{"id":51324,"date":"2025-11-24T09:29:45","date_gmt":"2025-11-24T14:29:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.qa.caorda.com\/?page_id=51324"},"modified":"2025-11-24T14:07:42","modified_gmt":"2025-11-24T19:07:42","slug":"ote-fall-2025","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/fr\/ote-fall-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"ON THE EDGE &#8211; Fall 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-ljrktgrc-96caa6fa8a071c98ca13377bba0641d0\">\n.avia-section.av-ljrktgrc-96caa6fa8a071c98ca13377bba0641d0{\nbackground-color:#50863d;\nbackground-image:unset;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div id='av_section_1'  class='avia-section av-ljrktgrc-96caa6fa8a071c98ca13377bba0641d0 main_color avia-section-default avia-no-border-styling  avia-builder-el-0  el_before_av_one_full  avia-builder-el-first  avia-bg-style-scroll av-minimum-height av-minimum-height-25 av-height-25  container_wrap fullsize'   data-av_minimum_height_pc='25' data-av_min_height_opt='25'><div class='container av-section-cont-open' ><main  role=\"main\" itemprop=\"mainContentOfPage\"  class='template-page content  av-content-full alpha units'><div class='post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-51324'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'><\/div><\/div><\/main><!-- close content main element --><\/div><\/div><div id='after_section_1'  class='main_color av_default_container_wrap container_wrap fullsize'  ><div class='container av-section-cont-open' ><div class='template-page content  av-content-full alpha units'><div class='post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-51324'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'>\n<div  class='flex_column av-m8mgy3-717e47fffa5a535efc9e6dcffbe4752f av_one_full  avia-builder-el-1  el_after_av_section  el_before_av_section  avia-builder-el-no-sibling  first flex_column_div'     ><p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-lj7bfgda-2aa8ad451b16115cfc17837e916bcec9\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-lj7bfgda-2aa8ad451b16115cfc17837e916bcec9{\ncolor:#50863d;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-lj7bfgda-2aa8ad451b16115cfc17837e916bcec9 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-lj7bfgda-2aa8ad451b16115cfc17837e916bcec9 .special-heading-inner-border{\nborder-color:#50863d;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-lj7bfgda-2aa8ad451b16115cfc17837e916bcec9 .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\ncolor:#50863d;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-special-heading av-lj7bfgda-2aa8ad451b16115cfc17837e916bcec9 av-special-heading-h3 custom-color-heading blockquote modern-quote modern-right  avia-builder-el-2  el_before_av_heading  avia-builder-el-first'><h3 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Fall Newsletter 2025<\/h3><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><br \/>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-ljx0yowo-bee9f018a62926492e0e75c01679425d\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-ljx0yowo-bee9f018a62926492e0e75c01679425d{\ncolor:#50863d;\nfont-size:110px;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-ljx0yowo-bee9f018a62926492e0e75c01679425d .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n#top #wrap_all .av-special-heading.av-ljx0yowo-bee9f018a62926492e0e75c01679425d .av-special-heading-tag{\nfont-size:110px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-ljx0yowo-bee9f018a62926492e0e75c01679425d .special-heading-inner-border{\nborder-color:#50863d;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-ljx0yowo-bee9f018a62926492e0e75c01679425d .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\ncolor:#50863d;\n}\n\n@media only screen and (min-width: 480px) and (max-width: 767px){ \n#top #wrap_all .av-special-heading.av-ljx0yowo-bee9f018a62926492e0e75c01679425d .av-special-heading-tag{\nfont-size:0.8em;\n}\n}\n\n@media only screen and (max-width: 479px){ \n#top #wrap_all .av-special-heading.av-ljx0yowo-bee9f018a62926492e0e75c01679425d .av-special-heading-tag{\nfont-size:0.8em;\n}\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-special-heading av-ljx0yowo-bee9f018a62926492e0e75c01679425d av-special-heading-h1 custom-color-heading blockquote modern-quote modern-centered  avia-builder-el-3  el_after_av_heading  avia-builder-el-last  av-inherit-size'><h1 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  >ON THE EDGE<\/h1><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- close content main div --><\/div><\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-ljrjzqi9-b37e99a632aabef37a0adf31e5c6b08c\">\n.avia-section.av-ljrjzqi9-b37e99a632aabef37a0adf31e5c6b08c{\nbackground-repeat:no-repeat;\nbackground-image:url(https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/BUOW_RHennessey_UC.png);\nbackground-position:50% 50%;\nbackground-attachment:scroll;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div id='av_section_2'  class='avia-section av-ljrjzqi9-b37e99a632aabef37a0adf31e5c6b08c main_color avia-section-default avia-no-border-styling  avia-builder-el-4  el_after_av_one_full  el_before_av_section  avia-full-stretch avia-bg-style-scroll av-minimum-height av-minimum-height-100 av-height-100  container_wrap fullsize'  data-section-bg-repeat='stretch' data-av_minimum_height_pc='100' data-av_min_height_opt='100'><div class='container av-section-cont-open' ><div class='template-page content  av-content-full alpha units'><div class='post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-51324'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- close content main div --><\/div><\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-ljek74tl-72611fcbb23e0952c46602665a2c8b07\">\n.avia-section.av-ljek74tl-72611fcbb23e0952c46602665a2c8b07{\nbackground-color:#b9d888;\nbackground-image:unset;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div id='av_section_3'  class='avia-section av-ljek74tl-72611fcbb23e0952c46602665a2c8b07 main_color avia-section-default avia-no-border-styling  avia-builder-el-5  el_after_av_section  el_before_av_hr  avia-bg-style-scroll container_wrap fullsize'  ><div class='container av-section-cont-open' ><div class='template-page content  av-content-full alpha units'><div class='post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-51324'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-ljek1ndg-26abcb5397d3551564af1070e520c6fe\">\n#top .av-rotator-container.av-ljek1ndg-26abcb5397d3551564af1070e520c6fe{\ntext-align:left;\ncolor:#50863d;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-rotator-container av-rotation-container-left av-ljek1ndg-26abcb5397d3551564af1070e520c6fe  avia-builder-el-6  avia-builder-el-no-sibling  av-typewriter' data-interval='2' data-animation='typewriter'><h2 class='av-rotator-container-inner'>CFC<span class='av-rotator-text av-rotator-multiline-off'>\n<span class='av-rotator-text-single av-ljek1854-6c0cda29378b8af7e9671126db98bd4b av-rotator-text-single-1' >is Canada\u2019s last defence for endangered species.<\/span>\n<span class='av-rotator-text-single av-ljek1854-1-1fa82a03c4e10bdafec003f43fd7e586 av-rotator-text-single-2' >is Canada\u2019s last defence for endangered species.<\/span>\n<\/span><\/h2><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- close content main div --><\/div><\/div><div id='after_section_3'  class='main_color av_default_container_wrap container_wrap fullsize'  ><div class='container av-section-cont-open' ><div class='template-page content  av-content-full alpha units'><div class='post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-51324'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-ljx5fz3w-e8f34d42beeb52580a7381deb357dee1\">\n#top .hr.hr-invisible.av-ljx5fz3w-e8f34d42beeb52580a7381deb357dee1{\nheight:20px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-ljx5fz3w-e8f34d42beeb52580a7381deb357dee1 hr-invisible  avia-builder-el-7  el_after_av_section  el_before_av_section  avia-builder-el-no-sibling'><span class='hr-inner'><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- close content main div --><\/div><\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-ljhmdn72-922049216840b30b5ec2530b8ab64523\">\n.avia-section.av-ljhmdn72-922049216840b30b5ec2530b8ab64523{\nbackground-repeat:no-repeat;\nbackground-image:url(https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20250604_WPT_TurtleLabVisit_AlexBowman-3_Crop.jpg);\nbackground-position:50% 50%;\nbackground-attachment:scroll;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div id='av_section_4'  class='avia-section av-ljhmdn72-922049216840b30b5ec2530b8ab64523 main_color avia-section-default avia-no-border-styling  avia-builder-el-8  el_after_av_hr  el_before_av_hr  avia-full-stretch avia-bg-style-scroll av-minimum-height av-minimum-height-100 av-height-100  container_wrap fullsize'  data-section-bg-repeat='stretch' data-av_minimum_height_pc='100' data-av_min_height_opt='100'><div class='container av-section-cont-open' ><div class='template-page content  av-content-full alpha units'><div class='post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-51324'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-ljejw0fw-4f2ad4cbc9f10998b0f77afb59330283\">\n.flex_column.av-ljejw0fw-4f2ad4cbc9f10998b0f77afb59330283{\ntransform:scale(1.3);\nz-index:5;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='flex_column av-ljejw0fw-4f2ad4cbc9f10998b0f77afb59330283 av_one_half  avia-builder-el-9  el_before_av_one_half  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data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-ljejvdoh-d41bc28eae74cbe3f8bce2cadcd938b6\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-ljejvdoh-d41bc28eae74cbe3f8bce2cadcd938b6{\npadding-bottom:10px;\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-ljejvdoh-d41bc28eae74cbe3f8bce2cadcd938b6 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n#top #wrap_all .av-special-heading.av-ljejvdoh-d41bc28eae74cbe3f8bce2cadcd938b6 .av-special-heading-tag{\npadding:20px 20px 20px 20px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-ljejvdoh-d41bc28eae74cbe3f8bce2cadcd938b6 .special-heading-inner-border{\nborder-color:#ffffff;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-ljejvdoh-d41bc28eae74cbe3f8bce2cadcd938b6 .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\n}\n\n@media only screen and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 989px){ \n#top .av-special-heading.av-ljejvdoh-d41bc28eae74cbe3f8bce2cadcd938b6{\nmargin:20px 20px 20px 20px;\n}\n#top #wrap_all .av-special-heading.av-ljejvdoh-d41bc28eae74cbe3f8bce2cadcd938b6 .av-special-heading-tag{\npadding:20px 20px 0 20px;\n}\n}\n\n@media only screen and (min-width: 480px) and (max-width: 767px){ \n#top .av-special-heading.av-ljejvdoh-d41bc28eae74cbe3f8bce2cadcd938b6{\nmargin:20px 20px 20px 20px;\n}\n#top #wrap_all .av-special-heading.av-ljejvdoh-d41bc28eae74cbe3f8bce2cadcd938b6 .av-special-heading-tag{\npadding:20px 20px 0 20px;\n}\n}\n\n@media only screen and (max-width: 479px){ \n#top .av-special-heading.av-ljejvdoh-d41bc28eae74cbe3f8bce2cadcd938b6{\nmargin:20px 20px 20px 20px;\n}\n#top #wrap_all .av-special-heading.av-ljejvdoh-d41bc28eae74cbe3f8bce2cadcd938b6 .av-special-heading-tag{\npadding:20px 20px 0 20px;\n}\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-special-heading av-ljejvdoh-d41bc28eae74cbe3f8bce2cadcd938b6 av-special-heading-h3 custom-color-heading blockquote modern-quote  avia-builder-el-11  el_before_av_toggle_container  avia-builder-el-first'><h3 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  >In This Special 40th Issue:<\/h3><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><br \/>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-ljejojf2-6033870376eee8ba7bfe33bdc43ceef8\">\n#top .togglecontainer.av-ljejojf2-6033870376eee8ba7bfe33bdc43ceef8 p.toggler{\ncolor:#ffffff;\nbackground-color:#50863d;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-ljejojf2-6033870376eee8ba7bfe33bdc43ceef8 p.toggler.activeTitle{\nbackground-color:#50863d;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-ljejojf2-6033870376eee8ba7bfe33bdc43ceef8 p.toggler .toggle_icon{\ncolor:#ffffff;\nborder-color:#ffffff;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-ljejojf2-6033870376eee8ba7bfe33bdc43ceef8 .toggle_wrap .toggle_content{\ncolor:#ffffff;\nbackground-color:#50863d;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='togglecontainer av-ljejojf2-6033870376eee8ba7bfe33bdc43ceef8 av-minimal-toggle  avia-builder-el-12  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_textblock  toggle_close_all' >\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-2vx48kr-340d039074ad3fe6f69f86ca4070f9d2'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-1' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-1' class='toggler  av-title-above av-inherit-font-color hasCustomColor'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-1' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"Conservation that works\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: Conservation that works\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: Conservation that works\">Conservation that works<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-1' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-1' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-font-color hasCustomColor'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p><a href=\"#conservationWorks\">Lance reflects on the reason we&#8217;re still around 40 years later.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-2h7cqi3-625bc515cb605fbbf353427297db1240'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-2' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-2' class='toggler  av-title-above av-inherit-font-color hasCustomColor'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-2' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"Turtle turning point\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: Turtle turning point\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: Turtle turning point\">Turtle turning point<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-2' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-2' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-font-color hasCustomColor'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p><a href=\"#turtleTurning\">15 years of program achievements.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-22odkq3-128d0e7792c46d79cfb53ddb2f2835c5'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-3' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-3' class='toggler  av-title-above av-inherit-font-color hasCustomColor'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-3' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"A butterfly finding its wings\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: A butterfly finding its wings\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: A butterfly finding its wings\">A butterfly finding its wings<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-3' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-3' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-font-color hasCustomColor'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p><a href=\"#findingWings\">A deep dive into our Checkerspot program and proof that it&#8217;s working.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-5aq0uj-a73a9b97041644a565740717a6ee3af5'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-4' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-4' class='toggler  av-title-above av-inherit-font-color hasCustomColor'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-4' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"First time calling this place home\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: First time calling this place home\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: First time calling this place home\">First time calling this place home<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-4' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-4' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-font-color hasCustomColor'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p><a href=\"#firstTime\">Exciting mottled duskywing updates.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-182c7zf-cb5149775c5bbb0b7774ea7a63f553c4'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-5' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-5' class='toggler  av-title-above av-inherit-font-color hasCustomColor'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-5' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"What\u2019s next?\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: What\u2019s next?\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: What\u2019s next?\">What\u2019s next?<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-5' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-5' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-font-color hasCustomColor'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p><a href=\"#whatsNext\">Take a look at the species WPC wants to work with next.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-tzz1zf-4ac1faf9a85e03e547fd6ebcf735a7b1'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-6' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-6' class='toggler  av-title-above av-inherit-font-color hasCustomColor'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-6' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"Preventing an extinction vortex\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: Preventing an extinction vortex\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: Preventing an extinction vortex\">Preventing an extinction vortex<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-6' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-6' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-font-color hasCustomColor'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p><a href=\"#extinctionVortex\">Loggerhead shrike updates and program reflection.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-tzz1zf-1-8476b5986551806101c88f2a89f54a6a'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-7' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-7' class='toggler  av-title-above av-inherit-font-color hasCustomColor'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-7' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"Massasaugas return to Ojibway!\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: Massasaugas return to Ojibway!\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: Massasaugas return to Ojibway!\">Massasaugas return to Ojibway!<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-7' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-7' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-font-color hasCustomColor'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p><a href=\"#massasaugasReturn\">WPC is pioneering snake translocations.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-tzz1zf-1-1-5ab84f0006f26000b1b0b3fc970b8ab3'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-8' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-8' class='toggler  av-title-above av-inherit-font-color hasCustomColor'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-8' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"A cog in the conservation wheel\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: A cog in the conservation wheel\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: A cog in the conservation wheel\">A cog in the conservation wheel<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-8' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-8' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-font-color hasCustomColor'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p><a href=\"#cogWheel\">Mariel walks in the footsteps of New Noah&#8217;s past<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div><br \/>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-lwpfy64f-9bb365c7158dd16e4974c49610bce28e\">\n#top .av_textblock_section.av-lwpfy64f-9bb365c7158dd16e4974c49610bce28e .avia_textblock{\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-lwpfy64f-9bb365c7158dd16e4974c49610bce28e'   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock av_inherit_color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p style=\"text-align: left;\">Photo: A. Bowman<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- close content main div --><\/div><\/div><div id='after_section_4'  class='main_color av_default_container_wrap container_wrap fullsize'  ><div class='container av-section-cont-open' ><div class='template-page content  av-content-full alpha units'><div class='post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-51324'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-ljekayxo-10ac464d3982b7770734cc65d37fed7b\">\n#top .hr.hr-invisible.av-ljekayxo-10ac464d3982b7770734cc65d37fed7b{\nheight:50px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-ljekayxo-10ac464d3982b7770734cc65d37fed7b hr-invisible  avia-builder-el-14  el_after_av_section  el_before_av_hr  avia-builder-el-first'><span class='hr-inner'><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div  class='hr av-ljekc5at-1f4b902b2f8c7f7d70561af4d7c77ead hr-short  avia-builder-el-15  el_after_av_hr  el_before_av_three_fifth  hr-left'><span class='hr-inner'><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div  class='flex_column av-ofg9fv-d4561c9fba7b6cffa0c3aed348530e3a av_three_fifth  avia-builder-el-16  el_after_av_hr  el_before_av_two_fifth  first flex_column_div'     ><style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-ljekdbf6-30ce40220633519d07d64a64e88bc241\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-ljekdbf6-30ce40220633519d07d64a64e88bc241{\npadding-bottom:10px;\ncolor:#50863d;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-ljekdbf6-30ce40220633519d07d64a64e88bc241 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n#top #wrap_all .av-special-heading.av-ljekdbf6-30ce40220633519d07d64a64e88bc241 .av-special-heading-tag{\npadding:0 0 50px 0;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-ljekdbf6-30ce40220633519d07d64a64e88bc241 .special-heading-inner-border{\nborder-color:#50863d;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-ljekdbf6-30ce40220633519d07d64a64e88bc241 .