Who Are We?
The Northern Lights Wildlife Society is dedicated
to give injured and/or orphaned wildlife a second chance at survival.
The Founders of the society, Angelika and Peter Langen immigrated to
Canada in 1982. Both trained animal keepers, they had previously worked
in zoos in Germany. After living in Smithers for several years, they became
aware of the fact that there was no place for injured and/or orphaned
wildlife to go to and that such animals ended up being killed. With great
enthusiasm they approached the local wildlife branch only to find out
that rehabilitation programs were met with great uneasiness by the government.
After years of discussions and formulating permits, their dream finally
became true in 1989.
At first the shelter was used very reluctantly
by the authorities. But as first success became apparent and
as the public became aware of the shelter's existence, the
demands on the shelter grew rapidly. With the Langen’s
covering most of the costs and almost all of the work involved,
the shelter soon reached dimensions that required a new approach
in order to secure adequate housing and care for the animals
in need.
As a result the Northern Lights Wildlife Society
was formed in 2001 and in 2002 the society became a registered
charity. The shelter has now entered a new era. The board
is actively looking for sponsors and volunteers to ensure
the shelter's ability to care for all wildlife that is brought
to our attention. Most birds are referred to other shelters
, as there are a number of excellent bird shelters available
already.
Though all mammals and birds are accepted,
the shelter in Smithers has become a haven for bears, moose
and deer. The shelter has become an expert in bear rehabilitation.
Up to January of 2010 a total of 160 black bears, 4 Grizzly
Bears and 2 Kermode bears have found a temporary home here
and have been or will be released to the wild. With many other
shelters unable to work with such large mammals, due to space
and/or housing restrictions, the Smithers shelter has become
a last refuge for bears from all over BC.
The moose and deer
raised at the shelter and released into the nearby park have
done extremely well and have proven the success of the program,
by producing and raising young in the wild year after year.
Careful management, thrives to prevent the animals from becoming
too human oriented, as that would prove to be a hazard to
their own health (i.e. hunting season), as well as to the
safety of humans ( i.e. hikers )
Fortunately most animals
seem to make a distinct difference when dealing with their
handlers or strangers. This fact ensures that proper care
can be given, while still securing the safety of other humans.
Up-to-date none of the animals raised at the shelter have
become nuisance animals.
Along with the care of the animals, NLWS also feels that education and scientific work is of great importance to ensure our coexistence with our magnificent wild animal population.
NLWS actively offers programs for schools and groups throughout the winter and works with university students from around the world, offering unique study opportunities with the animals in care.
In addition NLWS has begun communications with the government to address rehabilitation of large carnivore mammals. As a result of these talks, BC is now world leading by offering the first Grizzly Rehabilitation project.
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