Bird Emergency and Kare Society (BEAKS)

Bird Emergency And Kare Society (BEAKS) is an independent, non-profit charitable society dedicated to “reducing wild bird death through education, rehabilitation and release”. BEAKS was founded in 1971 by Carol Pettigrew and as the demand for her services became more then one person could handle, BEAKS became a Society in 1998 to assist Carol in caring for the injured and orphaned birds. Carol remains the President and licensed rehabilitator of BEAKS and it is under her direction and tutelage that a team of volunteers and staff aid in running this centre for avian emergency and convalescent care. Carol does not receive compensation of any kind for her work and dedication to the wild birds. Licensed by Environment Canada, Beaks is the only wild bird rehabilitation center in the West Kootenays, with the next closest songbird bird rehab being in Vancouver, BC. Carol has been rescuing and rehabilitating wild birds for over 40 years and has been instrumental in releasing thousands back to the wild. Beaks has been dedicated to providing care for wild birds and has a release rate of 70 to 80%. The provincial average release rate is 20 to 30%. Beaks provides 24/7 care and has rehabilitated blue and red listed birds species, with over 165 species to date – from the tiniest hummingbird to large geese. Generally, birds of prey are stabilized and are then transferred to facilities within the province that specialize in raptor care. Currently, Beaks has over 70 birds and 250-300 birds are brought to our facility annually from as far away as Kelowna and Kaslo. Beaks relies solely on individual and corporate donations. We do not receive any government grants. Bird care costs for Beaks are typically $4,000 monthly in winter and $7,000 monthly over summer. Beaks experience and success rate in helping birds is well known within the Kootenays and beyond. Please help save the lives of injured and orphaned wild birds. We know that people like you have a great willingness to share and a desire to help the vulnerable, including the creatures who share this wonderful environment with us. Donations are the only way Beaks can ensure that the doors are kept open to continue to help the wild birds. Whatever you can donate will be greatly appreciated by all of us at BEAKS. No donation is too small to help save a bird. With any donation $20 and over we are more then happy to provide a tax receipt. Your donation will be greatly appreciated by Beaks and the birds that need us.