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  id=\"conservationWorks\"  class='av-special-heading av-ljekdbf6-30ce40220633519d07d64a64e88bc241 av-special-heading-h1 custom-color-heading blockquote modern-quote  avia-builder-el-17  avia-builder-el-no-sibling'><div class='av_custom_color av-subheading av-subheading_above'><p>Letter from Lance<\/p>\n<\/div><h1 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Conservation that works<\/h1><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div  class='flex_column av-sx3g6j-3f7f1287b4bfe770a29975cd22223867 av_two_fifth  avia-builder-el-18  el_after_av_three_fifth  el_before_av_one_full  flex_column_div'     ><\/div>\n<div  class='flex_column av-3ai563-c8cb3939cfb2a69d1ba7c0e2e7f0324e av_one_full  avia-builder-el-19  el_after_av_two_fifth  el_before_av_section  avia-builder-el-last  first flex_column_div'     ><style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-ljdc8wqf-1cc4edd87267799ea88658a669759bbd\">\n#top .av_textblock_section.av-ljdc8wqf-1cc4edd87267799ea88658a669759bbd .avia_textblock{\ncolumn-count:2;\n}\n\n@media only screen and (max-width: 479px){ \n#top .av_textblock_section.av-ljdc8wqf-1cc4edd87267799ea88658a669759bbd .avia_textblock{\ncolumn-count:1;\n}\n.av_textblock_section.av-ljdc8wqf-1cc4edd87267799ea88658a669759bbd .avia_textblock.av_multi_colums > p:first-child{\nmargin-top:0.85em;\n}\n}\n<\/style>\n<section  id=\"fortyCounting\"  class='av_textblock_section av-ljdc8wqf-1cc4edd87267799ea88658a669759bbd'   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock av_multi_colums av_inherit_color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>For the last 40 years, Wildlife Preservation Canada has remained steadfast in our mission to save Canadian species from extinction through direct, hands-on conservation action. This unwavering commitment has not changed and for good reason&#8230;<\/p>\n<p><strong>It works.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>WPC steps in when species are on the very edge\u2014when habitat protection alone is no longer enough to ensure survival. Proven hands-on, science-based action such as conservation breeding, nest protection, head-starting and releases allow us to act quickly and provide endangered wildlife with a second chance.<\/p>\n<p>Because we focus our on-the-ground efforts on individual species, many people see our work as \u201csingle-species\u201d conservation, but that misses the bigger picture: each species is intricately intertwined, woven together into a living network Every successful reintroduction revitalizes populations and ecosystems to thrive long-term <strong>because restoring a species is never just about that one species.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Achieving this wider impact is only possible through close collaboration with a range of partners\u2014academic institutions, Indigenous Peoples, landowners, managers, governments, and local volunteers\u2014to protect the landscapes that make these recoveries possible. Where others safeguard the land, we replenish it with the species that once called it home.<\/p>\n<p><strong>No other organization has saved more endangered species across the country through intensive, direct, hands-on action than Wildlife Preservation Canada.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Over the last four decades WPC has released more than 97,000 animals from 21 species back into the wild. Amazing creatures like the swift fox, Taylor\u2019s checkerspot butterfly, and eastern loggerhead shrike that would otherwise have disappeared from Canada\u2014proof that conservation breeding and reintroductions work.<\/p>\n<p>Across Canada, we\u2019re the first to develop innovative conservation techniques\u2014like artificial hibernacula for snakes or love tubs for frogs, leading the way for conservation breeding and release of songbirds and bumble bees, butterflies and turtles\u2014so that these animals aren\u2019t just surviving but thriving.<\/p>\n<p>Adaptation is at the core of everything we do. For forty years, WPC has refused to accept \u201cit can\u2019t be done\u201d. We meet new challenges as problem-solvers, adjusting and improving each step of the way. Every moment teaches us something new\u2014and we use each discovery to improve techniques and overcome obstacles. If something isn\u2019t working, we find out why.<\/p>\n<p><strong>WPC\u2019s mission doesn\u2019t end with saving species.<\/strong> We invest in Canada\u2019s future as a global conservation leader by training others. The demand for training is accelerating, particularly<br \/>\namong communities and land-stewards committed to protecting their natural heritage. WPC has mentored hundreds of early-career conservationists, students, and partners who have gone on to lead successful programs of their own, increasing Canada\u2019s collective ability to save endangered species from extinction.<\/p>\n<p><strong>We have ambitious but achievable plans for the future, to work with more species in more places with more partners.<\/strong> We\u2019ve identified these species that need our help, now what we need is your support.<\/p>\n<p>As you read through this edition of On Th e Edge, I hope you feel the passion, determination, and unwavering dedication that drives everything we do. WPC has endured because it is grounded in results, rooted in science, and is guided by a powerful conviction: <strong>Extinction is not an option.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-51338 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Lance_FallOTE.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"373\" height=\"249\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Lance_FallOTE.jpg 1663w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Lance_FallOTE-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Lance_FallOTE-1620x1080.jpg 1620w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Lance_FallOTE-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Lance_FallOTE-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Lance_FallOTE-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Lance_FallOTE-1500x1000.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Lance_FallOTE-705x470.jpg 705w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 373px) 100vw, 373px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Lance Woolaver Jr.<br \/>\nExecutive Director, Wildlife Preservation Canada<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- close content main div --><\/div><\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-ljelb9q8-ded7626b5b7dd08746b3eb3e52181286\">\n.avia-section.av-ljelb9q8-ded7626b5b7dd08746b3eb3e52181286{\nbackground-color:#b9d888;\nbackground-image:unset;\n}\n#top .avia-section.av-ljelb9q8-ded7626b5b7dd08746b3eb3e52181286 .scroll-down-link{\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n#top .avia-section.av-ljelb9q8-ded7626b5b7dd08746b3eb3e52181286 .scroll-down-link.avia-svg-icon svg:first-child{\nstroke:#ffffff;\nfill:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div id='av_section_5'  class='avia-section av-ljelb9q8-ded7626b5b7dd08746b3eb3e52181286 main_color avia-section-default avia-no-border-styling  avia-builder-el-21  el_after_av_one_full  el_before_av_image_hotspot  avia-bg-style-scroll av-minimum-height av-minimum-height-25 av-height-25  container_wrap fullsize'   data-av_minimum_height_pc='25' data-av_min_height_opt='25'><div class=\"av-section-color-overlay-wrap\"><a href='#next-section' title='' class='scroll-down-link av-custom-scroll-down-color avia-svg-icon avia-font-svg_entypo-fontello' data-av_svg_icon='down-open-mini' data-av_iconset='svg_entypo-fontello'><svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"15\" height=\"32\" viewbox=\"0 0 15 32\" preserveaspectratio=\"xMidYMid meet\" aria-labelledby='av-svg-title-1' aria-describedby='av-svg-desc-1' role=\"graphics-symbol\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<title id='av-svg-title-1'>Scroll to next section<\/title>\n<desc id='av-svg-desc-1'>Scroll to next section<\/desc>\n<path d=\"M12.96 12.16q0.704-0.832 1.536 0 0.832 0.704 0 1.536l-6.272 6.144q-0.704 0.704-1.536 0l-6.272-6.144q-0.832-0.832 0-1.536 0.768-0.768 1.6 0l5.44 4.992z\"><\/path>\n<\/svg><\/a><div class='container av-section-cont-open' ><div class='template-page content  av-content-full alpha units'><div class='post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-51324'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-ljem9ysd-ed0e034249a2d66d5346672f84cf7b37\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-ljem9ysd-ed0e034249a2d66d5346672f84cf7b37{\npadding-bottom:10px;\ncolor:#50863d;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-ljem9ysd-ed0e034249a2d66d5346672f84cf7b37 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-ljem9ysd-ed0e034249a2d66d5346672f84cf7b37 .special-heading-inner-border{\nborder-color:#50863d;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-ljem9ysd-ed0e034249a2d66d5346672f84cf7b37 .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-special-heading av-ljem9ysd-ed0e034249a2d66d5346672f84cf7b37 av-special-heading-h2 custom-color-heading blockquote classic-quote  avia-builder-el-22  avia-builder-el-no-sibling'><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  >What began in 2011 as a single nest of 11 turtle eggs, has grown into one of our most successful recovery programs.<\/h2><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-sub-av-ljem64rk-8d241b2ee5b65f43e7db8ff5dcc1b9dd\">\n.av-hotspot-image-container .av-image-hotspot.av-ljem5kzi-39dbf9e19b50402675b5ecffbf4bb0ca{\ntop:51.5%;\nleft:62.6%;\n}\n.av-hotspot-image-container .av-image-hotspot.av-ljem5kzi-39dbf9e19b50402675b5ecffbf4bb0ca .av-image-hotspot_inner{\nbackground-color:#b9d888;\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n.av-hotspot-image-container .av-image-hotspot.av-ljem5kzi-39dbf9e19b50402675b5ecffbf4bb0ca .av-image-hotspot-pulse{\nbackground-color:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-hotspot-image-container av-ljem64rk-8d241b2ee5b65f43e7db8ff5dcc1b9dd  avia-builder-el-23  el_after_av_section  el_before_av_section  av-hotspot-blank av-mobile-fallback-active  av-non-fullwidth-hotspot-image'  itemprop=\"image\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\" ><div class='av-hotspot-container'><div class='av-hotspot-container-inner-cell'><div class='av-hotspot-container-inner-wrap'><div class='av-image-hotspot av-ljem5kzi-39dbf9e19b50402675b5ecffbf4bb0ca av-image-hotspot-1' data-avia-tooltip-position='top' data-avia-tooltip-alignment='left' data-avia-tooltip-class='av-tt-xlarge-width av-tt-pos-above av-tt-align-left  av-mobile-fallback-active  transparent_dark av-tt-hotspot' data-avia-tooltip='&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Western painted turtle&lt;\/strong&gt;&lt;br \/&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Chrysemys picta bellii)&lt;\/em&gt;&lt;\/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Status&lt;\/strong&gt;: Endangered on the Pacific Coast of Canada&lt;\/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The western painted turtle can live to well over 50 years old, if they can survive their most defenseless first years. Turtles face a number of threats from habitat destruction to hungry predators. WPC&#8217;s head-starting and release program ensures that young turtles survive beyond their most vulnerable development stage, to thrive in B.C.&#8217;s wetlands.&lt;\/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Photo: A. Bowman&lt;\/p&gt;'><div class='av-image-hotspot_inner'>1<\/div><div class='av-image-hotspot-pulse'><\/div><\/div><img fetchpriority=\"high\" class='wp-image-51341 avia-img-lazy-loading-not-51341 avia_image' src='https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20250604_WPT_TurtleLabVisit_AlexBowman-6-1440x630.jpg' alt='' title='20250604_WPT_TurtleLabVisit_AlexBowman-6'  height=\"630\" width=\"1440\"  itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\"  \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class='av-hotspot-fallback-tooltip av-image-hotspot-1'><div class=\"av-hotspot-fallback-tooltip-count\">1<div class=\"avia-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"av-hotspot-fallback-tooltip-inner clearfix\"><p>\n<strong>Western painted turtle<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>(Chrysemys picta bellii)<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Status<\/strong>: Endangered on the Pacific Coast of Canada<\/p>\n<p>The western painted turtle can live to well over 50 years old, if they can survive their most defenseless first years. Turtles face a number of threats from habitat destruction to hungry predators. WPC&#8217;s head-starting and release program ensures that young turtles survive beyond their most vulnerable development stage, to thrive in B.C.&#8217;s wetlands.<\/p>\n<p>Photo: A. Bowman<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div id='av_section_6'  class='avia-section av-70x78ff-82c84621d66c123a6d8638123115aab1 main_color avia-section-default avia-no-border-styling  avia-builder-el-24  el_after_av_image_hotspot  el_before_av_fullscreen  avia-bg-style-scroll av-minimum-height av-minimum-height-25 av-height-25  container_wrap fullsize'   data-av_minimum_height_pc='25' data-av_min_height_opt='25'><div class='container av-section-cont-open' ><div class='template-page content  av-content-full alpha units'><div class='post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-51324'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'>\n<div  class='flex_column av-wxj9c3-ae6270d74e43fe4398c883b3547e9674 av_one_full  avia-builder-el-25  el_before_av_hr  avia-builder-el-first  first flex_column_div'     ><p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-62enkx7-ab1510c85b79cfdd11646eca5621563b\">\n#top .hr.hr-invisible.av-62enkx7-ab1510c85b79cfdd11646eca5621563b{\nheight:40px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-62enkx7-ab1510c85b79cfdd11646eca5621563b hr-invisible  avia-builder-el-26  el_before_av_heading  avia-builder-el-first'><span class='hr-inner'><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div><br \/>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-ljel9ynb-40dac8fd856ee5db0680c4d19904b022\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-ljel9ynb-40dac8fd856ee5db0680c4d19904b022{\ncolor:#50863d;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-ljel9ynb-40dac8fd856ee5db0680c4d19904b022 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-ljel9ynb-40dac8fd856ee5db0680c4d19904b022 .special-heading-inner-border{\nborder-color:#50863d;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-ljel9ynb-40dac8fd856ee5db0680c4d19904b022 .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  id=\"turtleTurning\"  class='av-special-heading av-ljel9ynb-40dac8fd856ee5db0680c4d19904b022 av-special-heading-h1 custom-color-heading blockquote modern-quote  avia-builder-el-27  el_after_av_hr  avia-builder-el-last'><div class='av_custom_color av-subheading av-subheading_above'><p>Fraser Valley Recovery<\/p>\n<\/div><h1 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Turtle turning point<\/h1><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p><\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-1vf5gr-9527f1cf50e749fc3878e9e8153b8f86\">\n#top .hr.hr-invisible.av-1vf5gr-9527f1cf50e749fc3878e9e8153b8f86{\nheight:40px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-1vf5gr-9527f1cf50e749fc3878e9e8153b8f86 hr-invisible  avia-builder-el-28  el_after_av_one_full  el_before_av_textblock'><span class='hr-inner'><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-ljem1mw9-b637059d8445bb9483d251dce6300a6b\">\n#top .av_textblock_section.av-ljem1mw9-b637059d8445bb9483d251dce6300a6b .avia_textblock{\ncolumn-count:2;\n}\n\n@media only screen and (max-width: 479px){ \n#top .av_textblock_section.av-ljem1mw9-b637059d8445bb9483d251dce6300a6b .avia_textblock{\ncolumn-count:1;\n}\n.av_textblock_section.av-ljem1mw9-b637059d8445bb9483d251dce6300a6b .avia_textblock.av_multi_colums > p:first-child{\nmargin-top:0.85em;\n}\n}\n<\/style>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-ljem1mw9-b637059d8445bb9483d251dce6300a6b'   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock av_multi_colums'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-48550 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/OTE_Bio-Profile_AndreaGielens.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"383\" height=\"215\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/OTE_Bio-Profile_AndreaGielens.png 1920w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/OTE_Bio-Profile_AndreaGielens-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/OTE_Bio-Profile_AndreaGielens-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/OTE_Bio-Profile_AndreaGielens-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/OTE_Bio-Profile_AndreaGielens-18x10.png 18w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/OTE_Bio-Profile_AndreaGielens-1500x844.png 1500w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/OTE_Bio-Profile_AndreaGielens-705x397.png 705w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 383px) 100vw, 383px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>As we wrap up another busy field season and step into our 15th year of western painted turtle recovery, I find myself reflecting on the many milestones and lessons that have shaped our journey.<\/p>\n<p>What began in 2011 as a single nest of 11 turtle eggs, has grown into one of our most successful recovery programs. This year we set a new record, incubating the most eggs ever in our program with 698 eggs in total. This was largely due to the first major expansion of our nest monitoring program, which now includes the Sunshine Coast, whose western painted turtle populations are experiencing an increase in predator activity. With new funding and incredible staff local to the area, we collected eggs from sites at risk of high predation, to protect them and gradually train the ravens to learn that turtle nesting beaches are not a great source of food! Because predation from the nest is the main concern at these sites, turtles hatched from these eggs have already been returned to the wild via hatch and release, as opposed to our other commonly used technique of prolonged head-starting.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-51346 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20250604_WPT_TurtleLabVisit_AlexBowman-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"597\" height=\"398\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20250604_WPT_TurtleLabVisit_AlexBowman-2.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20250604_WPT_TurtleLabVisit_AlexBowman-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20250604_WPT_TurtleLabVisit_AlexBowman-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20250604_WPT_TurtleLabVisit_AlexBowman-2-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20250604_WPT_TurtleLabVisit_AlexBowman-2-705x470.jpg 705w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 597px) 100vw, 597px\" \/><br \/>\n<em>Tutu basks on her floating mat while in her enclosure. She is one of many injured, ill or confiscated turtles we receive each year and is now in our care forever. Photo: A. Bowman.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Another key milestone was the establishment of our rescue and rehabilitation program for injured and surrendered painted turtles. Thanks to collaboration with our partners, we routinely receive injured or sick turtles, as well as those confiscated from the illegal pet trade or victims of pet dumping. These animals are assessed, treated and genetically screened to match them with their most suitable site for release. This year we released eight adult turtles who had been with us for various amounts of time, back to the wild to continue contributing to wild populations. We are caring for an additional ten turtles awaiting genetic results, for release in 2026.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-51344 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20250616_WPT_JennaKisselNextToTurtleSign_AGielens.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"547\" height=\"430\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20250616_WPT_JennaKisselNextToTurtleSign_AGielens.jpg 938w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20250616_WPT_JennaKisselNextToTurtleSign_AGielens-300x236.