitoba.
The investment is part of a broader provincial commitment to animal care and rehabilitation infrastructure. The Manitoba government has also committed $5 million toward a new animal health centre at Assiniboine Park Zoo.
Provincial officials say the investments are intended to strengthen Manitoba’s capacity to care for wildlife and support conservation efforts for years to come.
