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Raptor rehab centre offering weekend tours

White Rock OWL volunteer says donations ‘greatly appreciated’
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White Rock’s June Young, a volunteer at the Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society (OWL), poses with resident raptor Sarah. After months of being closed to the public due to COVID-19, the centre is offering by-appointment weekend tours. (Contributed photo)

A well-known raptor rehabilitation centre that had to shut its doors to the public due to the pandemic – as well as cancel its major spring fundraising event – is slowly resuming operations.

The Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Society (OWL) began offering pre-booked tours of its 3800 72 St. centre last month, and continues to host them every weekend.

According to information online, the by-donation tours must be booked by calling 604-946-3171, and all visitors aged three and older must wear a mask or face covering; group sizes are limited to a maximum of eight, and no walk-ins are being accepted.

The tours last approximately 30 minutes and leave every hour, starting at 10 a.m. The last tour leaves at 2 p.m.

Volunteer June Young, a White Rock resident, noted that resident raptors are on display – including a barn owl named Sarah – however, the organization’s museum and gift shop remain closed.

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Young said donations for the tours “would be greatly appreciated,” given that OWL’s annual open house had to be cancelled this year. Typically, the event was an opportunity to get a closer look at its medical facilities, rehabilitation enclosures and some of the raptors in its care.



tholmes@peacearchnews.com

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Tracy Holmes

About the Author: Tracy Holmes

Tracy Holmes has been a reporter with Peace Arch News since 1997.
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