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20250616_WPT_JennaKisselNextToTurtleSign_AGielens-768x603.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20250616_WPT_JennaKisselNextToTurtleSign_AGielens-15x12.jpg 15w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20250616_WPT_JennaKisselNextToTurtleSign_AGielens-705x554.jpg 705w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 547px) 100vw, 547px\" \/><br \/>\n<em>Jenna Kissel, Conservation Programs Assistant, poses next to a turtle crossing sign while she is on-site monitoring crossings. Photo: M. Epp.<br \/>\n<\/em><br \/>\nOur team has also conducted mark-recapture population assessments, telemetry tracking studies, and participated in more community events and classroom presentations than we can count! We continue to build relationships with local First Nations, universities, community groups and other animal care facilities, as we know we only grow stronger with more partners.<\/p>\n<p>Growth and development also comes with challenges, which we meet head on. When our turtles were suffering from unexplained soft shell, we persisted through inconclusive lab tests to determine the cause and develop an effective treatment which was shared internationally for the benefit of global animal care programs.<\/p>\n<p>And finally, and what I often reflect on most positively, is our strength in supporting and empowering young conservation biologists. This year we were able to hire 12 summer staff for turtle monitoring, some returning staff and some brand new, all amazing. For many of them this job provides them with their \u201cfirst time I got paid for it\u201d position in their careers. Over the years staff have also completed Masters and PhD programs, both within our programs and after they have completed their work positions. Students have studied in New Zealand, United States and locally through our partnerships with Simon Fraser University and University of British Columbia.<\/p>\n<p>Whether measured immediately through more turtles on the landscape or more indirectly through the future conservation actions of an inspired generation, each and every one of these achievements contribute to sustained and consistent conservation work that is <b>making a difference.<\/b><b><\/b><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- close content main div --><\/div><\/div><div   class='avia-fullscreen-slider main_color av-mini-hide  avia-builder-el-30  el_after_av_section  el_before_av_section  slider-not-first container_wrap fullsize'  ><div  class='avia-slideshow av-ljg26dz9-a3a269cf56c11ac98455d2accb114a62 avia-slideshow-2048x2048 av_fullscreen avia-slide-slider av-mini-hide av-slideshow-ui av-control-default av-slideshow-manual av-loop-once av-loop-manual-endless av-default-height-applied   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class='avia-slide-wrap'   ><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-ljemo2dd-527f1405df8bf239619a1990b590a315\">\n.avia-section.av-ljemo2dd-527f1405df8bf239619a1990b590a315{\nbackground-color:#b9d888;\nbackground-image:unset;\n}\n#top .avia-section.av-ljemo2dd-527f1405df8bf239619a1990b590a315 .scroll-down-link{\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n#top .avia-section.av-ljemo2dd-527f1405df8bf239619a1990b590a315 .scroll-down-link.avia-svg-icon svg:first-child{\nstroke:#ffffff;\nfill:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div id='av_section_7'  class='avia-section av-ljemo2dd-527f1405df8bf239619a1990b590a315 main_color avia-section-default avia-no-border-styling  avia-builder-el-31  el_after_av_fullscreen  el_before_av_section  avia-bg-style-scroll av-minimum-height av-minimum-height-25 av-height-25  container_wrap fullsize'   data-av_minimum_height_pc='25' data-av_min_height_opt='25'><div class=\"av-section-color-overlay-wrap\"><a href='#next-section' title='' class='scroll-down-link av-custom-scroll-down-color avia-svg-icon avia-font-svg_entypo-fontello' data-av_svg_icon='down-open-mini' data-av_iconset='svg_entypo-fontello'><svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"15\" height=\"32\" viewbox=\"0 0 15 32\" preserveaspectratio=\"xMidYMid meet\" aria-labelledby='av-svg-title-2' aria-describedby='av-svg-desc-2' role=\"graphics-symbol\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<title id='av-svg-title-2'>Scroll to next section<\/title>\n<desc id='av-svg-desc-2'>Scroll to next section<\/desc>\n<path d=\"M12.96 12.16q0.704-0.832 1.536 0 0.832 0.704 0 1.536l-6.272 6.144q-0.704 0.704-1.536 0l-6.272-6.144q-0.832-0.832 0-1.536 0.768-0.768 1.6 0l5.44 4.992z\"><\/path>\n<\/svg><\/a><div class='container av-section-cont-open' ><div class='template-page content  av-content-full alpha units'><div class='post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-51324'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-ljempakx-78665ff5eeb5f3c053532116afcc4c30\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-ljempakx-78665ff5eeb5f3c053532116afcc4c30{\npadding-bottom:10px;\ncolor:#50863d;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-ljempakx-78665ff5eeb5f3c053532116afcc4c30 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-ljempakx-78665ff5eeb5f3c053532116afcc4c30 .special-heading-inner-border{\nborder-color:#50863d;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-ljempakx-78665ff5eeb5f3c053532116afcc4c30 .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-special-heading av-ljempakx-78665ff5eeb5f3c053532116afcc4c30 av-special-heading-h3 custom-color-heading blockquote classic-quote  avia-builder-el-32  avia-builder-el-no-sibling'><h3 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  >WPC\u2019s involvement in this species\u2019 recovery is a perfect case study which showcases what conservation breeding and release efforts really achieve.<\/h3><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- close content main div --><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id='av_section_8'  class='avia-section av-4aqgrpf-c37555a01a0d60108bde74552d8f7ae4 main_color avia-section-default avia-no-border-styling  avia-builder-el-33  el_after_av_section  el_before_av_section  avia-bg-style-scroll av-minimum-height av-minimum-height-25 av-height-25  container_wrap fullsize'   data-av_minimum_height_pc='25' data-av_min_height_opt='25'><div class='container av-section-cont-open' ><div class='template-page content  av-content-full alpha units'><div class='post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-51324'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'>\n<div  class='flex_column av-3w4r0jn-183a3ae60c17748a3da2261f71294d13 av_one_full  avia-builder-el-34  el_before_av_hr  avia-builder-el-first  first flex_column_div'     ><p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-3hkvpcz-429d56a26b2504976c928cd023aa72aa\">\n#top .hr.hr-invisible.av-3hkvpcz-429d56a26b2504976c928cd023aa72aa{\nheight:40px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-3hkvpcz-429d56a26b2504976c928cd023aa72aa hr-invisible  avia-builder-el-35  el_before_av_heading  avia-builder-el-first'><span class='hr-inner'><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div><br \/>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-ljhmluxr-9a8c565ae6a29f8e79b5d0195ab29dc3\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-ljhmluxr-9a8c565ae6a29f8e79b5d0195ab29dc3{\npadding-bottom:10px;\ncolor:#50863d;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-ljhmluxr-9a8c565ae6a29f8e79b5d0195ab29dc3 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n#top #wrap_all .av-special-heading.av-ljhmluxr-9a8c565ae6a29f8e79b5d0195ab29dc3 .av-special-heading-tag{\npadding:0 0 50px 0;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-ljhmluxr-9a8c565ae6a29f8e79b5d0195ab29dc3 .special-heading-inner-border{\nborder-color:#50863d;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-ljhmluxr-9a8c565ae6a29f8e79b5d0195ab29dc3 .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  id=\"findingWings\"  class='av-special-heading av-ljhmluxr-9a8c565ae6a29f8e79b5d0195ab29dc3 av-special-heading-h1 custom-color-heading blockquote modern-quote  avia-builder-el-36  el_after_av_hr  avia-builder-el-last'><div class='av_custom_color av-subheading av-subheading_above'><p>Initiative pour les pollinisateurs indig\u00e8nes<\/p>\n<\/div><h1 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  >A butterfly finding its wings<\/h1><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p><\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-34sycjn-3a9964cf08fde2ac32a8a42a98f882e8\">\n#top .hr.hr-invisible.av-34sycjn-3a9964cf08fde2ac32a8a42a98f882e8{\nheight:40px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-34sycjn-3a9964cf08fde2ac32a8a42a98f882e8 hr-invisible  avia-builder-el-37  el_after_av_one_full  el_before_av_textblock'><span class='hr-inner'><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-ljg6m3bl-54cbe82413cd156827e11838789afbfe\">\n#top .av_textblock_section.av-ljg6m3bl-54cbe82413cd156827e11838789afbfe .avia_textblock{\ncolumn-count:2;\ncolumn-gap:5%;\n}\n\n@media only screen and (max-width: 479px){ \n#top .av_textblock_section.av-ljg6m3bl-54cbe82413cd156827e11838789afbfe .avia_textblock{\ncolumn-count:1;\n}\n.av_textblock_section.av-ljg6m3bl-54cbe82413cd156827e11838789afbfe .avia_textblock.av_multi_colums > p:first-child{\nmargin-top:0.85em;\n}\n}\n<\/style>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-ljg6m3bl-54cbe82413cd156827e11838789afbfe'   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock av_multi_colums'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-51394 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/OTE_Bio-Profile_JagAthwal.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"333\" height=\"187\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/OTE_Bio-Profile_JagAthwal.png 768w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/OTE_Bio-Profile_JagAthwal-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/OTE_Bio-Profile_JagAthwal-18x10.png 18w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/OTE_Bio-Profile_JagAthwal-705x397.png 705w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 333px) 100vw, 333px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Not long ago, biologists thought the Taylor\u2019s checkerspot butterfly had disappeared from Canada. Ever since a tiny, remnant population was found on one of B.C.\u2019s Gulf Islands in 2005, this small, checkered orange butterfly has been making a comeback on Vancouver Island. WPC\u2019s involvement in this species\u2019 recovery is a perfect case study which showcases what conservation breeding and release efforts really achieve.<\/p>\n<p>Last year, our staff collected pre-diapause (winter hibernation) caterpillars from one of the remaining wild populations. Each family line we bring in to our care is critical \u2014 it means we can preserve and reintroduce genetic diversity that wild populations need. From those few caterpillars, we raise thousands in our conservation breeding program. Later, they\u2019re released into meadows that our partners have restored and prepared with the right host and nectar plants.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-51352 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20250508_TCB_Chrysalis_JAthwal.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"722\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20250508_TCB_Chrysalis_JAthwal.jpg 1622w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20250508_TCB_Chrysalis_JAthwal-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20250508_TCB_Chrysalis_JAthwal-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20250508_TCB_Chrysalis_JAthwal-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20250508_TCB_Chrysalis_JAthwal-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20250508_TCB_Chrysalis_JAthwal-1500x999.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20250508_TCB_Chrysalis_JAthwal-705x469.jpg 705w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 722px) 100vw, 722px\" \/><br \/>\n<em>A Taylor&#8217;s checkerspot pupa. Photo: J. Athwal.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>This past year brought some of our biggest milestones yet: we collected caterpillars from nine different matrilines from a broad geographic range, our colony produced over 3,000 eggs across those nine family lines and more than 2,500 caterpillars went into diapause. On Hornby Island, we recorded our best overwinter survival so far \u2014 more than 70% of released caterpillars made it through the cold months. Our released Taylor\u2019s checkerspots have confirmed to be breeding on Hornby Island, something not seen in Canada since the 1990s! These efforts are all critical steps in developing a self-sustaining population on Hornby Island (and beyond). Seeing caterpillars that are descendents of animals we released, is proof that the population is finding its footing again.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-51353 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20250716_TCB_JennaCaterpillarCollecting_KihanYoon-Henderson.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"490\" height=\"517\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20250716_TCB_JennaCaterpillarCollecting_KihanYoon-Henderson.jpg 790w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20250716_TCB_JennaCaterpillarCollecting_KihanYoon-Henderson-284x300.jpg 284w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20250716_TCB_JennaCaterpillarCollecting_KihanYoon-Henderson-768x812.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20250716_TCB_JennaCaterpillarCollecting_KihanYoon-Henderson-11x12.jpg 11w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20250716_TCB_JennaCaterpillarCollecting_KihanYoon-Henderson-667x705.jpg 667w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 490px) 100vw, 490px\" \/><br \/>\n<em>Jenna Kissel, Conservation Programs Assistant, collects wild checkerspot caterpillars.\u00a0Photo: K. Yoon-Henderson.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>While our focus is on the butterflies themselves \u2014 from breeding to release \u2014 this work fits into a much larger effort. Our partners are restoring and protecting Garry oak meadow habitats, ensuring that when we release butterflies, they have a home where they can thrive. Together, these efforts are bringing back not only the Taylor\u2019s checkerspot, but also the many other pollinators and plants that make up one of the most endangered ecosystems in Canada.<\/p>\n<p>My work with the Taylor\u2019s checkerspot butterflies has been the most rewarding conservation work I\u2019ve had the privilege to be a part of. Caring for and understanding the needs of this species \u2014 being there from caterpillar collection, through winter diapause, and even mate selection \u2014 makes you feel deeply invested in their survival. It\u2019s not just science; it\u2019s a relationship with a species that depends on us.<\/p>\n<p>Wildlife Preservation Canada is celebrating 40 years this year, and the Taylor\u2019s checkerspot program is a clear reflection of what \u201cextinction is not an option\u201d really means. From humble beginnings to now being at the forefront of multi-species recovery in Canada, WPC has grown into an organization that doesn\u2019t just talk about conservation \u2014 it takes action.<\/p>\n<p>For Taylor\u2019s checkerspot, that action has already brought this butterfly back from the brink. The goal now is clear: thriving populations across multiple meadow sites. It\u2019s ambitious, but after decades of persistence and innovation, we know ambition is exactly what works.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-lwtoo37a-1c09dd47403a84a5c00b2eaa5246ac1e\">\n#top .hr.hr-invisible.av-lwtoo37a-1c09dd47403a84a5c00b2eaa5246ac1e{\nheight:50px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-lwtoo37a-1c09dd47403a84a5c00b2eaa5246ac1e hr-invisible  avia-builder-el-39  el_after_av_textblock  el_before_av_image_hotspot  avia-builder-el-last'><span class='hr-inner'><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-sub-av-ljx2p2di-d0374e188c8690cfab8131010d04ab4d\">\n.av-hotspot-image-container .av-image-hotspot.av-ljx2rawx-0793e2d4224c16d9285e3098e27b84bf{\ntop:47.4%;\nleft:38.3%;\n}\n.av-hotspot-image-container .av-image-hotspot.av-ljx2rawx-0793e2d4224c16d9285e3098e27b84bf .av-image-hotspot_inner{\nbackground-color:#b9d888;\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n.av-hotspot-image-container .av-image-hotspot.av-ljx2rawx-0793e2d4224c16d9285e3098e27b84bf .av-image-hotspot-pulse{\nbackground-color:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-hotspot-image-container av-ljx2p2di-d0374e188c8690cfab8131010d04ab4d  avia-builder-el-40  el_after_av_hr  avia-builder-el-last  av-hotspot-blank av-mobile-fallback-active  av-non-fullwidth-hotspot-image'  itemprop=\"image\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\" ><div class='av-hotspot-container'><div class='av-hotspot-container-inner-cell'><div class='av-hotspot-container-inner-wrap'><div class='av-image-hotspot av-ljx2rawx-0793e2d4224c16d9285e3098e27b84bf av-image-hotspot-1' data-avia-tooltip-position='top' data-avia-tooltip-alignment='left' data-avia-tooltip-class='av-tt-xlarge-width av-tt-pos-above av-tt-align-left  av-mobile-fallback-active  transparent_dark av-tt-hotspot' data-avia-tooltip='&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Taylor&#8217;s checkerspot butterfly&lt;br \/&gt;&lt;\/strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Euphydyas editha taylori)&lt;\/em&gt;&lt;\/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Status&lt;\/strong&gt;: Endangered in Canada.&lt;\/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;WPC\u2019s recovery program for the Taylor&#8217;s checkerspot butterfly challenged the team to pioneer conservation breeding and release techniques for butterflies &#8211; an approach highlighted in the recovery strategy for this and other butterflies in Canada.&lt;\/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Photo: J. Athwal.&lt;\/p&gt;'><div class='av-image-hotspot_inner'>1<\/div><div class='av-image-hotspot-pulse'><\/div><\/div><img fetchpriority=\"high\" class='wp-image-51357 avia-img-lazy-loading-not-51357 avia_image' src='https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20250528_TCB_NewlyEmergedCheckerspots_JagAthwal2.jpg' alt='' title='20250528_TCB_NewlyEmergedCheckerspots_JagAthwal2'  height=\"1036\" width=\"1554\"  itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\"  \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class='av-hotspot-fallback-tooltip av-image-hotspot-1'><div class=\"av-hotspot-fallback-tooltip-count\">1<div class=\"avia-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"av-hotspot-fallback-tooltip-inner clearfix\"><p><strong>Taylor&#8217;s checkerspot butterfly<br \/>\n<\/strong><em>(Euphydyas editha taylori)<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Status<\/strong>: Endangered in Canada.<\/p>\n<p>WPC\u2019s recovery program for the Taylor&#8217;s checkerspot butterfly challenged the team to pioneer conservation breeding and release techniques for butterflies &#8211; an approach highlighted in the recovery strategy for this and other butterflies in Canada.<\/p>\n<p>Photo: J. Athwal.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- close content main div --><\/div><\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-tfwypo-d8a1c945ece8668e8a19d516c3c02601\">\n.avia-section.av-tfwypo-d8a1c945ece8668e8a19d516c3c02601{\nbackground-color:#b9d888;\nbackground-image:unset;\n}\n#top .avia-section.av-tfwypo-d8a1c945ece8668e8a19d516c3c02601 .scroll-down-link{\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n#top .avia-section.av-tfwypo-d8a1c945ece8668e8a19d516c3c02601 .scroll-down-link.avia-svg-icon svg:first-child{\nstroke:#ffffff;\nfill:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div id='av_section_9'  class='avia-section av-tfwypo-d8a1c945ece8668e8a19d516c3c02601 main_color avia-section-default avia-no-border-styling  avia-builder-el-41  el_after_av_section  el_before_av_image_hotspot  avia-bg-style-scroll av-minimum-height av-minimum-height-25 av-height-25  container_wrap fullsize'   data-av_minimum_height_pc='25' data-av_min_height_opt='25'><div class=\"av-section-color-overlay-wrap\"><a href='#next-section' title='' class='scroll-down-link av-custom-scroll-down-color avia-svg-icon avia-font-svg_entypo-fontello' data-av_svg_icon='down-open-mini' data-av_iconset='svg_entypo-fontello'><svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"15\" height=\"32\" viewbox=\"0 0 15 32\" preserveaspectratio=\"xMidYMid meet\" aria-labelledby='av-svg-title-3' aria-describedby='av-svg-desc-3' role=\"graphics-symbol\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<title id='av-svg-title-3'>Scroll to next section<\/title>\n<desc id='av-svg-desc-3'>Scroll to next section<\/desc>\n<path d=\"M12.96 12.16q0.704-0.832 1.536 0 0.832 0.704 0 1.536l-6.272 6.144q-0.704 0.704-1.536 0l-6.272-6.144q-0.832-0.832 0-1.536 0.768-0.768 1.6 0l5.44 4.992z\"><\/path>\n<\/svg><\/a><div class='container av-section-cont-open' ><div class='template-page content  av-content-full alpha units'><div class='post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-51324'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-middr4hh-93cd9a5c95a0be21844f3aaeca73e121\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-middr4hh-93cd9a5c95a0be21844f3aaeca73e121{\npadding-bottom:10px;\ncolor:#50863d;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-middr4hh-93cd9a5c95a0be21844f3aaeca73e121 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-middr4hh-93cd9a5c95a0be21844f3aaeca73e121 .special-heading-inner-border{\nborder-color:#50863d;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-middr4hh-93cd9a5c95a0be21844f3aaeca73e121 .