Meet the Staff, Vets and Board of Directors
Aspen Valley has 3 employees whose life and work is the sanctuary and caring for the wildlife needing our assistance. It is a full time responsibility and a 24/7 dedication. The staff has the knowledge, experience, patience, and most of all heart to care and nurture wildlife in need. In this work of love being capable in all areas from bottle feeding, rehabilitation and rescue procedures, construction, public speaking, medical procedures, landscaping, mechanical maintenance, just to name a few, is beneficial in the care of wildlife and providing them with a Sanctuary.
Tony Grant – Manager
Tony and his wife Pat moved to Rosseau in 1992 from Kleinburg. They brought Audrey an orphaned raccoon in need of assistance. Tony offered to help the raccoon until she was back on her feet. He never left after that moment! For 16 years Tony has managed the Sanctuary and has helped create what it is today. His knowledge, experience and determination have been a blessing for all the lives he has helped rehabilitate. He has helped create safe, natural environments for all those in need at Aspen Valley. His tours are famou! He is a fountain of knowledge and gladly spreads that knowledge to every person visiting the sanctuary. They always leave with a new found respect for wildlife and their natural environment.
Jai Longhurst – Keeper, Fundraiser, Office co-ordinator
Jai began at Aspen Valley in the spring of 2004 after volunteering and fostering for 6 years. She first met Audrey when she was 7 years old when her grandfather brought her to Rosseau for a visit. Audrey is a remarkable woman with a heart of gold. To be a part of such a worthwhile cause is a dream come true. Besides caring for the orphaned and injured wildlife, Jai contributes her love of photography to benefit the Sanctuary with wildlife photographs for the Gift Shop, Educational Material, Presentations, Fundraisers and Website.
Ben & Christy Cox – Large Mammal Specialist and Education
Ben and Christy came on board in 2005 after Ben’s participation in a 2 year Bear Research Study between Aspen Valley and Cambrian College in Sudbury. His experience with Black Bears, Elk and Wolves has been a huge asset in his role at the Sanctuary. His knowledge of construction has brought much needed help with the building of new, enriched enclosures. Christy, with an educational background, has taken on teaching our educational program to on-site and out-reach classes. Schools and Children’s Camps from all over Ontario continue to grow with knowledge that meets the Ontario Curriculum on the environment and our wildlife.
Our Cherished Veterinarians
We wouldn’t be able to save half the amount of animals in need if it wasn’t for the support and aid of our veterinarians. They truly believe in the preservation of life for all living creatures and will do whatever is required for that animal to be returned to the wild.
Dr. Ian White – Parry Sound & Port Carling Animal Hospital
Dr. Peter Jones – Parry Sound & Port Carling Animal Hospital
Dr. Kit Lee – Parry Sound Animal Hospital
Board of Directors
Much of the operation and decisions about our work comes from a panel of supportive individuals who care about the effort and purpose of Aspen Valley. Each member not only sits on our board but also helps support in other ways such as fundraisers, animal care, pick ups, deliveries, the creation of awareness, and volunteer work.
