Toronto Wildlife Centre

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Toronto Wildlife Centre Since opening in 1993, over 120,000 wild animals (300 species) have been admitted.
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TWC is a registered charity dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of sick, injured and orphaned wild animals, and to educating the public on wildlife-related issues. Toronto Wildlife Centre is the only veterinary hospital and rehabilitation facility for sick, injured and orphaned wild animals in the GTA. Admitting approximately 5,000 patients each year representing over 270 unique species, and helping tens of thousands more via an internationally admired wildlife emergency hotline and a myriad of public education initiatives, Toronto Wildlife Centre is the busiest wildlife centre in Canada and a leader in the field of wildlife rehabilitation.

10/15/2026

Veterinarian Dr. Chloé Stefanopoulos and Wildlife Rehabilitator Jess opened the carrier, careful not to startle the already terrified striped skunk. The poor animal had gotten her head wedged into a glass jar, after being attracted to the remnants of pasta sauce left inside it. Luckily, a kind individual, Stephanie, found her and sought help.

Once safe at Toronto Wildlife Centre, Dr. Stefanopoulos applied lubricant around the new patient’s neck before gently wiggling the jar. However, she quickly realized it wasn’t coming off as easily as she had hoped. The veterinarian knew it would be best to sedate the patient to safely remove it. So, once the animal was asleep, Dr. Stefanopoulos eased the jar off her head inch by inch, until finally the skunk was free! Thankfully she was unharmed, apart from some mild swelling around her neck.

For the next three days, the patient received compassionate daily care to ensure there were no health concerns after the stressful ordeal. When the feisty skunk was ready, she was brought back to where she was found, and she eagerly scurried off into the nearby bushes. 💚

10/14/2026

A belted kingfisher was caught in fishing line, dangling upside down from a tree branch. She flapped her wings desperately, but the more she struggled, the more tangled she became. Fortunately, Michelle and her son spotted the distressed bird before it was too late. Fearing for the animal’s life, they notified the Wildlife Hotline.

The Rescue Team arrived soon after, skillfully freeing the kingfisher and rushing her to Toronto Wildlife Centre for emergency care.

Once there, Veterinarian Dr. Diana Sinclair assessed the line that was wrapped tightly around the new patient, and the three-pronged hook from the lure that was painfully lodged in her knee. The poor bird needed her help, and fast. https://youtu.be/EzAseAWV2ek

A month ago, when a severe storm caused widespread damage to Toronto Wildlife Centre, hardworking volunteers and generou...
10/12/2026

A month ago, when a severe storm caused widespread damage to Toronto Wildlife Centre, hardworking volunteers and generous donors came forth to help repair and rebuild. Thanks to their kindness, urgent recovery work was carried out while the medical team kept their focus on the life-saving care of hundreds of sick, injured, and orphaned wild animals.

Volunteers and donors like these make it possible to help our wild neighbours when they need it most! Join us in thanking these wildlife superheroes who…

…make it possible to purchase the essential tools, specialized equipment, medications, and medical supplies that keep the wildlife hospital running smoothly all year round.

…voluntarily provide vital care to patients like a tiny Northern saw-whet owl who needed treatment after colliding with a window.

…dedicate the time to save wildlife from perilous situations and release healthy animals back to their rightful homes, like an orphaned killdeer who was introduced to a new family.

…are the reason why patients are well-fed, enclosures are clean, and each little life has a safe place to recover.

Every day, the support of these caring individuals is a reminder of how fortunate we are to have such a dedicated community by our side. Join us as we say a heartfelt THANKS FOR GIVING to these caring people who make a difference for wild animals every day! 💚

Since the start of August, over 1000 songbirds have been admitted to Toronto Wildlife Centre for urgent care. While our ...
10/10/2026

Since the start of August, over 1000 songbirds have been admitted to Toronto Wildlife Centre for urgent care. While our feathered neighbours navigate growing urban environments, they sadly encounter many manmade hazards. Window collisions are the most common danger that these animals face, leading to painful injuries like broken wings, head trauma, eye ulcers, and bruising.

The large amount of songbirds rushed in earlier this season is unusual. Typically, TWC’s team sees a greater influx of admissions in October. Wildlife Rehabilitation Manager Ashley suspects the increase may be related to a higher number of young birds surviving the breeding season and now beginning their first fall migration. Young birds make up a significant portion of the species migrating south and, as inexperienced migrants, may be more vulnerable to hazards along the way. Some of the most recent patients included…

A rarely admitted brown thrasher, who was just one of three treated this year, needed help after suffering head trauma.

A little ovenbird was treated for painful bruising along the side of his body and leg.

A Tennessee warbler needed urgent care for ulcers on both her eyes and an injured beak.

These songbirds, among many others, were given the compassionate care they needed to heal, including specialized medication, species-specific meals, and regular medical checks. Once they were injury-free and their flight was strong, they were released in time to continue their migratory journeys. 💚

10/08/2026

As the weather cools, wild turtles are seeking out the best places to brumate before winter arrives. A few weeks ago a snapping turtle, who received dedicated care for over four months, was released in time to find his perfect spot! At Toronto Wildlife Centre, he underwent a procedure that had never been done before: a blood transfusion from TWC’s Education Ambassador Hotdog the snapping turtle.

If you haven’t yet witnessed his recovery journey, watch now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TTN21pdr30

The frightened reptile was rushed to the wildlife hospital after he had been struck by a car. Tragically, he was in bad shape – a large portion of his shell was missing, his jaw was fractured, and he had lost a lot of blood. The medical team took immediate action to save his life.