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-special-heading av-middr4hh-93cd9a5c95a0be21844f3aaeca73e121 av-special-heading-h2 custom-color-heading blockquote classic-quote  avia-builder-el-42  avia-builder-el-no-sibling'><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  >This was the second summer of the mottled duskywing re-integration project in Norfolk, but it\u2019s the first pivotal year for re-sight surveys.<\/h2><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-sub-av-middtp3w-5cd91bfe7807f548037f0f6203109c5d\">\n.av-hotspot-image-container .av-image-hotspot.av-middtnt9-449bb85acadf79331e399393fb3201cb{\ntop:56.6%;\nleft:69.8%;\n}\n.av-hotspot-image-container .av-image-hotspot.av-middtnt9-449bb85acadf79331e399393fb3201cb .av-image-hotspot_inner{\nbackground-color:#b9d888;\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n.av-hotspot-image-container .av-image-hotspot.av-middtnt9-449bb85acadf79331e399393fb3201cb .av-image-hotspot-pulse{\nbackground-color:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-hotspot-image-container av-middtp3w-5cd91bfe7807f548037f0f6203109c5d  avia-builder-el-43  el_after_av_section  el_before_av_section  av-hotspot-blank av-mobile-fallback-active  av-non-fullwidth-hotspot-image'  itemprop=\"image\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\" ><div class='av-hotspot-container'><div class='av-hotspot-container-inner-cell'><div class='av-hotspot-container-inner-wrap'><div class='av-image-hotspot av-middtnt9-449bb85acadf79331e399393fb3201cb av-image-hotspot-1' data-avia-tooltip-position='top' data-avia-tooltip-alignment='left' data-avia-tooltip-class='av-tt-xlarge-width av-tt-pos-above av-tt-align-left  av-mobile-fallback-active  transparent_dark av-tt-hotspot' data-avia-tooltip='&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Mottled duskywing butterfly&lt;\/strong&gt;&lt;br \/&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Erynnis martialis)&lt;\/em&gt;&lt;\/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Status&lt;\/strong&gt;: Endangered in Canada; Endangered in Ontario.&lt;\/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The yellow-brown spots on the wings of this medium-sized butterfly give this endangered species its mottled appearance. In Canada, these butterflies once extended from Quebec to Manitoba. However, mottled duskywings have not been seen in Quebec since the 1950s, and in Ontario, they are only found in small, isolated populations. In Manitoba, they are limited to a small area of pine woodland in the southeast.&lt;\/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Photo: S. Underwood.&lt;\/p&gt;'><div class='av-image-hotspot_inner'>1<\/div><div class='av-image-hotspot-pulse'><\/div><\/div><img fetchpriority=\"high\" class='wp-image-51361 avia-img-lazy-loading-not-51361 avia_image' src='https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20240625-MODU_ShannonUnderwoodBlogandSocialPost6-1487x630.jpg' alt='' title='20240625 MODU_ShannonUnderwoodBlogandSocialPost6'  height=\"630\" width=\"1487\"  itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\"  \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class='av-hotspot-fallback-tooltip av-image-hotspot-1'><div class=\"av-hotspot-fallback-tooltip-count\">1<div class=\"avia-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"av-hotspot-fallback-tooltip-inner clearfix\"><p>\n<strong>Mottled duskywing butterfly<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>(Erynnis martialis)<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Status<\/strong>: Endangered in Canada; Endangered in Ontario.<\/p>\n<p>The yellow-brown spots on the wings of this medium-sized butterfly give this endangered species its mottled appearance. In Canada, these butterflies once extended from Quebec to Manitoba. However, mottled duskywings have not been seen in Quebec since the 1950s, and in Ontario, they are only found in small, isolated populations. In Manitoba, they are limited to a small area of pine woodland in the southeast.<\/p>\n<p>Photo: S. Underwood.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div id='av_section_10'  class='avia-section av-2osmwzg-9da8fdac5b926cfb0caaf290d2bd9871 main_color avia-section-default avia-no-border-styling  avia-builder-el-44  el_after_av_image_hotspot  el_before_av_section  avia-bg-style-scroll av-minimum-height av-minimum-height-25 av-height-25  container_wrap fullsize'   data-av_minimum_height_pc='25' data-av_min_height_opt='25'><div class='container av-section-cont-open' ><div class='template-page content  av-content-full alpha units'><div class='post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-51324'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'>\n<div  class='flex_column av-1zsdd5o-e3a57f53d2e385dd3a0eac04de8e2755 av_one_full  avia-builder-el-45  el_before_av_hr  avia-builder-el-first  first flex_column_div'     ><p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-1r7o3zw-ddf535fa0fdc7036bcf70ff8bf9f4203\">\n#top .hr.hr-invisible.av-1r7o3zw-ddf535fa0fdc7036bcf70ff8bf9f4203{\nheight:40px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-1r7o3zw-ddf535fa0fdc7036bcf70ff8bf9f4203 hr-invisible  avia-builder-el-46  el_before_av_heading  avia-builder-el-first'><span class='hr-inner'><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div><br \/>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-middw2xe-26e77bed70c0ec50b2684e6219d003e9\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-middw2xe-26e77bed70c0ec50b2684e6219d003e9{\npadding-bottom:10px;\ncolor:#50863d;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-middw2xe-26e77bed70c0ec50b2684e6219d003e9 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n#top #wrap_all .av-special-heading.av-middw2xe-26e77bed70c0ec50b2684e6219d003e9 .av-special-heading-tag{\npadding:0 0 50px 0;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-middw2xe-26e77bed70c0ec50b2684e6219d003e9 .special-heading-inner-border{\nborder-color:#50863d;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-middw2xe-26e77bed70c0ec50b2684e6219d003e9 .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  id=\"firstTime\"  class='av-special-heading av-middw2xe-26e77bed70c0ec50b2684e6219d003e9 av-special-heading-h1 custom-color-heading blockquote modern-quote  avia-builder-el-47  el_after_av_hr  avia-builder-el-last'><div class='av_custom_color av-subheading av-subheading_above'><p>Initiative pour les pollinisateurs indig\u00e8nes<\/p>\n<\/div><h1 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  >First time calling this place home<\/h1><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p><\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-173xl18-a988bee1e48ba096a981552e47df278f\">\n#top .hr.hr-invisible.av-173xl18-a988bee1e48ba096a981552e47df278f{\nheight:40px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-173xl18-a988bee1e48ba096a981552e47df278f hr-invisible  avia-builder-el-48  el_after_av_one_full  el_before_av_textblock'><span class='hr-inner'><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-mide1k57-15fc2f61683dba1a69428ad7af70f285\">\n#top .av_textblock_section.av-mide1k57-15fc2f61683dba1a69428ad7af70f285 .avia_textblock{\ncolumn-count:2;\ncolumn-gap:5%;\n}\n\n@media only screen and (max-width: 479px){ \n#top .av_textblock_section.av-mide1k57-15fc2f61683dba1a69428ad7af70f285 .avia_textblock{\ncolumn-count:1;\n}\n.av_textblock_section.av-mide1k57-15fc2f61683dba1a69428ad7af70f285 .avia_textblock.av_multi_colums > p:first-child{\nmargin-top:0.85em;\n}\n}\n<\/style>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-mide1k57-15fc2f61683dba1a69428ad7af70f285'   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock av_multi_colums'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-51397 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/OTE_Bio-Profile_OwenTD.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"364\" height=\"205\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/OTE_Bio-Profile_OwenTD.png 960w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/OTE_Bio-Profile_OwenTD-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/OTE_Bio-Profile_OwenTD-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/OTE_Bio-Profile_OwenTD-18x10.png 18w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/OTE_Bio-Profile_OwenTD-705x397.png 705w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 364px) 100vw, 364px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The smell of wild bergamot mixes with the warm morning air as we walk toward our first survey site of the day, with one mission in mind: to continue the introduction of mottled duskywings in Norfolk County.<\/p>\n<p>This was the second summer of the mottled duskywing re-integration project in Norfolk, but it\u2019s the first pivotal year for re-sight surveys. As crew members, we were tasked with releasing an ambitious 800 adult butterflies this season (each one carefully marked before release, allowing us to determine which butterflies are part of this year\u2019s release) then tracking and re-sighting them along mapped trails in the dynamic oak savanna habitats across four release sites. The goal? To monitor the early stages of this emerging population and understand how these butterflies are adapting to their restored environments.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-51363\" src=\"https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20251006_MODU_KlaraJonesSureying_CREDIT.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"663\" height=\"499\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20251006_MODU_KlaraJonesSureying_CREDIT-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20251006_MODU_KlaraJonesSureying_CREDIT-16x12.jpeg 16w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 663px) 100vw, 663px\" \/><br \/>\n<em>Lead Biologist, Klara Jones, surveying the Norfolk release site. Photo: O. Tapia Daly.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>This summer also brings a brand-new release location into the mix! Conveniently named the \u201cStead Site\u201d (a nod to Ken Stead and the Land Trust for use of the land), this is the first time adult mottled duskywings will be calling this place home. From the endless tall grass fields and carpets of purple lupine in Butterfly Blocks one and five, or the milkweeds sprouting around the dramatic sand dunes at the Manestar location in the St. Williams Forest, or even the cozy forest trail that leads to the \u2018mother patch\u2019 of New Jersey tea at the Stead Site, a patch so large we have to walk right through it&#8230; each of our field sites, has its own unique feel, but all of them share one thing in common: butterflies relying on New Jersey tea, the host plant essential to their survival.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-51364 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20250723_MODU_NorfolkReintroductionOwenBlog_OwenTapiaDaly2.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1054\" height=\"593\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20250723_MODU_NorfolkReintroductionOwenBlog_OwenTapiaDaly2.jpeg 1054w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20250723_MODU_NorfolkReintroductionOwenBlog_OwenTapiaDaly2-300x169.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20250723_MODU_NorfolkReintroductionOwenBlog_OwenTapiaDaly2-768x432.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20250723_MODU_NorfolkReintroductionOwenBlog_OwenTapiaDaly2-18x10.jpeg 18w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20250723_MODU_NorfolkReintroductionOwenBlog_OwenTapiaDaly2-705x397.jpeg 705w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1054px) 100vw, 1054px\" \/><br \/>\n<em>Field team at the Manestar location sand dunes &#8211; all part of the unique Oak Savanna habitat. Photo: O. Tapia Daly.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>New Jersey tea is more than just a backdrop to our surveys, it is the lifeline for this butterfly. Female mottled duskywings lay their eggs exclusively on New Jersey tea, providing caterpillars with both their only known food source and shelter as they grow. Later, adults return to the plant for nectar, making it a year-round cornerstone of their life cycle. Without thriving patches of New Jersey tea, our reintroduction efforts simply wouldn\u2019t be possible, and its abundance at Stead gives us confidence in the site\u2019s potential.<\/p>\n<p>Some of the biggest highlights of this field season include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Watching our first pupae eclose into adults before releasing them into the wild<\/li>\n<li>Witnessing a surprise mating pair between one of our freshly released butterflies and a second generation individual from the prior year\u2019s releases<\/li>\n<li>Tracking the journey of a tiny, marked female who traveled so far she was found almost 500m from where she was released<\/li>\n<li>And connecting with butterfly lovers and nature enthusiasts along our trails, including some large, interactive public releases with the Nature Conservancy of Canada, and Land Trust groups who\u2019ve been incredibly supportive of our efforts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>As we reflect on this past summer\u2019s work, there\u2019s a growing sense of excitement for what comes next. Each sighting is a reminder that these reintroductions are laying the groundwork for a self-sustaining population, and the mottled duskywing is beginning to reclaim its place in Norfolk County! We look forward to seeing how these early generations expand their range, adapt to their habitats, and thrive for years to come.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-psr658-87c42200916f03311b06160d0d9ac289\">\n#top .hr.hr-invisible.av-psr658-87c42200916f03311b06160d0d9ac289{\nheight:50px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-psr658-87c42200916f03311b06160d0d9ac289 hr-invisible  avia-builder-el-50  el_after_av_textblock  avia-builder-el-last'><span class='hr-inner'><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- close content main div --><\/div><\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-n3tmub-62e523d3338e5f4836b50e0f0fc74b80\">\n.avia-section.av-n3tmub-62e523d3338e5f4836b50e0f0fc74b80{\nbackground-color:#b9d888;\nbackground-image:unset;\n}\n#top .avia-section.av-n3tmub-62e523d3338e5f4836b50e0f0fc74b80 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post-entry-51324'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'>\n<div  class='flex_column av-1vy2cgs-4fd3aade99217324f15e3889b74e4127 av_one_full  avia-builder-el-53  el_after_av_section  el_before_av_section  avia-builder-el-no-sibling  first flex_column_div'     ><style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-mdhpopza-a631752067d2c19442f1fba20263ff1e\">\n.avia-image-container.av-mdhpopza-a631752067d2c19442f1fba20263ff1e img.avia_image{\nbox-shadow:none;\n}\n.avia-image-container.av-mdhpopza-a631752067d2c19442f1fba20263ff1e .av-image-caption-overlay-center{\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='avia-image-container av-mdhpopza-a631752067d2c19442f1fba20263ff1e av-styling- avia-align-center  avia-builder-el-54  avia-builder-el-no-sibling'   itemprop=\"image\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\" ><div class=\"avia-image-container-inner\"><div class=\"avia-image-overlay-wrap\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" class='wp-image-51366 avia-img-lazy-loading-not-51366 avia_image' src='https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/FallOnTheEdge_WhatsNext-scaled.jpg' alt='' title='FallOnTheEdge_WhatsNext'  height=\"1656\" width=\"2560\"  itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\"  \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- close content main div --><\/div><\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-n9yedf-bb22ee42f230403dda29aac0fd5c4a83\">\n.avia-section.av-n9yedf-bb22ee42f230403dda29aac0fd5c4a83{\nbackground-color:#b9d888;\nbackground-image:unset;\n}\n#top .avia-section.av-n9yedf-bb22ee42f230403dda29aac0fd5c4a83 .scroll-down-link{\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n#top .avia-section.av-n9yedf-bb22ee42f230403dda29aac0fd5c4a83 .scroll-down-link.avia-svg-icon svg:first-child{\nstroke:#ffffff;\nfill:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div id='av_section_12'  class='avia-section av-n9yedf-bb22ee42f230403dda29aac0fd5c4a83 main_color avia-section-default avia-no-border-styling  avia-builder-el-55  el_after_av_one_full  el_before_av_image_hotspot  avia-bg-style-scroll av-minimum-height av-minimum-height-25 av-height-25  container_wrap fullsize'   data-av_minimum_height_pc='25' data-av_min_height_opt='25'><div class=\"av-section-color-overlay-wrap\"><a href='#next-section' title='' class='scroll-down-link av-custom-scroll-down-color avia-svg-icon avia-font-svg_entypo-fontello' data-av_svg_icon='down-open-mini' data-av_iconset='svg_entypo-fontello'><svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"15\" height=\"32\" viewbox=\"0 0 15 32\" preserveaspectratio=\"xMidYMid meet\" aria-labelledby='av-svg-title-5' aria-describedby='av-svg-desc-5' role=\"graphics-symbol\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<title id='av-svg-title-5'>Scroll to next section<\/title>\n<desc id='av-svg-desc-5'>Scroll to next section<\/desc>\n<path d=\"M12.96 12.16q0.704-0.832 1.536 0 0.832 0.704 0 1.536l-6.272 6.144q-0.704 0.704-1.536 0l-6.272-6.144q-0.832-0.832 0-1.536 0.768-0.768 1.6 0l5.44 4.992z\"><\/path>\n<\/svg><\/a><div class='container av-section-cont-open' ><div class='template-page content  av-content-full alpha units'><div class='post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-51324'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-lo7jl0mu-d4649387d9bc7ae42f3cfbd55cfe03cc\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-lo7jl0mu-d4649387d9bc7ae42f3cfbd55cfe03cc{\npadding-bottom:10px;\ncolor:#50863d;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-lo7jl0mu-d4649387d9bc7ae42f3cfbd55cfe03cc .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-lo7jl0mu-d4649387d9bc7ae42f3cfbd55cfe03cc .special-heading-inner-border{\nborder-color:#50863d;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-lo7jl0mu-d4649387d9bc7ae42f3cfbd55cfe03cc .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-special-heading av-lo7jl0mu-d4649387d9bc7ae42f3cfbd55cfe03cc av-special-heading-h2 custom-color-heading blockquote classic-quote  avia-builder-el-56  avia-builder-el-no-sibling'><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Without our work, Ontario\u2019s populations would be extinct by now.<\/h2><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-sub-av-17r9lxf-6352e477a06eaf313c59b989500996e9\">\n.av-hotspot-image-container .av-image-hotspot.av-owwb9f-f7098db076e77b8973b5b7f660561398{\ntop:49.6%;\nleft:43.8%;\n}\n.av-hotspot-image-container .av-image-hotspot.av-owwb9f-f7098db076e77b8973b5b7f660561398 .av-image-hotspot_inner{\nbackground-color:#b9d888;\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n.av-hotspot-image-container .av-image-hotspot.av-owwb9f-f7098db076e77b8973b5b7f660561398 .av-image-hotspot-pulse{\nbackground-color:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-hotspot-image-container av-17r9lxf-6352e477a06eaf313c59b989500996e9  avia-builder-el-57  el_after_av_section  el_before_av_one_full  av-hotspot-blank av-mobile-fallback-active  av-non-fullwidth-hotspot-image'  itemprop=\"image\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\" ><div class='av-hotspot-container'><div class='av-hotspot-container-inner-cell'><div class='av-hotspot-container-inner-wrap'><div class='av-image-hotspot av-owwb9f-f7098db076e77b8973b5b7f660561398 av-image-hotspot-1' data-avia-tooltip-position='left' data-avia-tooltip-alignment='centered' data-avia-tooltip-class='av-tt-xlarge-width av-tt-pos-left av-tt-align-centered  av-mobile-fallback-active  transparent_dark av-tt-hotspot' data-avia-tooltip='&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Eastern loggerhead shrike&lt;br \/&gt;&lt;\/strong&gt;(&lt;i&gt;Lanius ludovicianus migrans&lt;\/i&gt;)&lt;\/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Status&lt;\/strong&gt;: Endangered.&lt;\/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;WPC&#8217;s longest running program, the recovery of the eastern loggerhead shrike demonstrates the time and effort required to save a species from extinction. Since 2001, WPC has been reintroducing loggerhead shrikes back to alvar grasslands in Ontario to bolster wild populations.&lt;\/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Photo: H. Hess.