Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary

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Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary

Located in Rosseau, Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary offers rescue, rehabilitation and release to Ontario wildlife. FOR EMERGENCIES CALL: 705-644-4122
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06/12/2026

🌿 Sanctuary Caregiver Day 🌿

Today (June 12) we recognize Sanctuary Caregiver Day with Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) and North American Primate Sanctuary Alliance (NAPSA)—a day to honour the compassion and dedication of sanctuary caregivers.

At Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, we’re proud to celebrate Mon Kledsai, Assistant Director of Animal Welfare.

Mon first came to Aspen Valley from Thailand as a volunteer, returning each spring and summer for four years before joining our staff team. Today, she plays an essential role in the care of animals in our rehabilitation program.

From beavers to moose to otters, Mon brings calm presence, patience, and a deep understanding of animal behaviour to every individual she works with.

In this photo, Mon is caring for one of our beavers in rehabilitation—a quiet moment that reflects the heart of sanctuary care.

We are deeply grateful for caregivers like Mon, whose work is often behind the scenes but makes every recovery possible.

💚 Today we celebrate Mon, and all sanctuary caregivers who make this work possible.

06/09/2026

🐺 Vimy Update

Vimy has been enjoying life outdoors for a couple of weeks now, and we've definitely noticed a difference in how he's using his back legs. They seem to be getting stronger with time, which gives us plenty of reason to stay optimistic.

He still has a long road ahead of him, but we're encouraged by the progress he's making and will continue to support him every step of the way. 💚

For those meeting Vimy for the first time, here's a little of his story:

This winter, this young wolf suffered fractures in both legs after being hit by a car. Thanks to the combined efforts of Blake (the driver), OPP officers, and Turtle Pond Wildlife Centre, he received the help he needed and was transported to Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary for assessment, surgery coordination, and ongoing care.

Blake requested that he be named Vimy in honour of a Canadian Armed Forces Military Police working dog who passed away in 2021—a fitting tribute to a survivor who has shown remarkable resilience throughout his recovery journey.

We're grateful to everyone who continues to follow Vimy's progress and cheer him on. Every small improvement is a step in the right direction.

06/06/2026

🐻 Every bear has a story.

Today (June 6) is National Black Bear Day, a time to celebrate the resilience, intelligence, and wild spirit of black bears.

At Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, we've had the privilege of caring for orphaned and injured bears, giving them a second chance to return to the forests where they belong. Their journeys remind us why protecting wildlife and preserving natural habitats matters.

Black bears are generally wary of people and prefer to avoid encounters. Most conflicts occur when bears gain access to human food sources such as garbage, bird seed, pet food, or livestock feed. By securing attractants, we can help keep bears wild, safe, and where they belong.

Happy National Black Bear Day! 🐻

Photo credit

06/05/2026

And then there were four... 🫎🫎🫎🫎

When you've got four growing moose calves, feeding time is definitely a two-person job! 🍼👥

These hungry youngsters are always ready for their bottles and don't hesitate to show their excitement when their caregivers arrive. Their enthusiasm is hard to miss—and honestly, it's pretty adorable. ❤️

Every bottle helps these orphaned calves grow stronger on their journey back to the wild.

06/04/2026

🦉🐻 Shopping for Aspen Valley’s most-needed items has never been easier! We’ve put together an Amazon Wish List filled with essential supplies. 🐾

✅ Quick and easy
✅ Delivered straight to us
✅ Tax receipts available (just email your receipt to [email protected])

Support the wildlife you love with just a few clicks:
https://www.amazon.ca/hz/wishlist/ls/EH4ANXN46T8Y/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_2?_encoding=UTF8&type=wishlist

AND THANK YOU for helping us care for the animals 💚

Photo Credit

06/03/2026

Fawn season has officially begun, and our first fawn of the year has arrived 🦌💚

This young doe was admitted after being found under attack by a fox. Fortunately, her injuries were not severe, but she was understandably exhausted and stressed from the ordeal.

With some rest, supportive care, and time to recover, we expect her to make a full recovery 🌿✨

🦌💚

06/02/2026

🦫🌿 Our first beaver kit of the season has arrived at Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary and is already sampling fresh aspen, one of a beaver’s favourite natural foods. 💚🍃

Beaver kits are with us for two years in rehabilitation before being released back into the wild. During that time, they grow, develop natural foraging and building skills, and learn what they would normally pick up within a family colony — all essential preparation for life as an ecosystem engineer. 🦫

05/29/2026

This time of year, dandelions are an important natural food source for wild bears as they spend their days exploring and foraging in the spring landscape. 🌼🐻

Our sanctuary bears are just as happy to enjoy these seasonal treats straight from nature, happily munching on fresh dandelions as part of their enrichment and diet. Sometimes the simplest snacks are the favourites!

05/28/2026

Three orphaned moose calves arrived at the Aspen Valley earlier this week, and while both are now settling in, one little calf gave us quite a scare. The calf began showing signs of distress, including a high respiration rate and shaky legs, prompting an urgent late-night veterinary call.

A huge thank you to Dr. Martin for coming out so quickly to assess the calf and ensure the necessary care was provided. The calf is now resting comfortably and receiving supportive care while our team continues to monitor things closely.

These tiny calves need around-the-clock care, and we are so grateful for the compassion and dedication of everyone who helps give wildlife a second chance. 🫎💚

05/27/2026

What better way to celebrate World Otter Day than by introducing two of the newest arrivals to our rehabilitation program 🦦

These little otters came to us from Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre after their mother was sadly struck and killed on the road. It’s a difficult start to life, and they are now navigating a world without the comfort and security she would have provided.

Understandably, they are cautious and unsure as they settle into their new surroundings and begin adjusting to care and safety with us.

We’re grateful to be able to support them through this next chapter, with the goal of giving them the best possible chance to return to the wild.

Address

1116 Crawford Street
Muskoka, ON
P0C1J0

Telephone

+17057326368

Website

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/39553, https://www.aspenvalley.ca/

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