With supportive care, the turtle grew stronger each day, until the moment he was ready to make his way back home! 💚

When Michelle looked out onto her balcony one evening, she wasn’t expecting to see big owl eyes staring back at her! She...
10/07/2026

When Michelle looked out onto her balcony one evening, she wasn’t expecting to see big owl eyes staring back at her! She thought the bird would eventually fly away, but Michelle knew something was wrong when he was still there the next morning. Had he collided with the glass railing? She contacted the Wildlife Hotline and with their guidance captured the little bird of prey and rushed him in.

Once admitted, Veterinary Intern Joel carefully examined the new patient – an Eastern screech owl, who was a little reluctant to flap his wings. Although Joel didn’t find any injuries, this subdued behaviour was a sign of head trauma. Treatment began and the owl was placed in a quiet enclosure.

Over the next week – and many hearty meals later – the screech owl became more energetic and his flight strength was improving each time he was assessed! It wasn’t long before he was swooping and perching confidently, peering down at his caregivers. Proving he was ready, the feisty owl was released. 💚

Checking in on the Swainson’s hawk, Wildlife Rehabilitation Specialist Carly watched in awe as the raptor extended her m...
10/05/2026

Checking in on the Swainson’s hawk, Wildlife Rehabilitation Specialist Carly watched in awe as the raptor extended her magnificent wings and flew up to the tallest perch. The patient flew several lengths in the aviary, demonstrating how strong and powerful she was. Carly was thrilled to see the difference in her behaviour since she was first admitted to Toronto Wildlife Centre!

Three weeks earlier, the young hawk had perched on Nitin’s lawnmower. The homeowner thought the bird would eventually leave, but by morning she was still there, hopping around the backyard. Nitin, concerned about the hawk, thought her wing was drooping and sought help that day.

Swainson’s hawks don’t usually migrate through Toronto, so this was the first time this species had been admitted to TWC. Though the medical team didn’t find any injuries, they did notice that the raptor seemed lethargic and uninterested in flying. They suspected the young patient, in her first year of life, may have lost her way and became exhausted after migrating such a long distance.

Did you know that on average, this species of hawk will migrate a total of 24000km every year? They have one of the longest migratory patterns of any known North American bird of prey!

The Rehabilitation Team provided the patient with supportive care and monitored her behaviour closely for several weeks. Eventually, the Swainson’s hawk became much more lively, and could fly with ease and precision! Once she was strong enough to continue her migration journey, she was released. 💚

Grounded near an office building, an injured American kestrel flapped his wings but couldn’t get airborne. Heather notic...
10/02/2026

Grounded near an office building, an injured American kestrel flapped his wings but couldn’t get airborne. Heather noticed him struggling and worried he might have struck a window. Knowing Toronto Wildlife Centre (TWC) could help the small falcon, she contacted the Wildlife Hotline.

Once admitted, x-rays confirmed the kestrel had fractured his delicate wing. Weak, underweight, and abnormally quiet from suspected head trauma, the bird needed immediate veterinary care. Treatment began and when the patient was stable, it was time to repair the broken wing.

Thanks to the continued generosity from The Eric S. Margolis Foundation, the Wildlife Hospital is able to treat wild patients like this injured kestrel, giving them the life-saving medical care they need.

Veterinarian Dr. Diana Sinclair performed the intricate pinning procedure the kestrel needed to stabilize the bone. Afterwards, she carefully wrapped his wing to prevent movement while it healed. The resilient raptor is now making steady progress towards a full recovery! Once he’s back to 100%, he’ll be released.

After the severe storm that recently hit TWC, The Eric S. Margolis Foundation stepped up with an additional gift to help with much-needed repairs to the centre and keep the Wildlife Hospital running for the patients who still needed help during a challenging time.

Sincere thanks to The Eric. S Margolis Foundation for their unwavering kindness and commitment to helping save wild lives. 💚

10/01/2026

Today is International Raccoon Appreciation Day! 🦝

If any city knows raccoons, it’s Toronto. Every year, Toronto Wildlife Centre cares for hundreds of orphaned babies and juveniles just like these little ones.

This group has received supportive care and nourishment all summer, and is now preparing for life back in the wild. Foraging for native plants and flowers isn't just adorable, it’s vital enrichment that teaches them how to feed themselves and builds essential survival skills for their release this fall!

Toronto Wildlife Centre recognizes the profound injustices endured by Indigenous peoples who were forcibly removed from ...
09/30/2026

Toronto Wildlife Centre recognizes the profound injustices endured by Indigenous peoples who were forcibly removed from their families and placed in residential schools. Today on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and , we memorialize the children lost to the residential school system and honour Survivors and their families.
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This day is a call to listen, discover, reflect and commit to the ongoing process of reconciliation. We encourage everyone to acknowledge the truths of the past and to learn more about the histories, cultures, and stories of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples:⁠

Orange Shirt Society
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
Assembly of First Nations/Assemblee des premieres Nations
Woodland Cultural Centre
Chiefs of Ontario

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Address

4/60 Carl Hall Road
Toronto, ON
M3K2C1

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 6pm
Tuesday 9am - 6pm
Wednesday 9am - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 6pm
Friday 9am - 6pm
Saturday 9am - 6pm
Sunday 9am - 6pm

Telephone

+14166310662

Website

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