&lt;\/p&gt;'><div class='av-image-hotspot_inner'>1<\/div><div class='av-image-hotspot-pulse'><\/div><\/div><img fetchpriority=\"high\" class='wp-image-51368 avia-img-lazy-loading-not-51368 avia_image' src='https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20250719_LOSH_WildJuvenileBanded_HHess.jpg' alt='' title='20250719_LOSH_WildJuvenileBanded_HHess'  height=\"1012\" width=\"1477\"  itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\"  \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class='av-hotspot-fallback-tooltip av-image-hotspot-1'><div class=\"av-hotspot-fallback-tooltip-count\">1<div class=\"avia-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"av-hotspot-fallback-tooltip-inner clearfix\"><p>\n<strong>Pie-gri\u00e8che migratrice de l\u2019Est<br \/>\n<\/strong>(<i>Lanius ludovicianus migrans<\/i>)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Status<\/strong>: Endangered.<\/p>\n<p>WPC&#8217;s longest running program, the recovery of the eastern loggerhead shrike demonstrates the time and effort required to save a species from extinction. Since 2001, WPC has been reintroducing loggerhead shrikes back to alvar grasslands in Ontario to bolster wild populations.<\/p>\n<p>Photo: H. Hess.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div  class='flex_column av-2jxalb7-08f598ee1b36ac3fa5b9e5e1a3f51139 av_one_full  avia-builder-el-58  el_after_av_image_hotspot  el_before_av_hr  avia-builder-el-first  first flex_column_div'     ><p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-278tjsz-c80cdb1c1699e4bd6d04f80fafb04868\">\n#top .hr.hr-invisible.av-278tjsz-c80cdb1c1699e4bd6d04f80fafb04868{\nheight:40px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-278tjsz-c80cdb1c1699e4bd6d04f80fafb04868 hr-invisible  avia-builder-el-59  el_before_av_heading  avia-builder-el-first'><span class='hr-inner'><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div><br \/>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-ljg79ddg-6407393be2fb0bc5aea2aa462a8753e0\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-ljg79ddg-6407393be2fb0bc5aea2aa462a8753e0{\npadding-bottom:10px;\ncolor:#50863d;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-ljg79ddg-6407393be2fb0bc5aea2aa462a8753e0 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n#top #wrap_all .av-special-heading.av-ljg79ddg-6407393be2fb0bc5aea2aa462a8753e0 .av-special-heading-tag{\npadding:0 0 50px 0;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-ljg79ddg-6407393be2fb0bc5aea2aa462a8753e0 .special-heading-inner-border{\nborder-color:#50863d;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-ljg79ddg-6407393be2fb0bc5aea2aa462a8753e0 .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  id=\"extinctionVortex\"  class='av-special-heading av-ljg79ddg-6407393be2fb0bc5aea2aa462a8753e0 av-special-heading-h1 custom-color-heading blockquote modern-quote  avia-builder-el-60  el_after_av_hr  avia-builder-el-last'><div class='av_custom_color av-subheading av-subheading_above'><p>R\u00e9tablissement de la pie-gri\u00e8che migratrice de l'Est<\/p>\n<\/div><h1 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Preventing an extinction vortex<\/h1><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p><\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-1m5d0jn-8480c74ef7b6788eaddde894a34a8933\">\n#top .hr.hr-invisible.av-1m5d0jn-8480c74ef7b6788eaddde894a34a8933{\nheight:40px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-1m5d0jn-8480c74ef7b6788eaddde894a34a8933 hr-invisible  avia-builder-el-61  el_after_av_one_full  el_before_av_textblock'><span class='hr-inner'><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-ljg7fd51-fd06be16fec23b3a23e667539bd198ae\">\n#top .av_textblock_section.av-ljg7fd51-fd06be16fec23b3a23e667539bd198ae .avia_textblock{\ncolumn-count:2;\n}\n\n@media only screen and (max-width: 479px){ \n#top .av_textblock_section.av-ljg7fd51-fd06be16fec23b3a23e667539bd198ae .avia_textblock{\ncolumn-count:1;\n}\n.av_textblock_section.av-ljg7fd51-fd06be16fec23b3a23e667539bd198ae .avia_textblock.av_multi_colums > p:first-child{\nmargin-top:0.85em;\n}\n}\n<\/style>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-ljg7fd51-fd06be16fec23b3a23e667539bd198ae'   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock av_multi_colums'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-51398 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/OTE_Bio-Profile_HHess.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"393\" height=\"221\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/OTE_Bio-Profile_HHess.png 1056w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/OTE_Bio-Profile_HHess-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/OTE_Bio-Profile_HHess-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/OTE_Bio-Profile_HHess-18x10.png 18w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/OTE_Bio-Profile_HHess-705x397.png 705w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 393px) 100vw, 393px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Grassland birds have faced the steepest declines of all groups of birds in Canada, and unfortunately the eastern loggerhead shrike is one of these birds. Shrikes rely on particular alvar and prairie grasslands that are dwindling. As less and less of this special habitat remains, our Eastern Loggerhead Shrike Recovery Program becomes more and more crucial for the survival of this species in Canada. The program has kept loggerhead shrikes on the landscape, through a hands-on repopulation effort which has released birds into the wild since 2001. Without our work, Ontario\u2019s populations would be extinct by now. Though we have slowed the downward trajectory, loggerhead shrike populations continue to be in flux, with unexpectedly few wild shrikes spotted some years. This year was one of those years.<\/p>\n<p>After upwards of 900 WPC staff survey hours, and countless hours contributed by volunteers and members of the public, the wild population of eastern loggerhead shrikes in Canada in 2025 was conservatively estimated at 27 adults which produced 22 fledglings. In contrast, in 2024 we estimated 51 adults producing 43 fledglings. Low numbers such as these can quickly drop into an extinction vortex (called the Allee effect), where individuals exist but cannot find each other to mate. This is why the conservation breeding and release program is essential. By adding shrikes into areas where wild shrikes still exist (namely the Carden Alvar and Napanee Plains), we can ensure that wild birds continue to find mates.<\/p>\n<p>This year, we released 47 juvenile loggerhead shrikes into Carden and Napanee. This is incredibly powerful since much of the reproductive success of the population relies on these birds of conservation-bred origin. Depending on the year, between three to fifteen per cent of these birds will return to the Ontario breeding grounds and integrate with the wild population. Over the past 20 years, the conservation-bred birds have made up an annual average of more than 13 per cent of the total adult population in the wild! They have proven themselves to be successful in producing young, parenting an annual average of 30 per cent of all offspring counted in the wild since 2016.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-51370 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20250729_ELOSH_SCBIShrikeTransferHelmi_CREDIT1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"503\" height=\"369\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20250729_ELOSH_SCBIShrikeTransferHelmi_CREDIT1.jpg 1142w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20250729_ELOSH_SCBIShrikeTransferHelmi_CREDIT1-300x220.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20250729_ELOSH_SCBIShrikeTransferHelmi_CREDIT1-768x564.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20250729_ELOSH_SCBIShrikeTransferHelmi_CREDIT1-16x12.jpg 16w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20250729_ELOSH_SCBIShrikeTransferHelmi_CREDIT1-705x517.jpg 705w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 503px) 100vw, 503px\" \/><br \/>\n<em>Helmi Hess with the shrike team at Smithsonian&#8217;s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, picking up 40 shrikes!\u00a0<\/em><i>Photo: H. Hess.<br \/>\n<\/i><\/p>\n<p>Often the assumption is that shrikes are collected each year from the wild, brought into captivity and bred. That is, in fact, a common misconception! Shrikes are only recruited from the wild in emergency situations, such as an injury that will likely prevent it from surviving. All of the current breeding population across partner facilities hail from generations of conservation breeding. The shrike breeding partner facilities work hard to ensure that produced young are fit for release, while keeping them as wild as possible. The young are raised by their parents, with no human contact until after they fledge the nest and are independent.<\/p>\n<p>Each of the breeding facilities exists within the natural range of the eastern loggerhead shrike. Canadian facilities include African Lion Safari, Toronto Zoo and Parc Omega, and are situated close to suitable breeding habitat in Ontario and Quebec. U.S. partners including the Smithsonian\u2019s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Nashville Zoo at Grassmere and National Aviary all exist along the migratory route or wintering grounds. Young birds from all six facilities are released in Ontario at the wild breeding grounds, which encourages them to return after migration to breed. Interestingly, some released birds even migrate very close to where they hatched! One bird that was released in Napanee last August, was spotted in March, 65 kilometres from the Smithsonian, having hatched there the previous spring! This year, forty young birds were transferred to Ontario from the Smithsonian and we can\u2019t wait to see where they end up!<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-51369 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20250928_LOSH_MotusRadiotaggedJuvenile_EtobicokeCreek_PLandry.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"355\" height=\"394\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20250928_LOSH_MotusRadiotaggedJuvenile_EtobicokeCreek_PLandry.png 528w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20250928_LOSH_MotusRadiotaggedJuvenile_EtobicokeCreek_PLandry-270x300.png 270w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20250928_LOSH_MotusRadiotaggedJuvenile_EtobicokeCreek_PLandry-11x12.png 11w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 355px) 100vw, 355px\" \/><br \/>\n<em>A radio-tagged loggerhead shrike released by WPC, photographed at Etobicoke Creek near Toronto Pearson International Airport. Photo: P. Landry.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>We keep track of the released birds in two ways &#8211; by fitting them with a unique combination of coloured leg bands which can be seen from afar, and by radiotagging some birds to be tracked on the Motus network (a wildlife tracking system for birds, bats and insects). This year, with funding support from Birds Canada, WPC deployed 14 radiotags on released birds. So far, we have confirmed that one of our tagged birds travelled 100 kilometres south in one day! &#8211; from its release in Carden on August 30 to near Oshawa where it was seen on August 31.<\/p>\n<p>Like this radio-tagged shrike, the rest of the shrikes have begun migrating south for the winter. We are crossing our fingers that they will survive this journey and return to the Ontario breeding grounds!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n<div  class='hr av-lccryj-fff88a8f79f771c86ab4660956751f8a hr-default  avia-builder-el-63  el_after_av_textblock  el_before_av_image_hotspot  avia-builder-el-last'><span class='hr-inner'><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-sub-av-ljr9nqi5-d1ba7ee7e780476eb17c5659ff19cdbc\">\n.av-hotspot-image-container .av-image-hotspot.av-ljr9nj06-1824bee05f53ba395ca37c09388755e5{\ntop:70.5%;\nleft:20.1%;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-hotspot-image-container av-ljr9nqi5-d1ba7ee7e780476eb17c5659ff19cdbc  avia-builder-el-64  el_after_av_hr  el_before_av_one_full  av-hotspot-blank av-mobile-fallback-active  av-non-fullwidth-hotspot-image'  itemprop=\"image\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\" ><div class='av-hotspot-container'><div class='av-hotspot-container-inner-cell'><div class='av-hotspot-container-inner-wrap'><div class='av-image-hotspot av-ljr9nj06-1824bee05f53ba395ca37c09388755e5 av-image-hotspot-1' data-avia-tooltip-position='right' data-avia-tooltip-alignment='centered' data-avia-tooltip-class='av-tt-large-width av-tt-pos-right av-tt-align-centered  av-mobile-fallback-active  main_color av-tt-hotspot' data-avia-tooltip='&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Massasauga rattlesnake&lt;br \/&gt;&lt;\/strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;(Sistrurus catenatus)&lt;\/em&gt;&lt;\/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Status&lt;\/strong&gt;: Endangered (Carolinian population) and Threatened (Great Lakes\/St. Lawrence population) in Canada.&lt;\/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As Ontario\u2019s only remaining venomous reptile, the massasauga rattlesnake has faced widespread persecution, despite the fact that it poses little threat to public safety. In 2021, WPC was asked to lead a province-wide recovery implementation team for the massasauga.&lt;\/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Photo: M. Kent.&lt;\/p&gt;'><div class='av-image-hotspot_inner'>1<\/div><div class='av-image-hotspot-pulse'><\/div><\/div><img fetchpriority=\"high\" class='wp-image-51373 avia-img-lazy-loading-not-51373 avia_image' src='https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20201013_OPRREC_Easternmassasaugarattlesnake_MikeKent.jpg' alt='' title='20201013_OPRREC_Easternmassasaugarattlesnake_MikeKent'  height=\"840\" width=\"1260\"  itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\"  \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class='av-hotspot-fallback-tooltip av-image-hotspot-1'><div class=\"av-hotspot-fallback-tooltip-count\">1<div class=\"avia-arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"av-hotspot-fallback-tooltip-inner clearfix\"><p>\n<strong>Massasauga rattlesnake<br \/>\n<\/strong><em>(Sistrurus catenatus)<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Status<\/strong>: Endangered (Carolinian population) and Threatened (Great Lakes\/St. Lawrence population) in Canada.<\/p>\n<p>As Ontario\u2019s only remaining venomous reptile, the massasauga rattlesnake has faced widespread persecution, despite the fact that it poses little threat to public safety. In 2021, WPC was asked to lead a province-wide recovery implementation team for the massasauga.<\/p>\n<p>Photo: M. Kent.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div  class='flex_column av-166afc3-a6f4460faaa0f04d000fd2f16731f775 av_one_full  avia-builder-el-65  el_after_av_image_hotspot  el_before_av_hr  avia-builder-el-first  first flex_column_div'     ><p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-jxe4df-f11993a6c681fe28b6681c0f11b4a726\">\n#top .hr.hr-invisible.av-jxe4df-f11993a6c681fe28b6681c0f11b4a726{\nheight:40px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-jxe4df-f11993a6c681fe28b6681c0f11b4a726 hr-invisible  avia-builder-el-66  el_before_av_heading  avia-builder-el-first'><span class='hr-inner'><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div><br \/>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-ljr93xoo-fe6bc7f5a0d70fd7aec5716827205980\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-ljr93xoo-fe6bc7f5a0d70fd7aec5716827205980{\npadding-bottom:10px;\ncolor:#50863d;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-ljr93xoo-fe6bc7f5a0d70fd7aec5716827205980 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n#top #wrap_all .av-special-heading.av-ljr93xoo-fe6bc7f5a0d70fd7aec5716827205980 .av-special-heading-tag{\npadding:0 0 50px 0;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-ljr93xoo-fe6bc7f5a0d70fd7aec5716827205980 .special-heading-inner-border{\nborder-color:#50863d;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-ljr93xoo-fe6bc7f5a0d70fd7aec5716827205980 .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  id=\"massasaugasReturn\"  class='av-special-heading av-ljr93xoo-fe6bc7f5a0d70fd7aec5716827205980 av-special-heading-h1 custom-color-heading blockquote modern-quote  avia-builder-el-67  el_after_av_hr  avia-builder-el-last'><div class='av_custom_color av-subheading av-subheading_above'><p>R\u00e9tablissement des reptiles des prairies Ojibway<\/p>\n<\/div><h1 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Massasaugas return to Ojibway Prairie!<\/h1><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p><\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-79ow5n-a3317c49615ad8126a3cd08f10ba019d\">\n#top .hr.hr-invisible.av-79ow5n-a3317c49615ad8126a3cd08f10ba019d{\nheight:40px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-79ow5n-a3317c49615ad8126a3cd08f10ba019d hr-invisible  avia-builder-el-68  el_after_av_one_full  el_before_av_textblock'><span class='hr-inner'><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-ljr9b8tw-91681f1beafb24a922d27835442e0649\">\n#top .av_textblock_section.av-ljr9b8tw-91681f1beafb24a922d27835442e0649 .avia_textblock{\ncolumn-count:2;\n}\n\n@media only screen and (max-width: 479px){ \n#top .av_textblock_section.av-ljr9b8tw-91681f1beafb24a922d27835442e0649 .avia_textblock{\ncolumn-count:1;\n}\n.av_textblock_section.av-ljr9b8tw-91681f1beafb24a922d27835442e0649 .avia_textblock.av_multi_colums > p:first-child{\nmargin-top:0.85em;\n}\n}\n<\/style>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-ljr9b8tw-91681f1beafb24a922d27835442e0649'   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock av_multi_colums'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-51399 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/OTE_Bio-Profile_JonChoquette.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"385\" height=\"217\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/OTE_Bio-Profile_JonChoquette.png 960w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/OTE_Bio-Profile_JonChoquette-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/OTE_Bio-Profile_JonChoquette-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/OTE_Bio-Profile_JonChoquette-18x10.png 18w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/OTE_Bio-Profile_JonChoquette-705x397.png 705w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 385px) 100vw, 385px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>If you have been following the Ojibway Prairie Reptile Recovery program over the last few years you will have noticed a massive amount of pre-release research was completed on release site selection, design and testing of artificial hibernacula, and identification of preferred release methods. After many years of hard work and unwavering determination, WPC conducted its first experimental conservation translocation of eastern massasaugas at Ojibway Prairie alongside a dedicated group of partners and supporters. The release occurred in the summer of 2024 with 21 two-year-old rattlesnakes, all born in captivity. Toronto Zoo and Little Ray\u2019s Nature Centre provided expert care for the young snakes prior to release, and the zoo\u2019s experienced veterinary team implanted each of the snakes with a small radio transmitter so they could be followed every other day after being released. Dr. Trevor Pitcher from the University of Windsor, an expert in reintroduction biology, provided invaluable advice and guidance from start to end of the translocation study.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-51375 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/OPRREC-Group-Photo_FallOTE.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"868\" height=\"410\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/OPRREC-Group-Photo_FallOTE.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/OPRREC-Group-Photo_FallOTE-300x142.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/OPRREC-Group-Photo_FallOTE-768x363.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/OPRREC-Group-Photo_FallOTE-18x9.jpg 18w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/OPRREC-Group-Photo_FallOTE-705x333.jpg 705w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 868px) 100vw, 868px\" \/><br \/>\n<em>Representatives from six organizations (First Nation, government, NGOs, and university) were present at the 2024 release. Photo: R. Jones.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The Ojibway Prairie Reptile Recovery team radio-tracked the 2024 cohort of massasaugas, from their release in the late summer until spring emergence. Hibernation sites were monitored weekly throughout the winter, and then almost daily in spring to confirm the date of emergence. Radio transmitters allowed us to track each snake closely to determine survival, movement behaviour and site fidelity. More is learned during the initial months of a program\u2019s first release than at any other phase of a reintroduction and this was certainly the case for massasaugas. We were encouraged that more than a third of the massasaugas survived the winter and emerged the following spring, including <b>two snakes that chose to use artificial hibernacula we had installed at the release site.