About 5,600 people poured through the gates at South Langley’s Critter Care wild animal shelter on July 11 and 12.
The annual open house, the only opportunity for many people to see the wild animals being rehabilitated by the society’s volunteers, did very well, said Critter Care’s Maureen Binnie.
The society has already taken in more than 700 animals so far this year, including 145 raccoons.
Critter Care takes in injured and sick wild animals, from bear cubs and fawns down to skunks and flying squirrels.
Binnie noted that this is the first year in many that the society has cared for a porcupine, and they also have two marmots from the province’s Interior.
The animals, whether orphaned or injured, are cared for until they can be released back into the wild.
About 70 volunteers worked the two days, including Sgt. Lorne Lecker of the RCMP’s Deas Island Traffic Services.
Lecker has volunteered for six years.
“I truly believe in the hard work done by organizations like Critter Care, and I am pleased to support these animals in any way I can,” Lecker said.
Lecker met one of the baby raccoons, Hazel, during his time at the shelter on the weekend.
Also in attendance to show their support was Cpl. David Hergesheimer of the Lower Mainland Police Dog Services, Langley RCMP Auxiliary Constables and the Township of Langley Fire Department. A display from police and fire is always exciting for the public.”
“RCMP Officers are very dedicated to their communities and this is one of many examples of where our officers go above and beyond to give back, said RCMP Cpl. Ronda Rempel.
