Bear Creek Exotic Wildlife Sanctuary

05/26/2026

In today's video, Baloo our American black bear, has the funniest habit, he always takes a mouthful of food and carefully places it on the back of his front paw, almost like he's using it as his own personal dinner plate. Baloo is enjoying one of his favourite seasonal treats: fresh dandelions!

From early spring through early summer, these bright yellow flowers are a bear favourite, packed with nutrients and clearly very tasty according to Baloo. He patiently waits every morning in his enclosed area before venturing outside to find the rest of his meals.

And honestly, this is one of the reasons feeding the bears takes so long around here... because once Baloo starts eating like this, you can't help but just stand there and watch him.

Video taken by Hayley

05/24/2026

05/24/2026

A few days ago, we received a call from Brian from The Owl Foundation, asking us to assist with a Barred owlet, that had been found on the ground in a Simcoe County forest in Tiny Township. The finder, Bob Greenberg, mentioned the situation to his friend Sue Browne. Sue immediately went out into the forest to see if she could locate the tree the owlet had fallen from — and with great success, she found it.

The owlet was brought to Bear Creek Sanctuary where, with the expertise and guidance from Brian, we completed a full assessment of this little cutie. We hydrated and fed the owlet, then monitored it closely for 24 hours to ensure there were no hidden injuries or bruises from the fall. Thankfully, the owlet passed its physical exam beautifully.

Then came the difficult part — finding a safe way to reunite the owlet with its family high up inside the tree cavity nest.

We contacted Axe & Wedge Tree Works in Tiny Township. After speaking with Megan Emery (Operations), she reached out to owner Devin Glage, who, despite being in the middle of a training session, immediately agreed to help us with the reunion.

Although wildlife rehabilitators play a very important role, there is truly no substitute for a mother raising her own young whenever possible. Thanks to the kindness, teamwork, and dedication of everyone involved, the owlet was successfully reunited with its sibling while one of the parents watched nearby from a neighbouring tree.

Sue has also taken it upon herself to continue monitoring the nest over the next few days to help ensure everyone remains safe and thriving.

We only wish every wildlife story could have such a happy ending.

05/22/2026

I am shutting down comments. The mean, cruel comments and vulgar language will not be tolerated. You will be blocked. I did not ask for your opinion in any way. If you choose to fill the lungs of an animal with fluids and drown it from improper feeding because you "don't see anything wrong with it"! You are the problem! You can't justify your actions with any excuse.

am begging you... Please if you find an animal in need, DO NOT FEED IT ANYTHING! NOT EVEN WATER! You are killing them with your good intentions! Please spend your time finding a licensed rehabilitator! Do not waste your time Googling what to feed them. The ONLY correct answer is NOTHING! Google does not have a license to rehabilitate wildlife. It is full of bad and harmful information!

I have held 2 different babies in the past 10 days that died in my hands. All I could do is cry. They didn't have to die! I can fix dehydrated. I can fix hungry. I can't fix being fed plant based replacement formula or soy milk. Especially for days. I can't fix the explosive liquid diarrhea from being fed formula they can't digest. I can't fix the aspiration pneumonia fluid filled lungs.

I know they're hungry and thirsty and crying. But trust me it is kinder to not feed them anything! Please refrain from doing it! It may be the kindest thing you can do.

I am heart broken for these babies. Please learn from them. Their lives meant something. Don't kill them with your kindness.

05/21/2026

Tiny but mighty!

Our newest patient is a Ruby-throated Hummingbird who came to us after a window strike. These little birds may only weigh a few grams, but their lives are nothing short of incredible.

Every fall, many of them make an astonishing migration journey to Central America, with some flying nonstop across the Gulf of Mexico before returning north again each spring.

Most people are surprised to learn that these tiny birds often only live around 2 years in the wild, although some can live much longer if they survive the many challenges they face, including predators, storms, habitat loss, and window collisions.

If you feed hummingbirds at home, the safest nectar is also the simplest:
• 1 part plain white sugar
• 4 parts water
Boil the water, dissolve the sugar, and let it cool before filling feeders.

Please avoid:
• Red dye
• Honey
• Artificial sweeteners
• Brown sugar

And remember,one of the best ways to help hummingbirds is by making windows more visible with decals, screens, or external patterns to help prevent strikes like this one.

We’re hopeful this tiny traveler will recover and continue its remarkable journey.

05/16/2026

Our beautiful lioness Zola has officially started her soccer tournament. ⚽

This game of ball toss, chase, pounce, and dramatic victory laps will continue well into the night while the rest of the animals, and myself attempt to sleep.

Safe to say… the ball is losing. 😄

05/13/2026

Thank you for your support and kindness ❤️

Last week we donated 6 cases of puppy and kitten wet food to

They will be using these cans to feed the baby skunks, baby raccoons and any other small wildlife they have in their care.

Thank you Bear Creek Wildlife Sanctuary and all their wonderful employees and volunteers for the incredible work you do! 💙

If you’re looking to donate to Bear Creek Wildlife Sanctuary, you can drop off here at our store (555 Essa Road, Barrie) and we will deliver everything to them!

05/04/2026

A huge thank you to Dirty Boys for their generous donation of a bin to help us tackle a big spring cleanup at the sanctuary!

After a busy fall tearing down old enclosures and building new ones, we’ve had quite a bit of scrap metal and fencing to clear out—and this bin has made all the difference.

Our volunteers Mike and Ryan, filled the bin in one day and even climbed in to give us a great photo opportunity! We truly appreciate the support and community spirit.

It takes a lot of help to keep this place running, and we’re so grateful to have Dirty Boys behind us. Thank you for helping us keep the sanctuary safe, clean, and ready for more building.

05/03/2026

Well… off she goes!

Anna the opossum, who came into care back in February after being picked up by animal control, is officially on her way to a brand new chapter—back where she belongs in the wild.

From recovery to release, it’s always a bittersweet moment. We’re so proud of how far she’s come, and even happier knowing she gets a second chance to live life as she should—free, safe, and wild.

Good luck out there, sweet Anna. We’ll be cheering you on every step of the way 🥰