<\/b> While our aim is always to maximize the survival of released animals, it is important that we place our results within the context of \u201cnormal\u201d survival rates in the wild. Also, snake reintroductions in northern climates have historically been challenged by unnaturally high levels of overwinter mortality. For example, prior to WPC involvement, an attempt to release massasaugas at Ojibway Prairie in 2006 resulted in zero snakes surviving the winter. Clearly, the sheer amount of pre-release research carried out by WPC over the last few years played a critical role in the success of the 2024 release. One of the more important things we learned in 2024 was that the number of winters the snakes spent in our artificial hibernacula was important. Snakes that experienced two winters in artificial hibernacula before being released had a higher survival rate and larger home ranges similar to wild massasaugas, compared to snakes that were hibernated for only one winter.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-51376 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/EAMA-release-into-brush-pile_Crop.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"784\" height=\"477\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/EAMA-release-into-brush-pile_Crop.jpg 1032w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/EAMA-release-into-brush-pile_Crop-300x183.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/EAMA-release-into-brush-pile_Crop-768x467.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/EAMA-release-into-brush-pile_Crop-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/EAMA-release-into-brush-pile_Crop-705x429.jpg 705w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 784px) 100vw, 784px\" \/><br \/>\n<em>In 2024 snakes were temporarily kept in fenced enclosures at the release site and then released as groups into a brush pile. The snakes were then held for 30 hours prior to opening the enclosure doors (i.e., this was a delayed release). Photo: WPC.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Although snakes in the group that overwintered twice performed better, their survival rate and site fidelity were still lower than what we would like to see in future release groups. A successful snake translocation should aim for survival rates and site fidelity of 50% or more. Thus, there is still room to improve techniques before larger-scale releases are conducted. Successful conservation translocations most often rely on multi-year efforts and adaptive management so that techniques and outcomes can be improved with time. Since we are one of only a small number of conservation organizations reintroducing snakes in the northern hemisphere <b>WPC\u2019s work with these massasauga translocations is truly pioneering \u2014 so there is no established protocol or playbook to follow apart from the one we develop ourselves!<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-51377 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20241007_EAMA_GordoTheSnake_AdamDell2.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"485\" height=\"365\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20241007_EAMA_GordoTheSnake_AdamDell2.png 440w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20241007_EAMA_GordoTheSnake_AdamDell2-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20241007_EAMA_GordoTheSnake_AdamDell2-16x12.png 16w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 485px) 100vw, 485px\" \/><br \/>\n<\/b><em>One of the translocated Massasaugas, named &#8220;Gordo&#8221;, settling into his new territory. Almost all of the massasaugas released in 2024 were the descendants of two snakes that were rescued from a development site in the Ojibway Prairie area in the early 2000s, and then incorporated into an existing conservation breeding population. Photo: A. Dell.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><b><\/b>After everything we learned in 2024, we conducted our second trial translocation this summer with a smaller number of three-year-old snakes, using a modified release technique to improve site fidelity and survival. This learning and adaptation phase of a reintroduction program is one of the most important approaches required for success. We translocated snakes directly into artificial hibernacula and held snakes for much longer in pens after a summer release. We were grateful to again have a dedicated group of partners and supporters attend the release. One very interesting outcome so far is that we observed mating in the release enclosures within the first week post release! A likely unintended benefit of a longer delayed release was that it kept the animals close together for longer, and gave them more time to acclimate to the release site, perhaps increasing the likelihood of mating behaviour and group survival. This marks the beginning of a long-term ground-breaking reintroduction program, alongside dedicated partners to bring this fascinating reptile back to its homeland. We can\u2019t wait to share the results from this fall and winter\u2019s work with all of you later in the year!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- close content main div --><\/div><\/div><\/div><div   class='avia-fullscreen-slider main_color av-mini-hide  avia-builder-el-70  el_after_av_textblock  el_before_av_one_full  slider-not-first container_wrap fullsize'  ><div  class='avia-slideshow av-mideu5dj-b29ee7f57346a3494d564b201b97527d avia-slideshow-2048x2048 av_fullscreen avia-slide-slider av-mini-hide av-slideshow-ui av-control-default av-slideshow-manual av-loop-once av-loop-manual-endless av-default-height-applied   avia-slideshow-2' 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><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><div id='after_full_slider_2'  class='main_color av_default_container_wrap container_wrap fullsize'  ><div class='container av-section-cont-open' ><div class='template-page content  av-content-full alpha units'><div class='post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-51324'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'>\n<div  class='flex_column av-2i9zzh8-93444121d3ede06dcb8a905d064c873d av_one_full  avia-builder-el-71  el_after_av_fullscreen  el_before_av_hr  avia-builder-el-first  first flex_column_div'     ><p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-26dv6d8-621dc4018986a9386152b6184e11405c\">\n#top .hr.hr-invisible.av-26dv6d8-621dc4018986a9386152b6184e11405c{\nheight:40px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-26dv6d8-621dc4018986a9386152b6184e11405c hr-invisible  avia-builder-el-72  el_before_av_heading  avia-builder-el-first'><span class='hr-inner'><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div><br \/>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-5nrmt8-f35163d0874ff5ec2531cce3e8c328e0\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-5nrmt8-f35163d0874ff5ec2531cce3e8c328e0{\npadding-bottom:10px;\ncolor:#50863d;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-5nrmt8-f35163d0874ff5ec2531cce3e8c328e0 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n#top #wrap_all .av-special-heading.av-5nrmt8-f35163d0874ff5ec2531cce3e8c328e0 .av-special-heading-tag{\npadding:0 0 50px 0;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-5nrmt8-f35163d0874ff5ec2531cce3e8c328e0 .special-heading-inner-border{\nborder-color:#50863d;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-5nrmt8-f35163d0874ff5ec2531cce3e8c328e0 .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  id=\"cogWheel\"  class='av-special-heading av-5nrmt8-f35163d0874ff5ec2531cce3e8c328e0 av-special-heading-h1 custom-color-heading blockquote modern-quote  avia-builder-el-73  el_after_av_hr  avia-builder-el-last'><div class='av_custom_color av-subheading av-subheading_above'><p>Canada&#8217;s New Noah<\/p>\n<\/div><h1 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  >A cog in the conservation wheel<\/h1><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p><\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-19cue58-d299cd6b244bbff837feedb6c308c6ab\">\n#top .hr.hr-invisible.av-19cue58-d299cd6b244bbff837feedb6c308c6ab{\nheight:40px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-19cue58-d299cd6b244bbff837feedb6c308c6ab hr-invisible  avia-builder-el-74  el_after_av_one_full  el_before_av_textblock'><span class='hr-inner'><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-n2zsm4-2e539da6db134aa62c20da638c76268f\">\n#top .av_textblock_section.av-n2zsm4-2e539da6db134aa62c20da638c76268f .avia_textblock{\ncolumn-count:2;\n}\n\n@media only screen and (max-width: 479px){ \n#top .av_textblock_section.av-n2zsm4-2e539da6db134aa62c20da638c76268f .avia_textblock{\ncolumn-count:1;\n}\n.av_textblock_section.av-n2zsm4-2e539da6db134aa62c20da638c76268f .avia_textblock.av_multi_colums > p:first-child{\nmargin-top:0.85em;\n}\n}\n<\/style>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-n2zsm4-2e539da6db134aa62c20da638c76268f'   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock av_multi_colums'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-51402 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/OTE_Bio-Profile_MarielTerebiznik.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"379\" height=\"213\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/OTE_Bio-Profile_MarielTerebiznik.png 960w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/OTE_Bio-Profile_MarielTerebiznik-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/OTE_Bio-Profile_MarielTerebiznik-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/OTE_Bio-Profile_MarielTerebiznik-18x10.png 18w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/OTE_Bio-Profile_MarielTerebiznik-705x397.png 705w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 379px) 100vw, 379px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>On a tiny Mauritian islet, nestled at the border of the Southern reef lives an old lighthouse. The lighthouse ruins, a remnant of British occupation, is not the only piece of history the small islet of Ile Aux Fouquets has witnessed. It has sheltered Hugeunot refugees after a failed attempt to establish a Protestant republic on Rodrigues; it watched the French win their naval battle of Grand Port against the British; and in 2020 Ile Aux Fouquets, along with its neighbouring islets, were poisoned by a devastating oil spill.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-51382 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/IleAuxFouquetsLighthouse_FallOTE_MTerebiznik.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"767\" height=\"386\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/IleAuxFouquetsLighthouse_FallOTE_MTerebiznik.png 852w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/IleAuxFouquetsLighthouse_FallOTE_MTerebiznik-300x151.png 300w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/IleAuxFouquetsLighthouse_FallOTE_MTerebiznik-768x387.png 768w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/IleAuxFouquetsLighthouse_FallOTE_MTerebiznik-18x9.png 18w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/IleAuxFouquetsLighthouse_FallOTE_MTerebiznik-705x355.png 705w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 100vw, 767px\" \/><br \/>\n<em>The lighthouse ruins on Ile Aux Fouquets. Photo: M. Terebiznik.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Ile Aux Fouquets is named after the Wedge-tailed Shearwaters that fill it with their haunting call. Along with the Shearwaters and daily stream of tourists, the islet and its neighbours are home to some of the world\u2019s most threatened reptiles, like the Bojer\u2019s Skink and the Lesser Night Gecko, along with the endemic Bouton\u2019s skink. And for two glorious weeks, I got to call the islets home too.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>As Canada\u2019s New Noah, I was sent to Mauritius to work with Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF) to not only learn first hand conservation, but to also assist in their efforts to save endemic Mauritian species, like these lizards, from disappearing\u2026 and from the impacts of the devastating oil spill.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Each year, Durrell, MWF, and New Noahs have camped out on these small islets to survey the lizard populations. So, when the oil spill tragedy struck, they were quick to act. With the backdrop of COVID, Durrell, MWF, and the National Parks and Conservation Service of Mauritius rushed to collect healthy male and female geckos and skinks from across the islets to establish captive populations. This way, the wild populations could grow and recover genetic diversity with help from captive breeding. Those captive lizards were sent to Jersey Zoo where they could be cared for in a safe, bio secure facility.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-51381 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MarielJerseyZoo_FallOTE_TTa.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"719\" height=\"539\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MarielJerseyZoo_FallOTE_TTa.jpeg 847w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MarielJerseyZoo_FallOTE_TTa-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MarielJerseyZoo_FallOTE_TTa-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MarielJerseyZoo_FallOTE_TTa-16x12.jpeg 16w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MarielJerseyZoo_FallOTE_TTa-845x635.jpeg 845w, https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/MarielJerseyZoo_FallOTE_TTa-705x529.jpeg 705w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 719px) 100vw, 719px\" \/><br \/>\n<i>Mariel in front of Jersey Zoo sign where the three-month DESMAN course took place. Photo: T. Ta.<\/i><\/p>\n<p><i><\/i>I met some of those lizards and their descendants in the first leg of my journey when I was in Jersey for the DESMAN (Durrell Endangered Species Management) course. One of the great benefits of the program was living next door to the Jersey Zoo. Our DESMAN instructors taught us all about the importance of maintaining genetic diversity. We studied how vulnerable small populations are to disturbances like oil spills. We discussed the role of captive breeding and preventing the spread of infectious diseases in conservation.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>And we were reminded about the value of long-term monitoring. From the bio secure oil spill room in Jersey Zoo, I saw all of these play out in real time as the keeper walked me through the carefully developed husbandry and biosecurity protocols that made this captive breeding program a success. In fact, a few months before I flew out to Mauritius, some captive laid eggs made their way here first! They were returned to the islets so the baby lizards could hatch out in their natural homes and support the wild populations.<\/p>\n<p>As I spent my two weeks camped out on these islets, my days consisted of capture-mark-recapture surveys of skinks. This data will help assess the size and health of the skink populations so we can make informed conservation decisions and understand the impact of the oil spill on these rare endemic reptiles. The power of this data comes from it being joined with data gathered by the conservationists that came before me and will be strengthened by all those that come after. The next New Noah to be serenaded by the haunting Shearwater calls as they camp by an old lighthouse on Ile Aux Foquets will continue this cycle. And if they are lucky, the lizards they see might even be the descendants of those I said hello to in Jersey.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-px3gub-345b3939592e98e795656cbbc7f760d7\">\n#top .hr.hr-invisible.av-px3gub-345b3939592e98e795656cbbc7f760d7{\nheight:40px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-px3gub-345b3939592e98e795656cbbc7f760d7 hr-invisible  avia-builder-el-76  el_after_av_textblock  el_before_av_section  avia-builder-el-last'><span class='hr-inner'><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- close content main div --><\/div><\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-ljrc53y4-2f9c28bb3bd5e6f4a34c3d4a9cbb87cc\">\n.avia-section.av-ljrc53y4-2f9c28bb3bd5e6f4a34c3d4a9cbb87cc{\nbackground-color:#b9d888;\nbackground-image:url(https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/RayMaichinPhotography_FallOTE.png);\nbackground-repeat:no-repeat;\nbackground-position:0% 50%;\nbackground-attachment:scroll;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div id='av_section_13'  class='avia-section av-ljrc53y4-2f9c28bb3bd5e6f4a34c3d4a9cbb87cc main_color avia-section-default avia-no-border-styling  avia-builder-el-77  el_after_av_hr  el_before_av_heading  avia-full-stretch avia-bg-style-scroll container_wrap fullsize'  data-section-bg-repeat='stretch'><div class='container av-section-cont-open' ><div class='template-page content  av-content-full alpha units'><div class='post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-51324'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-79853jo-5f69fa6c9f79252419edda77df58d5b8\">\n#top .hr.hr-invisible.av-79853jo-5f69fa6c9f79252419edda77df58d5b8{\nheight:50px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-79853jo-5f69fa6c9f79252419edda77df58d5b8 hr-invisible  avia-builder-el-78  el_before_av_hr  avia-builder-el-first'><span class='hr-inner'><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-6v0lgl0-e94ad40db8f35635a6aeb280b4b7cb42\">\n#top .hr.hr-invisible.av-6v0lgl0-e94ad40db8f35635a6aeb280b4b7cb42{\nheight:50px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-6v0lgl0-e94ad40db8f35635a6aeb280b4b7cb42 hr-invisible  avia-builder-el-79  el_after_av_hr  el_before_av_hr'><span class='hr-inner'><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-6chyej8-29e3dff97450b7e463120bbe8d3785e6\">\n#top .hr.hr-invisible.av-6chyej8-29e3dff97450b7e463120bbe8d3785e6{\nheight:50px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-6chyej8-29e3dff97450b7e463120bbe8d3785e6 hr-invisible  avia-builder-el-80  el_after_av_hr  el_before_av_one_half'><span class='hr-inner'><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div  class='flex_column av-21jh7qs-ed50ab03875bba4f8cd795262cc8d92b av_one_half  avia-builder-el-81  el_after_av_hr  el_before_av_one_half  first flex_column_div'     ><p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-ljre94l4-f51c230b3a22e403368a2f8427dbb5a1\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-ljre94l4-f51c230b3a22e403368a2f8427dbb5a1{\npadding-bottom:10px;\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-ljre94l4-f51c230b3a22e403368a2f8427dbb5a1 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-ljre94l4-f51c230b3a22e403368a2f8427dbb5a1 .special-heading-inner-border{\nborder-color:#ffffff;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-ljre94l4-f51c230b3a22e403368a2f8427dbb5a1 .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-special-heading av-ljre94l4-f51c230b3a22e403368a2f8427dbb5a1 av-special-heading-h2 custom-color-heading blockquote modern-quote modern-centered  avia-builder-el-82  el_before_av_heading  avia-builder-el-first'><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Continue the work Gerald Durrell began<\/h2><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><br \/>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-lwuue10r-37fdf30bc666ffc4f050cdef04fa280b\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-lwuue10r-37fdf30bc666ffc4f050cdef04fa280b{\npadding-bottom:10px;\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-lwuue10r-37fdf30bc666ffc4f050cdef04fa280b .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-lwuue10r-37fdf30bc666ffc4f050cdef04fa280b .special-heading-inner-border{\nborder-color:#ffffff;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-lwuue10r-37fdf30bc666ffc4f050cdef04fa280b .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-special-heading av-lwuue10r-37fdf30bc666ffc4f050cdef04fa280b av-special-heading-h2 custom-color-heading blockquote modern-quote modern-centered  avia-builder-el-83  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_heading'><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  >This year marks 100 years since the birth of Gerald Durrell &#8211; a visionary who was the first to focus on preserving endangered species. His dream didn\u2019t end with him. It lives on in the hands of the biologists, donors and supporters who carry on his mission.<\/h2><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><br \/>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-lwuuepa7-4171f29978fe16a02f22c1bbe52b183a\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-lwuuepa7-4171f29978fe16a02f22c1bbe52b183a{\npadding-bottom:10px;\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-lwuuepa7-4171f29978fe16a02f22c1bbe52b183a .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-lwuuepa7-4171f29978fe16a02f22c1bbe52b183a .special-heading-inner-border{\nborder-color:#ffffff;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-lwuuepa7-4171f29978fe16a02f22c1bbe52b183a .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-special-heading av-lwuuepa7-4171f29978fe16a02f22c1bbe52b183a av-special-heading-h5 custom-color-heading blockquote modern-quote modern-centered  avia-builder-el-84  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_heading'><h5 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  >By including Wildlife Preservation Canada in your will, you can be part of that lasting legacy.