Rehabilitation

 

Each animal species requires different procedures for rehabilitation.

 

When orphaned or injured each animal requiring the assistance of our educated staff is medically assessed for the proper and unique care required for their species. Special formulas, foods, vaccinations, and large rehabilitation enclosures are just a few requirements for each species before release. Each animal is then returned to their natural habitat at a time when they would naturally be leaving their mother and are capable of surviving on their own or when their injury or health has been restored.


We do the best for every creature.


We receive animals who are:


Our busiest period starts in the spring and runs throughout the summer.

 

In the fall we release orphans who have been rehabilitated and are now ready to be returned to their new life in their natural habitat. We release them as far from human populations as possible. While in the sanctuary, human contact is kept to an absolute minimum in order to preserve their natural fear of humans (also known as their worst enemy!). Our research indicates that our released animal survival rate is high.

 

Permanent Residents:

 

The permanent residents who have been fortunate enough to find a home at Aspen Valley include animals who:

 

Since the beginning, Audrey has been able to provide safety and peace to these lost creatures who unable to fulfill their natural place in our world. These are the wonderful animals you will meet during our visiting hours. They will help you discover the unique qualities of their particular species, the wrongs humans inflict on them and what can be done to peacefully coexist together. Education and Understanding is the first step!

 

Rehabilitation example

 

Aspen Valley is the largest Black Bear Rehabilitation Facility in the world. Cubs arrive throughout the year and are orphaned for a variety of reasons – drought, food shortage, poaching, hunting and loss of habitat leading to conflicts with humans to name a few.

 

In the wild, mother bears care for their young for 16 to 18 months during which time they teach their cubs, provide warmth, milk and protection. Once orphaned, it is essential that bear cubs be given assistance. Due to starvation or injury it can take weeks of constant care to bring them back. Thanks to Audrey this care is provided for all animals. In order for cubs to hibernate and survive their first winter, they should weigh a minimum of 30 pounds (13.6 kg). Once they are ready, Aspen Valley provides a steady, natural food source in our rehabilitation enclosures allowing the bears to put on the weight required for hibernation. Enclosed with other orphaned cubs, they learn and teach each other the skills needed when returned to the wild.

There are many misconceptions about black bears and there is much to learn from them. Humans continue to pose the greatest threat to their survival. As more and more people encroach on black bear habitat, it is imperative that we learn to understand and tolerate bears. Their future depends on it.