Dear Grace,

Valentine’s Day is soon approaching, and why limit our understanding of love and romance to humans alone?

It may come as a surprise that many wild animals also share some of the same emotions and sensations that we do. They may not necessarily form the words, “I love you”, but scientific research has shown that animals are sentient beings that feel positive and negative emotions such as joy, pleasure, and pain.

There are plenty of animal species that remain committed to their chosen partner for life. 

Here are just some of Ontario's monogamous wild creatures.

Swans (Trumpeter, Mute & Tundra)

Swans form pair bonds that can last for life. Their loyalty to their mates is so storied that the image of two swans swimming (or in the picture above, standing) with their necks entwined in the shape of a heart has become a universal symbol of love.

Beavers

Beavers are one of the few mammals that mate for life. Beavers will stay with their parents learning everything they need to survive on their own, while helping raise the next, new litter of kits. Fully mature at two years, the young beaver will then leave the family and “chews” a mate of their own.

Sandhill Cranes

Sandhill cranes choose a mate based on their courtship dancing displays. They bow, leap, pirouette, spin, curtsey, and some even toss bits of vegetation or feathers into the air. Once they choose a mate, they stay together for life and, like Canada geese, will co-parent their chicks.

This Valentine’s Day, let us extend our love beyond our cherished partners and embrace the beauty of our natural world. What could be a more heartfelt expression of affection than committing to the protection of our feathered, furry, and scaly friends?

By honouring and safeguarding Ontario's unique species, we not only show our love for them but also for the environment that sustains us all. Together, we can make a difference and create a legacy of compassion for all our wild creatures.

Gail

Gail Lenters

Founder & Chief Animal-Lover

Question:

When did you know you wanted to work with wildlife exclusively?

Answer:

I chose wildlife because I felt these animals weren’t getting the same kind of attention that companion animals get. They needed me. Working with Ontario’s wild animals is a challenge I relish, and every day is different. I am learning so much because every animal who comes into care is unique and requires different protocols and treatments.

Question:

How did you find Shades of Hope?

Answer:

After my contract in Costa Rica ended, I found myself back in Korea working with rescue dogs. As much as I loved it there, the itch to work with wildlife was too strong. I started looking globally, and I stumbled upon a position at Shades of Hope on an international job board. I sent my resume and was accepted! 

My first day of work was 2nd of the 2nd, 2022! An iconic date. I’m so lucky.

Question:

What’s been your most challenging case so far?

Very hard to say, each and every patient has their challenges, but one does stick out in my mind. It was a coyote we had back in late 2022, he was hit by car. He presented with all the signs of head trauma… at first. We put him on a treatment plan, but after some improvement there was a very quick regression and he began to show very big neuro signs, likely brain swell/bleed/clot.

With my background in canine behaviour, I can read their behaviours well. I could tell he wanted to fight. I could tell he wanted to try. But sometimes they just can’t overcome their injuries. The beautiful coyote had to be euthanized. We treat and heal head trauma all the time, but for some reason, recovery just wasn’t in the cards for this boy. His death hit me hard and still does. 

Question:

What’s your favourite wild animal?

Answer:

I truly don't know which is my favorite. It changes all the time. As mentioned above, the coyotes and foxes have a special place in my heart. Being able to understand and read their behaviour makes it easier to connect to them. But I also love the little ones… mice and rodents (moles, voles, etc.) They are usually misunderstood and overlooked.

When threatened or scared, these wild creatures will “play possum,” mimicking the appearance and smell of a sick or dead animal. This defence mechanism may work for predators looking for a meal but is totally ineffective with our cars!

This opossum patient was likely looking for a late-night bite, saw the headlights from an oncoming car and froze. The outcome, he was rushed to us.

The x-rays revealed several fractures in his skull. But despite the severity of his injuries, he is healing up well and we expect him to make a full recovery.