Wildlife rescue advocate Dale Gienow has helped guide WILDNorth through a period of remarkable growth since becoming Executive Director in 2017. Established in 1989, WILDNorth is a charitable organization dedicated to rescuing and providing compassionate care to injured and orphaned wild animals across central and northern Alberta, while also educating the public on the vital role wildlife plays in our communities. Operating both a wildlife hospital in Edmonton and a rehabilitation centre in Parkland County, the nonprofit now cares for more than 4,000 animals annually—nearly all of which are imperilled due to human activity—and fields over 14,500 calls each year through its Wildlife Helpline.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
WILDNorth is a charitable organization that provides rescue and compassionate care for injured and orphaned wild animals in central and northern Alberta, and educates the public on the importance of wildlife in our community. Annually, WILDNorth cares for over 4,000 wild animals, fields over 14,500 calls on our Wildlife Helpline and educates over 13,000 Capital Region students. Established in 1989, WILDNorth is the only full scope centre of its kind north of Red Deer, Alberta and operates a wildlife hospital in Edmonton and a Parkland County Rehabilitation Centre.
What problem does it aim to solve?
Without WILDNorth, there would be no one else that provides care for imperilled wild animals in our region, 95% of which get into trouble due to human activity. We provide, otherwise unavailable, support and resources for community members that come across injured and orphaned wildlife, and educate citizens on how to live in harmony with our wild neighbours.
When did you start/join it?
2017.
What made you want to get involved?
With over 30 years of experience in wildlife rescue and management, I was keen to lend my expertise to the organization and its team of dedicated professionals. With the largest green space of any North American city, Edmonton is teaming with wildlife, and I recognized the need for expanding this, already, great organization.
What was the situation like when you started?
In 2017, we admitted 2,917 wildlife patients and fielded 8,676 phone calls on our Wildlife Helpline.
How has it changed since?
In 2025, we admitted over 4,000 wildlife patients (up 27% from 2017) and fielded more than 14,500 phone calls (up 67% since 2017) on our Wildlife Helpline. We also added a field rescue program that responds to over 1,300 rescue requests each year. Previously, we counted solely on the public to bring in wildlife.
What more needs to be done?
We are running out of capacity at our current facilities, and are in the process of securing land and building a new centre to accommodate our ever-increasing wildlife patient intakes.
How can our readers help?
Taking care of our wild neighbours takes community effort. As a charity, WILDNorth depends on financial support from the public to ensure that our essential services can continue. Spread the word and contribute what you can. Reach out to us with wildlife concerns.
Do you have any events coming up?
We have 50/50s and an online auction coming up in the spring. Also, watch for other fundraisers, including our annual WILDRun
Where can we follow you?
Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok
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