An early spring is on the way, according to Heaven’s Wildlife Harvey.
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Lambton County’s season-forecasting groundhog didn’t see its shadow Friday morning outside Heaven’s Wildlife Rescue Rehabilitation and Education Center near Oil Springs.
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Harvey’s prediction matched Wiarton WillieShubenacadie Sam and Punxsutawney Phil this Groundhog Day.
“He has been rambunctious for about a week now,” said center founder Peggy Jenkins before Harvey’s scheduled appearance at an event at the Oil Museum of Canada in Oil Springs.
“Hopefully, he’s behaved well today,” she said.
Harvey is the second forecasting groundhog at Heaven’s Wildlife Rescue, taking over in 2022 for Oil Springs Ollie, who began making predictions in 2014.
Harvey arrived at the volunteer-run animal rescue about five years ago.
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He had been found by some children and kept as a pet for a time, so the rescue couldn’t return him to the wild.
Harvey instead became part of an animal education team Jenkins and others from the center take to schools and community events to talk about their work rehabilitating orphaned and injured wild animals so they can be released again.
The center, which has cared for at least 450 animals in its busiest years, relies on donations and fundraising to operate year-round. For more on the center and how to donate, visit heavenswildliferescue.org.
“We’ve applied for our charitable status,” Jenkins said. “Hopefully that will help bring in donations.”
Fundraising was a struggle during pandemic restrictions and remained a challenge last year, she said.
“It’s horrible when you’re struggling,” Jenkins said. “Right now, we’re thinking how are we going to get vaccines and medical supplies” and formula to feed infant animals.
Typically, the center must raise $90,000 to $110,000 a year to cover its costs, Jenkins said.
Animal intakes were limited last year because there were fewer volunteer interns at the center, Jenkins said.
Internships, interrupted amid the pandemic, are starting to return to normal but slots are still available, she said. See the centre’s website for details.
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