The Atlantic Wildlife Institute (AWI), the province’s only charity animal rehabilitation centre, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

AWI Director Pam Novak says COVID-19 makes celebrating difficult, but she’s “hoping that going into the summer [they] can have some outreach events happen on their own site.” Although she is “pretty realistic” and will keep events “low-key” for safety reasons.

As for highlights, Novak says she is just “quite proud of the fact that we’re here” after 25 years.

She and AWI’s executive director, Barry Rothfuss (who is currently on medical leave), provide services for the local wildlife as well as the surrounding community.

As for Rothfuss’s current absence, Novak says he expected to be back on the job by the summertime.

“It’s just a temporary setback,” says Novak. “He’s progressing. He’s healing and doing well…he’s not going anywhere anytime soon.”

Another bright spot on the Atlantic Wildlife Institute’s horizon is their March break kids’ camp coming up.

The camp hopes to pull kids away from screens and teach them to respectfully engage with local flora and fauna.

“We very strongly believe in the fact that both children, youth, and adults can have a better respect for our environment…If we just offer more reasons for people to be outdoors, and to to learn about being outside, and to learn different skills, and to get away from computer screens.”

Novak says any interested parents should act fast, as spots are limited due to COVID-19 and filling up.

Anyone looking to make a donation in the name of the Atlantic Wildlife Institute’s 25th anniversary can do so by visiting their website.

Hear this story as reported by CHMA: