Manitoba Government Invests $650,000 in Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre

Press Release

June 3, 2026

The Manitoba government is providing a $650,000 grant to support major capital improvements at the Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre, Manitoba’s largest and most experienced wildlife rehabilitation facility, Premier Wab Kinew announced today.

“Wildlife Haven rehabilitates injured, sick and orphaned wildlife so they can return to the wild, and we’re supporting them in this important work,” said Kinew. “These upgrades to the centre will help support long-term sustainability and our shared stewardship of Manitoba’s wildlife.”

The investment will modernize the centre’s infrastructure and expand its capacity to care for injured and orphaned wildlife. Wildlife Haven has cared for more than 55,000 animals since 1984, with annual admissions having now increased to more than 2,000 from 200 in the 1980s.

“We’re grateful for the opportunity to improve our services and campus thanks to this support,” said Zoé Nakata, executive director, Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre. “We’re excited for the first step in working with the Manitoba government to continue protecting the wild animals of our beautiful province.”

The $650,000 grant will support capital improvements including:

• repairs to the main building and raptor enclosures;
• safety upgrades;
• a modernized contact centre; and
• two new enclosures for outdoor aquatic mammals and outdoor waterfowl.

The Manitoba government is also investing $5 million in a new animal health centre at the Assiniboine Park Zoo, part of its broader support for animal care and rehabilitation infrastructure in Manitoba.

Indigenous collaboration is a core pillar of Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre’s work, the premier noted. Integrating traditional Indigenous knowledge into wildlife rehabilitation enhances care practices, supports culturally informed release methods, and strengthens relationships with Indigenous communities and Manitoba’s wildlife stewardship network.

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For more information:

• Public information, contact Manitoba Government Inquiry: mgi@gov.mb.ca or 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744.
• Media requests for general information, contact Communications and Engagement: newsroom@gov.mb.ca.
• Media requests for ministerial comment, contact Cabinet Communications: cabcom@manitoba.ca.

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