<\/h5><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><br \/>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-lwuugfyn-47bd3242544dd6d06cdbf7c38c481242\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-lwuugfyn-47bd3242544dd6d06cdbf7c38c481242{\npadding-bottom:10px;\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-lwuugfyn-47bd3242544dd6d06cdbf7c38c481242 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-lwuugfyn-47bd3242544dd6d06cdbf7c38c481242 .special-heading-inner-border{\nborder-color:#ffffff;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-lwuugfyn-47bd3242544dd6d06cdbf7c38c481242 .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-special-heading av-lwuugfyn-47bd3242544dd6d06cdbf7c38c481242 av-special-heading-h2 custom-color-heading blockquote modern-quote modern-centered  avia-builder-el-85  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_button'><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Protect Canada\u2019s most endangered species for generations to come.<\/h2><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><br \/>\n<div  class='avia-button-wrap av-ljrei5y5-7be72f3444e653d7784c5d17fe3c5eee-wrap avia-button-center  avia-builder-el-86  el_after_av_heading  avia-builder-el-last'>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-ljrei5y5-7be72f3444e653d7784c5d17fe3c5eee\">\n#top #wrap_all .avia-button.av-ljrei5y5-7be72f3444e653d7784c5d17fe3c5eee{\nborder-style:none;\ntransition:all 0.4s ease-in-out;\n}\n<\/style>\n<a href='https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/fr\/get-involved\/leave-a-legacy\/'  class='avia-button av-ljrei5y5-7be72f3444e653d7784c5d17fe3c5eee av-link-btn avia-icon_select-no avia-size-x-large avia-position-center avia-color-green'  target=\"_blank\"  rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"  aria-label=\"Learn more\"><span class='avia_iconbox_title' >Learn more<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/p><\/div><div  class='flex_column av-2j4aums-ad4e5ce625372dac486edd6f036356d9 av_one_half  avia-builder-el-87  el_after_av_one_half  avia-builder-el-last  flex_column_div'     ><style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-lwuuokss-05c96a845f232686f0e2771dc6d5bf53\">\n#top .hr.hr-invisible.av-lwuuokss-05c96a845f232686f0e2771dc6d5bf53{\nheight:50px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-lwuuokss-05c96a845f232686f0e2771dc6d5bf53 hr-invisible  avia-builder-el-88  avia-builder-el-no-sibling'><span class='hr-inner'><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- close content main div --><\/div><\/div><div id='after_section_13'  class='main_color av_default_container_wrap container_wrap fullsize'  ><div class='container av-section-cont-open' ><div class='template-page content  av-content-full alpha units'><div class='post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-51324'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-ljrf3izc-47ee5d14cceeb8ec5d27abbea2a7f909\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-ljrf3izc-47ee5d14cceeb8ec5d27abbea2a7f909{\npadding-bottom:10px;\ncolor:#2d769f;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-ljrf3izc-47ee5d14cceeb8ec5d27abbea2a7f909 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-ljrf3izc-47ee5d14cceeb8ec5d27abbea2a7f909 .special-heading-inner-border{\nborder-color:#2d769f;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-ljrf3izc-47ee5d14cceeb8ec5d27abbea2a7f909 .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-special-heading av-ljrf3izc-47ee5d14cceeb8ec5d27abbea2a7f909 av-special-heading-h1 custom-color-heading blockquote modern-quote  avia-builder-el-89  el_after_av_section  el_before_av_timeline  avia-builder-el-first'><h1 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  >About our authors<\/h1><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-ljremmp2-fb447b09b01fd5dcbeaf69e63c737432\">\n.avia-timeline-container.av-ljremmp2-fb447b09b01fd5dcbeaf69e63c737432 .av-milestone-date{\ncolor:#50863d;\n}\n.avia-timeline-container.av-ljremmp2-fb447b09b01fd5dcbeaf69e63c737432 .av-milestone-title{\ncolor:#50863d;\n}\n.avia-timeline-container.av-ljremmp2-fb447b09b01fd5dcbeaf69e63c737432 .av-milestone-content{\ncolor:#50863d;\n}\n.avia-timeline-container.av-ljremmp2-fb447b09b01fd5dcbeaf69e63c737432 .av-milestone-icon.milestone-icon-hasborder{\nbackground-color:#50863d;\n}\n.avia-timeline-container.av-ljremmp2-fb447b09b01fd5dcbeaf69e63c737432 .av-milestone-icon-inner{\nbackground-color:#50863d;\n}\n.avia-timeline-container.av-ljremmp2-fb447b09b01fd5dcbeaf69e63c737432 .av-milestone-indicator{\nbackground-color:#50863d;\n}\n.avia-timeline-container.av-ljremmp2-fb447b09b01fd5dcbeaf69e63c737432 .av-milestone-article-footer{\nbackground-color:#50863d;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  id=\"avia-timeline-1\"  class='avia-timeline-container av-ljremmp2-fb447b09b01fd5dcbeaf69e63c737432 av-slideshow-ui  avia-builder-el-90  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_section  avia-builder-el-last' ><ul class='avia-timeline avia-timeline-vertical av-milestone-placement-left avia-timeline- avia_animate_when_almost_visible avia-timeline-animate'>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-ljrevlcf-880db540b8f8400e0b21157109daf359 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline av-milestone-odd'><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-andrea-gielens' ><strong>Andrea Gielens<span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder avia-font-entypo-fontello'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'><i class='milestone-char avia-iconfont avia-font-entypo-fontello' data-av_icon='\ue8b8' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello' ><\/i><\/span><\/span><\/div><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Lead Biologist - BC Recovery Programs\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Lead Biologist - BC Recovery Programs<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>Andrea manages our captive breeding and release programs for the Oregon spotted frog, western painted turtle, and Taylor&#8217;s checkerspot butterfly in B.C. She is a global expert in endangered species reintroductions.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-ljrelgb7-1663686e318ccfb4004eba95d30a1a16 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline av-milestone-even'><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-jag-athwal' ><strong>Jag Athwal<span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder avia-font-entypo-fontello'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'><i class='milestone-char avia-iconfont avia-font-entypo-fontello' data-av_icon='\ue8b8' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello' ><\/i><\/span><\/span><\/div><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Assistant Biologist - Taylor\u2019s Checkerspot Recovery\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Assistant Biologist - Taylor\u2019s Checkerspot Recovery<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>Jag started with WPC in 2023 as a nest monitoring technician for our western painted turtle recovery program. After graduating, he moved into checkerspot recovery, bringing a foundation in ecosystem management to the work.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-ljreq17t-c935cdcaefa434f92a9c6ab8ce4d0a0c av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline av-milestone-odd'><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-owen-tapia-daly' ><strong>Owen Tapia Daly<span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder avia-font-entypo-fontello'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'><i class='milestone-char avia-iconfont avia-font-entypo-fontello' data-av_icon='\ue8b8' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello' ><\/i><\/span><\/span><\/div><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Field Assistant - Mottled Dusykwing Recovery\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Field Assistant - Mottled Dusykwing Recovery<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>Owen joined WPC in 2025 as a Field Assistant for the mottled duskywing work in Norfolk County. Aiding in population surveys and documenting releases, Owen has a background in fungi network research and bat diversity in Ontario.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-ljrewh11-48af80e1769b32d8a8666ad850a3c2e7 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline av-milestone-even'><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-helmi-hess' ><strong>Helmi Hess<span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder avia-font-entypo-fontello'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'><i class='milestone-char avia-iconfont avia-font-entypo-fontello' data-av_icon='\ue8b8' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello' ><\/i><\/span><\/span><\/div><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Lead Biologist - Eastern Loggerhead Shrike Recovery\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Lead Biologist - Eastern Loggerhead Shrike Recovery<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>Helmi joined WPC in 2023, coming from a background in wildlife biology, rehabilitation and education. She has worked in grassland and aquatic avian research across Canada, and co-authored peer-reviewed papers in avian physiology and ecotoxicology.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-ljrewh11-2-030ba9ff44323be0e499c836f0150ef6 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline av-milestone-odd'><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-jonathan-choquette-phd' ><strong>Jonathan Choquette, PhD.<span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder avia-font-entypo-fontello'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'><i class='milestone-char avia-iconfont avia-font-entypo-fontello' data-av_icon='\ue8b8' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello' ><\/i><\/span><\/span><\/div><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Lead Biologist - Ojibway Prairie Reptile Recovery\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Lead Biologist - Ojibway Prairie Reptile Recovery<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>Managing the program with the overall goal of recovering the Ojibway Prairie population of the eastern Massasauga, Jonathan&#8217;s work provides conservation benefits to many other at-risk reptiles. His research interests include urban herpetology, human-snake conflict management, and conservation biology.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><\/li>\n<li  class='av-milestone av-ljrewh11-1-aeadb002677b540bb5a51aff1ece58d3 av-animated-generic fade-in av-milestone-valign-baseline av-milestone-even'><h2 class='av-milestone-date' id='milestone-mariel-terebiznik' ><strong>Mariel Terebiznik<span class='av-milestone-indicator'><\/span><\/strong><\/h2><div class=\"av-milestone-icon-wrap\"><span class='av-milestone-icon milestone_icon milestone-icon-hasborder avia-font-entypo-fontello'><span class='av-milestone-icon-inner milestone_inner'><i class='milestone-char avia-iconfont avia-font-entypo-fontello' data-av_icon='\ue8b8' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello' ><\/i><\/span><\/span><\/div><article class='av-milestone-content-wrap'><div class='av-milestone-contentbox'><header class=\"entry-content-header\" aria-label=\"Milestone: Canada\u2019s New Noah, 2025\"><h4 class='av-milestone-title'>Canada\u2019s New Noah, 2025<\/h4><\/header><div class='av-milestone-content'><p>Mariel is WPC&#8217;s 34th New Noah. Coming from a background in ecology and evolutionary biology, she is building upon her knowledge that she has gained working in Ecuador with lizards, and in Algonquin Provincial Park with long-term wildlife monitoring projects.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class='av-milestone-article-footer entry-footer'><\/footer><\/article><\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- close content main div --><\/div><\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-ljrfj3qn-cad8488821adaa78f573cbd2e00d3088\">\n#top .avia-section.av-ljrfj3qn-cad8488821adaa78f573cbd2e00d3088 .scroll-down-link{\ncolor:#50863d;\n}\n#top .avia-section.av-ljrfj3qn-cad8488821adaa78f573cbd2e00d3088 .scroll-down-link.avia-svg-icon svg:first-child{\nstroke:#50863d;\nfill:#50863d;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div id='av_section_14'  class='avia-section av-ljrfj3qn-cad8488821adaa78f573cbd2e00d3088 main_color avia-section-default avia-no-border-styling  avia-builder-el-91  el_after_av_timeline  el_before_av_slideshow_full  avia-bg-style-scroll container_wrap fullsize'  ><div class=\"av-section-color-overlay-wrap\"><a href='#next-section' title='' class='scroll-down-link av-custom-scroll-down-color avia-svg-icon avia-font-svg_entypo-fontello' data-av_svg_icon='down-open-mini' data-av_iconset='svg_entypo-fontello'><svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"15\" height=\"32\" viewbox=\"0 0 15 32\" preserveaspectratio=\"xMidYMid meet\" aria-labelledby='av-svg-title-6' aria-describedby='av-svg-desc-6' role=\"graphics-symbol\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<title id='av-svg-title-6'>Scroll to next section<\/title>\n<desc id='av-svg-desc-6'>Scroll to next section<\/desc>\n<path d=\"M12.96 12.16q0.704-0.832 1.536 0 0.832 0.704 0 1.536l-6.272 6.144q-0.704 0.704-1.536 0l-6.272-6.144q-0.832-0.832 0-1.536 0.768-0.768 1.6 0l5.44 4.992z\"><\/path>\n<\/svg><\/a><div class='container av-section-cont-open' ><div class='template-page content  av-content-full alpha units'><div class='post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-51324'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- close content main div --><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id='full_slider_1'  class='avia-fullwidth-slider main_color avia-shadow   avia-builder-el-92  el_after_av_section  el_before_av_one_full   slider-not-first container_wrap fullsize'  ><div  class='avia-slideshow av-ljrf7ebv-ade54dcf48ec3a47928c0253429481e0 avia-slideshow-featured_large av_slideshow_full avia-slide-slider av-slideshow-ui av-control-default av-slideshow-manual av-loop-once av-loop-manual-endless av-default-height-applied   avia-slideshow-3' data-slideshow-options=\"{&quot;animation&quot;:&quot;slide&quot;,&quot;autoplay&quot;:false,&quot;loop_autoplay&quot;:&quot;once&quot;,&quot;interval&quot;:5,&quot;loop_manual&quot;:&quot;manual-endless&quot;,&quot;autoplay_stopper&quot;:false,&quot;noNavigation&quot;:false,&quot;bg_slider&quot;:false,&quot;keep_padding&quot;:false,&quot;hoverpause&quot;:false,&quot;show_slide_delay&quot;:0}\"  itemprop=\"image\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\" ><ul class='avia-slideshow-inner' style='padding-bottom: 42%;'><li  class='avia-slideshow-slide av-ljrf7ebv-ade54dcf48ec3a47928c0253429481e0__0  av-single-slide slide-1 slide-odd'><div data-rel='slideshow-3' class='avia-slide-wrap'   ><img fetchpriority=\"high\" class=\"wp-image-43589 avia-img-lazy-loading-not-43589\"  src='https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/yellow-banded-bumble-bee_Levack_June12022_Metisse-Arseneault-copy-1500x630.jpg' width='1500' height='630' title='yellow-banded bumble bee_Levack_June1,2022_Metisse Arseneault copy' alt=''  itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\"   \/><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><div id='after_full_slider_1'  class='main_color av_default_container_wrap container_wrap fullsize'  ><div class='container av-section-cont-open' ><div class='template-page content  av-content-full alpha units'><div class='post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-51324'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'>\n<div  class='flex_column av-1li525n-ad431a737941bf5557106197d3ec6c9d av_one_full  avia-builder-el-93  el_after_av_slideshow_full  el_before_av_hr  avia-builder-el-first  first flex_column_div'     ><p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-ljrf8f67-29f84100569536b8bd76d83d0e8095a0\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-ljrf8f67-29f84100569536b8bd76d83d0e8095a0{\npadding-bottom:10px;\ncolor:#50863d;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-ljrf8f67-29f84100569536b8bd76d83d0e8095a0 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-ljrf8f67-29f84100569536b8bd76d83d0e8095a0 .special-heading-inner-border{\nborder-color:#50863d;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-ljrf8f67-29f84100569536b8bd76d83d0e8095a0 .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-special-heading av-ljrf8f67-29f84100569536b8bd76d83d0e8095a0 av-special-heading-h1 custom-color-heading blockquote modern-quote modern-centered  avia-builder-el-94  el_before_av_heading  avia-builder-el-first'><h1 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  >In the next ON THE EDGE<\/h1><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><br \/>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-ljrfana9-e55aca7b4d4310692cfc1c851ba03f75\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-ljrfana9-e55aca7b4d4310692cfc1c851ba03f75{\npadding-bottom:10px;\ncolor:#50863d;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-ljrfana9-e55aca7b4d4310692cfc1c851ba03f75 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-ljrfana9-e55aca7b4d4310692cfc1c851ba03f75 .special-heading-inner-border{\nborder-color:#50863d;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-ljrfana9-e55aca7b4d4310692cfc1c851ba03f75 .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-special-heading av-ljrfana9-e55aca7b4d4310692cfc1c851ba03f75 av-special-heading-h4 custom-color-heading blockquote modern-quote modern-centered  avia-builder-el-95  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_heading'><h4 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Wildlife Preservation Canada is growing. We\u2018re adding new endangered species recovery programs every year. This means that we are unable to highlight all of our programs in each edition of WPC\u2019s ON THE EDGE.<\/h4><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><br \/>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-ljrfbvjk-ebddce5caf197a76fae7e231f791d0bf\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-ljrfbvjk-ebddce5caf197a76fae7e231f791d0bf{\npadding-bottom:10px;\ncolor:#50863d;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-ljrfbvjk-ebddce5caf197a76fae7e231f791d0bf .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-ljrfbvjk-ebddce5caf197a76fae7e231f791d0bf .special-heading-inner-border{\nborder-color:#50863d;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-ljrfbvjk-ebddce5caf197a76fae7e231f791d0bf .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-special-heading av-ljrfbvjk-ebddce5caf197a76fae7e231f791d0bf av-special-heading-h4 custom-color-heading blockquote modern-quote modern-centered  avia-builder-el-96  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_heading'><h4 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  >The Spring 2026 edition will share stories from programs that were not mentioned in this newsletter, including: bumble bee recovery, Oregon spotted frog, conservation planning and so much more&#8230;<\/h4><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><br \/>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-qlombv-fe89b7ea3c10deac6b16767078f1f26a\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-qlombv-fe89b7ea3c10deac6b16767078f1f26a{\npadding-bottom:10px;\ncolor:#50863d;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-qlombv-fe89b7ea3c10deac6b16767078f1f26a .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-qlombv-fe89b7ea3c10deac6b16767078f1f26a .special-heading-inner-border{\nborder-color:#50863d;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-qlombv-fe89b7ea3c10deac6b16767078f1f26a .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-special-heading av-qlombv-fe89b7ea3c10deac6b16767078f1f26a av-special-heading-h2 custom-color-heading blockquote modern-quote modern-centered  avia-builder-el-97  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_heading'><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  >There are two easy ways to stay up to date on all our projects:<\/h2><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><br \/>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-ljrff6zt-529c30bb4010e4133d8c3fe93b2a3443\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-ljrff6zt-529c30bb4010e4133d8c3fe93b2a3443{\npadding-bottom:10px;\ncolor:#50863d;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-ljrff6zt-529c30bb4010e4133d8c3fe93b2a3443 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-ljrff6zt-529c30bb4010e4133d8c3fe93b2a3443 .special-heading-inner-border{\nborder-color:#50863d;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-ljrff6zt-529c30bb4010e4133d8c3fe93b2a3443 .