The
South Okanagan Rehabilitation Centre for Owls (SORCO) is a registered
non-profit organization, which relies on the public for support both
physically and financially.
We are not supported by the government in any way.
As
all work is done by volunteers, there are no administrative wages paid
out. SORCO issues tax deductible receipts for all items donated and
monies given. Our purpose is to treat and care for injured and orphaned
birds of prey, also known as raptors. Our goal is to release them back
into the wild whenever possible.
Because of the dwindling population of
raptors, we are dedicated to preserving then through upkeep of the
clinic facilities and the organization itself. We chose the word “OWLS”
in our name because the Okanagan is home to BC’s only endangered owl,
the Burrowing Owl. But greater still is the fact that 14 of the 15 owls
found in BC can be seen in the Okanagan, Thompson and Similkameen
Valley’s at some point throughout the year. We live in a very special
area, which in the past has been sadly neglected when it comes to
preserving habitat for birds of prey. Hopefully through our efforts in
public education, birds that are now on the threatened list may never
be listed as endangered, but will regain the stronghold they once had
in a balanced ecosystem.
We believe that "anything worth doing, is worth doing
well". We believe raptors are animportant link in the ecosystem, and
their health reflects the health of nature itself. And that by helping
raptors, the ultimate reward is that they may help us far more than we
ever realize.
Although SORCO is an educational and treatment
centre, we stress that at this time, the general public cannot make
visits. This is arestriction that is enforced by the Ministry of the
Environment, which we must adhere to. SORCO is not a zoo.It was built
and designed as a hospital and clinic for sick birds, not for public
viewing, and this must be respected at all times. Human contact causes
stress upon all birds sick or healthy and stress kills.
We thank you for your understanding and support and welcome any suggestions. |
