Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary (Aspen Valley) is pleased to announce that Candle and Flame (red foxes) have found forever homes at the Sanctuary. Here, they will be protected and provided with food and shelter for the rest of their lives.
Located on 460 acres, Aspen Valley is one of the few sanctuaries in Canada that has both the facilities and natural environment needed to meet the biological and behavioral needs of Ontario’s native species on a long-term basis. This represents an important alternative to euthanizing animals that cannot be returned to the wild due to human interference.
“While the majority of animals are brought to us for reasons beyond their control, every animal has a unique story to tell,” said Linda Glimps, Executive Director, Aspen Valley. “Candle and Flame, for instance, were being kept at an Ontario-based facility without proper authorization and were later seized by government authorities.”
“The decision to help them was immediate,” added Glimps. “We had the space, and thanks to the generosity of our donors, we were able to make a forever commitment to Candle and Flame.”
When they arrived at Aspen Valley, both foxes underwent a comprehensive health exam and their housing and nutrition plans were put into play.
“It always amazes me how different some of our permanent residents are from their wild counterparts,” said Janalene Kingshott, Director Animal Welfare, Aspen Valley. “While Candle and Flame are both red foxes, they present with atypical coat colours (white and light orange). This is likely due to generations of selective breeding for fox pelts of a certain colour.”
“And the differences don’t end there.” added Kingshott. Both are larger than normal, which is an attribute typical of wild animals bred in captivity.” Importantly, Aspen Valley does not buy, breed, or sell wildlife.
Support Wildlife in Care at Aspen Valley
Thankfully, Aspen Valley had the space for both Candle and Flame. Yet, these situations are unforeseen and the community’s support is critical to ensuring the Sanctuary is always ready and able to support wild animals in need.
As with any household, Aspen Valley needs sufficient income to care for its “wild” family members, in addition to squirreling away sufficient funds for a rainy day or emergency intake.
If you are interested in supporting the Wildlife in Care Fund at Aspen Valley, and ensuring the Sanctuary can provide a forever home to the next wild animal in need, please visit www.aspenvalley.ca to make a donation.
Meet Candle and Flame
Today, Candle and Flame are enjoying their new enclosure in proximity to long-time residents Mystic (the Artic fox), Silver and Lexi (silver foxes), and Eddy (another red fox).
To meet the Sanctuary’s 27 permanent residents (including Candle and Flame), please join one of our educational Guided Group Tours. Tours can be booked in advance online at www.aspenvalley.ca.
Aspen Valley’s Three-Fold Mission
Aspen Valley is on a mission to keep wildlife wild. Sanctuary programs include:
- Rehabilitation – rescuing sick, injured and orphaned wildlife, and returning them to the wild once rehabilitated.
- Permanent Wildlife – providing forever homes for native species that cannot be released back into the wild due to human interference.
- Education – educating the public about living in harmony with wildlife
