Wild Life at SOSA

It has been some time since I’ve been a regular at SOSA and when people see me they often ask what I’ve been up to. In the past two years I have often found myself volunteering at the Toronto Wildlife Centre located at the former Canadian Forces Downsview base. This is a charitable organization that focuses on the rehabilitation and care of wild animals. Essentially, it’s a hospital for wild animals.
On Saturday, June 14th I happened to be there when I recognized the voice of one of a SOSA member. As I walked in the reception area I was more than pleased to find Steve Benedek was there because he found a baby skunk alone and lost in the middle of the SOSA driveway (south side) and thought it may need help.
After the centre assessed the animal it was decided it would be best to bring the skunk back but to SOSA and place it in a semi-protective cage, near the driveway so that can be removed by its mother should she return. The plan was then to get someone at SOSA to check in on the little guy in case he needed to be brought to a local rehabilitator or back to Toronto.
We were all set to prepare the skunk for his trip back to SOSA when, after been given handling instructions (i.e. use gloves), Steve mentioned that he was slightly scratched on his finger when he picked up the skunk. This changed everything.
Skunks are a rabies-carrying species and although it was HIGHLY UNLIKELY that this skunk had rabies, Steve was instructed to see a doctor right away and then they would notify health services.
The rabies incubation period is known for dogs and cats but is UNKNOWN for a lot of wild animals. This meant that the baby skunk had to be put down for precautionary measures.
All-of-a-sudden this turned out to be a sad afternoon for all.
Steve’s effort to help an animal suddenly went in the wrong direction.
I was proud to see a SOSA member go out of their way to help one of the other beings we share this tiny planet with and it would be a good thing if we all did the same should we have the chance.
SO!!!!
If you find an animal in distress at SOSA, home, or elsewhere:
1. DO NOT PICK THEM UP.
2. Call the Toronto Wildlife Centre hotline: (416) 631-0662
3. Leave a message and they will call you back with questions and instructions.

Thanks again to Steve for his effort.
Mike Viechweg