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-special-heading av-ljrff6zt-529c30bb4010e4133d8c3fe93b2a3443 av-special-heading-h3 custom-color-heading blockquote modern-quote modern-centered  avia-builder-el-98  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_button'><h3 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  >1. Sign up for our monthly email<\/h3><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><br \/>\n<div  class='avia-button-wrap av-ljrfg2i3-d45707ceceb77fe2b0594f95378c8f84-wrap avia-button-center  avia-builder-el-99  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_heading'>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-ljrfg2i3-d45707ceceb77fe2b0594f95378c8f84\">\n#top #wrap_all .avia-button.av-ljrfg2i3-d45707ceceb77fe2b0594f95378c8f84{\nborder-style:none;\ntransition:all 0.4s ease-in-out;\n}\n<\/style>\n<a href='https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/fr\/signup-for-our-newsletter\/'  class='avia-button av-ljrfg2i3-d45707ceceb77fe2b0594f95378c8f84 av-link-btn avia-icon_select-no avia-size-x-large avia-position-center avia-color-green'  target=\"_blank\"  rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"  aria-label=\"Monthly Email Signup\"><span class='avia_iconbox_title' >Monthly Email Signup<\/span><\/a><\/div><br \/>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-ljrfgmqr-b6859e0617351ed46c8680fa3b6a4a95\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-ljrfgmqr-b6859e0617351ed46c8680fa3b6a4a95{\npadding-bottom:10px;\ncolor:#50863d;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-ljrfgmqr-b6859e0617351ed46c8680fa3b6a4a95 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-ljrfgmqr-b6859e0617351ed46c8680fa3b6a4a95 .special-heading-inner-border{\nborder-color:#50863d;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-ljrfgmqr-b6859e0617351ed46c8680fa3b6a4a95 .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-special-heading av-ljrfgmqr-b6859e0617351ed46c8680fa3b6a4a95 av-special-heading-h3 custom-color-heading blockquote modern-quote modern-centered  avia-builder-el-100  el_after_av_button  el_before_av_button'><h3 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  >2. 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av-ljwyxtmq-0a01d511c64aee6301b8419093b77955 av-special-heading-h2 custom-color-heading blockquote modern-quote modern-centered  avia-builder-el-104  el_before_av_social_share  avia-builder-el-first'><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Don\u2019t forget to share our newsletter<\/h2><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div  class='av-social-sharing-box av-ljx0ullc-52a6385829adc5b7b45728d55bcb0192 av-social-sharing-box-rounded  avia-builder-el-105  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_hr  av-social-sharing-box-color-bg av-social-sharing-box-fullwidth'><div class=\"av-share-box\"><ul class=\"av-share-box-list noLightbox\"><li class='av-share-link av-social-link-facebook avia_social_iconfont' ><a target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Share on Facebook\" href='https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/fr\/ote-fall-2025\/&#038;t=ON%20THE%20EDGE%20%E2%80%93%20Fall%202025' 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avia-builder-el-106  el_after_av_social_share  avia-builder-el-last'><span class='hr-inner'><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- close content main div --><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-ljrfqch4-844b6fbdb4e4fbcfcb41e253e32942c3\">\n.avia-section.av-ljrfqch4-844b6fbdb4e4fbcfcb41e253e32942c3{\nbackground-color:#50863d;\nbackground-image:url(https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/20241127_EAMA_OPRREC_SnakeProfileCoiledUp_JayDertinger.png);\nbackground-repeat:no-repeat;\nbackground-position:50% 50%;\nbackground-attachment:scroll;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div id='av_section_16'  class='avia-section av-ljrfqch4-844b6fbdb4e4fbcfcb41e253e32942c3 main_color avia-section-default avia-no-border-styling  avia-builder-el-107  el_after_av_section  el_before_av_section  avia-full-stretch avia-bg-style-scroll av-minimum-height av-minimum-height-100 av-height-100  container_wrap fullsize'  data-section-bg-repeat='stretch' data-av_minimum_height_pc='100' data-av_min_height_opt='100'><div class='container av-section-cont-open' ><div class='template-page content  av-content-full alpha units'><div class='post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-51324'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'>\n<div  class='flex_column av-25nt2j-5853f48b06ab6a68e55a8ad3d23dc857 av_two_fifth  avia-builder-el-108  el_before_av_three_fifth  avia-builder-el-first  first flex_column_div'     ><p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-ljrft7c0-dd7000169a4ee828b56c7abb0500cddd\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-ljrft7c0-dd7000169a4ee828b56c7abb0500cddd{\npadding-bottom:10px;\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-ljrft7c0-dd7000169a4ee828b56c7abb0500cddd .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-ljrft7c0-dd7000169a4ee828b56c7abb0500cddd .special-heading-inner-border{\nborder-color:#ffffff;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-ljrft7c0-dd7000169a4ee828b56c7abb0500cddd .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-special-heading av-ljrft7c0-dd7000169a4ee828b56c7abb0500cddd av-special-heading-h3 custom-color-heading blockquote modern-quote  avia-builder-el-109  el_before_av_toggle_container  avia-builder-el-first'><h3 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Established in 1985, Wildlife Preservation Canada is a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to saving critically endangered wildlife species from extinction.<\/h3><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><br \/>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-ljrg1jai-fe96ca42f03f65f2e71d4bcabadc49dc\">\n#top .togglecontainer.av-ljrg1jai-fe96ca42f03f65f2e71d4bcabadc49dc p.toggler{\ncolor:#50863d;\nbackground-color:#ffffff;\nborder-color:#50863d;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-ljrg1jai-fe96ca42f03f65f2e71d4bcabadc49dc p.toggler.activeTitle{\nbackground-color:#50863d;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-ljrg1jai-fe96ca42f03f65f2e71d4bcabadc49dc p.toggler .toggle_icon{\ncolor:#50863d;\nborder-color:#50863d;\n}\n#top .togglecontainer.av-ljrg1jai-fe96ca42f03f65f2e71d4bcabadc49dc .toggle_wrap .toggle_content{\ncolor:#50863d;\nbackground-color:#ffffff;\nborder-color:#50863d;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='togglecontainer av-ljrg1jai-fe96ca42f03f65f2e71d4bcabadc49dc av-minimal-toggle  avia-builder-el-110  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_heading' >\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-ljrfubw7-e3ff745af59133929689a35c7f4fcfc0'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-9' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-9' class='toggler  av-title-above av-inherit-font-color hasCustomColor av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-9' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"Founder\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: Founder\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: Founder\">Founder<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-9' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-9' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-font-color hasCustomColor av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>Gerald M. Durell OBE<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-ljrfv06a-34ddfb4b2178344ab9e7f3c577b95dbf'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-10' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-10' class='toggler  av-title-above av-inherit-font-color hasCustomColor av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-10' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"President\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: President\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: President\">President<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-10' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-10' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-font-color hasCustomColor av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>Shripal Doshi<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-ljrfvun3-7e9758092f2e46041ec55e3304466ac1'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-11' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-11' class='toggler  av-title-above av-inherit-font-color hasCustomColor av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-11' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"Secretary\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: Secretary\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: Secretary\">Secretary<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-11' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-11' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-font-color hasCustomColor av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>Randal Heide<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-ljrfw759-6bfad6503b26f3f1b9721b59ee402aa8'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-12' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-12' class='toggler  av-title-above av-inherit-font-color hasCustomColor av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-12' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"Treasurer\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: Treasurer\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: Treasurer\">Treasurer<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-12' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-12' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-font-color hasCustomColor av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>Stephen Brobyn<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-ljrfxmt2-4c7df4c2cd359eb27b91f00d99eb8096'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-13' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-13' class='toggler  av-title-above av-inherit-font-color hasCustomColor av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-13' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"Directors\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: Directors\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: Directors\">Directors<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-13' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-13' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-font-color hasCustomColor av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>Tom Blackbird<\/p>\n<p>Christopher Boynton<\/p>\n<p>Jay Bryant<\/p>\n<p>Tanya Davis<\/p>\n<p>Gail Fraser, Ph.D<\/p>\n<p>Rui Lin Guo<\/p>\n<p>Douglas Hart<\/p>\n<p>Kassidy Kennedy<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-ljrg0q4l-4008823b58f2f74ba61bbfb05d1f97e3'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-14' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-14' class='toggler  av-title-above av-inherit-font-color hasCustomColor av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-14' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"Honorary Directors\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: Honorary Directors\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: Honorary Directors\">Honorary Directors<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-14' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-14' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-font-color hasCustomColor av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>Chris Von Boetticher<\/p>\n<p>Michael Chisholm<\/p>\n<p>Eleanor R. Clitheroe<\/p>\n<p>Kathyrn B.P. Dempster<\/p>\n<p>Lee Durrell, Ph.D.<\/p>\n<p>W. Paterson Ferns, C.M.<\/p>\n<p>Louise Gervais<\/p>\n<p>Ian Glen<\/p>\n<p>Graham F. Hallward<\/p>\n<p>Peter Karsten, Ph.D<\/p>\n<p>Anson R. McKim<\/p>\n<p>Stephanie McLarty<\/p>\n<p>Stephen T. Molson<\/p>\n<p>H. Alec B. Monro<\/p>\n<p>William Noble<\/p>\n<p>Pinar Ozyetis<\/p>\n<p>Bridget Stutchbury, Ph.D.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-ljrg1204-5fd1c76835223548b206eaa33c12509d'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-15' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-15' class='toggler  av-title-above av-inherit-font-color hasCustomColor av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-15' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"Executive Director\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: Executive Director\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: Executive Director\">Directeur ex\u00e9cutif<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-15' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-15' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-font-color hasCustomColor av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>Lance Woolaver Jr., Ph.D<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-ljrg1204-1-aed9b5f4def2343146bbecab02447fcd'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-16' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-16' class='toggler  av-title-above av-inherit-font-color hasCustomColor av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-16' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"Scientific Advisory Council\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: Scientific Advisory Council\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: Scientific Advisory Council\">Scientific Advisory Council<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-16' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-16' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-font-color hasCustomColor av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>Lee Durrell, Ph.D<\/p>\n<p>Carl Jones, Ph.D<\/p>\n<p>Peter Karsten, Ph.D<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class='av_toggle_section av-ljrg1204-1-1-c66ada9113629bc9d3ea4c075c8a1d26'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div role=\"tablist\" class=\"single_toggle\" data-tags=\"{All} \"  ><p id='toggle-toggle-id-17' data-fake-id='#toggle-id-17' class='toggler  av-title-above av-inherit-font-color hasCustomColor av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"headline\"  role='tab' tabindex='0' aria-controls='toggle-id-17' data-slide-speed=\"200\" data-title=\"Charitable Registration No.\" data-title-open=\"\" data-aria_collapsed=\"Click to expand: Charitable Registration No.\" data-aria_expanded=\"Click to collapse: Charitable Registration No.\">Num\u00e9ro d'enregistrement de bienfaisance.<span class=\"toggle_icon\"><span class=\"vert_icon\"><\/span><span class=\"hor_icon\"><\/span><\/span><\/p><div id='toggle-id-17' aria-labelledby='toggle-toggle-id-17' role='region' class='toggle_wrap  av-title-above'  ><div class='toggle_content invers-color av-inherit-font-color hasCustomColor av-inherit-border-color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>89171 0535 RR0001<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<\/div><br \/>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-lwuy1xqs-e7815bf8ac9b148c54ca9f98088778e6\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-lwuy1xqs-e7815bf8ac9b148c54ca9f98088778e6{\npadding-bottom:10px;\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-lwuy1xqs-e7815bf8ac9b148c54ca9f98088778e6 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-lwuy1xqs-e7815bf8ac9b148c54ca9f98088778e6 .special-heading-inner-border{\nborder-color:#ffffff;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-lwuy1xqs-e7815bf8ac9b148c54ca9f98088778e6 .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-special-heading av-lwuy1xqs-e7815bf8ac9b148c54ca9f98088778e6 av-special-heading-h6 custom-color-heading blockquote modern-quote  avia-builder-el-111  el_after_av_toggle_container  avia-builder-el-last'><h6 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Photo: J. Dertinger.<\/h6><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p><\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-ljrfrcw0-c56ad60ef405b7d4e036dbd6545e3882\">\n.flex_column.av-ljrfrcw0-c56ad60ef405b7d4e036dbd6545e3882{\ntransform:scale(1.3);\nz-index:5;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='flex_column av-ljrfrcw0-c56ad60ef405b7d4e036dbd6545e3882 av_three_fifth  avia-builder-el-112  el_after_av_two_fifth  avia-builder-el-last  flex_column_div'     ><style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-2xeq50-60972db05b6bf16363e8aa762e4a6d0a\">\n#top .hr.hr-invisible.av-2xeq50-60972db05b6bf16363e8aa762e4a6d0a{\nheight:50px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-2xeq50-60972db05b6bf16363e8aa762e4a6d0a hr-invisible  avia-builder-el-113  avia-builder-el-no-sibling'><span class='hr-inner'><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- close content main div --><\/div><\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-lo7k3nex-c36007940db1ee20e37f521da443a2a6\">\n.avia-section.av-lo7k3nex-c36007940db1ee20e37f521da443a2a6{\nbackground-color:#b9d888;\nbackground-image:unset;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div id='av_section_17'  class='avia-section av-lo7k3nex-c36007940db1ee20e37f521da443a2a6 main_color avia-section-default avia-no-border-styling  avia-builder-el-114  el_after_av_section  avia-builder-el-last  avia-bg-style-scroll container_wrap fullsize'  ><div class='container av-section-cont-open' ><div class='template-page content  av-content-full alpha units'><div class='post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-51324'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-lo7k2fo0-bd432efb7ab8d746581865db2aa81384\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-lo7k2fo0-bd432efb7ab8d746581865db2aa81384{\npadding-bottom:10px;\ncolor:#50863d;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-lo7k2fo0-bd432efb7ab8d746581865db2aa81384 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-lo7k2fo0-bd432efb7ab8d746581865db2aa81384 .special-heading-inner-border{\nborder-color:#50863d;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-lo7k2fo0-bd432efb7ab8d746581865db2aa81384 .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-special-heading av-lo7k2fo0-bd432efb7ab8d746581865db2aa81384 av-special-heading-h2 custom-color-heading  avia-builder-el-115  avia-builder-el-no-sibling'><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Until we consider animal life to be worthy of the consideration and reverence we bestow upon old books and pictures and historic monuments, there will always be the animal refugee living a precarious life on the edge of extermination, dependent for existence on the charity of a few human beings.<span class='special_amp'>\u201d<\/span> &#8211; Gerald Durrell<\/h2><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":94,"featured_media":50316,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"_mc_calendar":[],"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-51324","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>ON THE EDGE - Fall 2025 - Wildlife Preservation Canada<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Wildlife Preservation Canada\u2019s mission is to save animal species at risk from extinction in Canada by providing direct, hands-on care.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"fr_CA\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"ON THE EDGE - Fall 2025 - Wildlife Preservation Canada\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Wildlife Preservation Canada\u2019s mission is to save animal species at risk from extinction in Canada by providing direct, hands-on care.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/fr\/ote-fall-2025\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Wildlife Preservation Canada\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-11-24T19:07:42+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/wildlifepreservation.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/SpringOTE_Thumbnail.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"400\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"400\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/wildlifepreservation.ca\\\/ote-fall-2025\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/wildlifepreservation.ca\\\/ote-fall-2025\\\/\",\"name\":\"ON THE EDGE - Fall 2025 - Wildlife Preservation Canada\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/wildlifepreservation.ca\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/wildlifepreservation.ca\\\/ote-fall-2025\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/wildlifepreservation.ca\\\/ote-fall-2025\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/wildlifepreservation.ca\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/SpringOTE_Thumbnail.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-11-24T14:29:45+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-11-24T19:07:42+00:00\",\"description\":\"Wildlife Preservation Canada\u2019s mission is to save animal species at risk from extinction in Canada by providing direct, hands-on care.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/wildlifepreservation.ca\\\/ote-fall-2025\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"fr-CA\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/wildlifepreservation.ca\\\/ote-fall-2025\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"fr-CA\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/wildlifepreservation.ca\\\/ote-fall-2025\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/wildlifepreservation.ca\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/SpringOTE_Thumbnail.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/wildlifepreservation.ca\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/SpringOTE_Thumbnail.png\",\"width\":400,\"height\":400},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/wildlifepreservation.ca\\\/ote-fall-2025\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/wildlifepreservation.ca\\\/home-new\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"ON THE EDGE &#8211; 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