About us
Rescue, rehabilitate, release — locally
The Powell River Orphaned and Injured Wildlife Society (PROWLS) is a non-profit organization of volunteers who are committed to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of wild animals in our region. We also work to educate our community on how we can protect local biodiversity for generations to come.
PROWLS fills a critical niche for emergency wildlife medical response in our boat-access only region. Without our expert care nearby, injured wildlife would face long travel times before reaching treatment, and would not be returned to be released back into our local area.
What regions do we serve?
From Saltery Bay to Bliss Landing, in the backcountry of Khartoum Lake, throughout the surrounding islands of Texada, Savary, the Redondas, Cortez, Lasqueti and Nelson, and the Lower Sunshine Coast, our specialty services reach all our connected communities!
Our headquarters is located in Powell River and the quathet Regional District of the Upper Sunshine Coast of British Columbia — the sacred and traditional territory of the Tla’amin Nation, whose people have used and occupied this land since time immemorial.
Who are our patients?
Our in-house patients are mainly smaller birds and mammals, but we are able to assist all species in distress, including raptors, mammals and reptiles.
In 2025, PROWLS worked to rehabilitate over 600 patients! Each year that number only grows, along with the diversity of species we are able to rehabilitate locally.
Who do we partner with?
We are grateful to partner with MARS in Courtney, OWL in Delta, Critter Care in Langley, Wild ARC in Victoria, and Northern Lights in Smithers, where we transfer patients we can’t care for locally. Westview Veterinary Hospital kindly donates medical expertise for our injured wild patients.
We also collaborate locally with BC Conservation Officers and various coastal biologists in the area.
“Whoo” we are
PROWLS is a fledgling society made up of our Board of Directors, many dedicated volunteers, and our new intern (who is working and learning with us through a Federal Youth Employment grant).
Our Board of Directors
Merrilee and PROWLS
We owe our existence to local wildlife superstar Merrilee Prior, who has shared her home and her life with PROWLS since 2010.
Our Volunteers
Our skilled volunteers help with every facet of our organization, and we entirely depend on their support. Thank you!
Our Youth Intern
PROWLS hires and trains youth interns for our busy season, who help out in the hospital while learning about BC coastal wildlife and local ecology!
Our Community Supporters
Many thanks to the companies who transport our patients for free: Pacific Coastal, BC Ferries, Lund Water Taxi and Texada Transfer. Veterinary services are kindly donated by the most excellent Westview Veterinary Hospital (what a team!). The City of Powell River and our local Fire Department have assisted us in rescues we would have been unable to attempt safety otherwise.
There are so many folks who may not officially be part of our organization, but who make PROWLS able to do the work we do today. We could not be doing this without your support — it is humbling, and we are very grateful. Thank you!
What guides us?
PROWLS is a society under the BC Societies Act, and a registered charity. Our organization is guided by our society’s constitution and by the people who make up our Board of Directors and membership.
Our work is directed by the rules and regulations for managing a wildlife rehabilitation facility as set out by the BC Ministry of Environment, the BC Wildlife Act, and the Migratory Birds Conservation Act.
Our Constitution
To rescue ill, injured, or orphaned wildlife, and to promote compassionate care to each individual creature, according to best practice, throughout their rehabilitation and to release all fully recovered animals back into their natural environment.
To educate the public in wildlife protection, environmental awareness, and to promote good stewardship of British Columbia’s indigenous species.
To abide by the rules and regulations for managing a wildlife rehabilitation facility set out by the B.C. Ministry of Environment & B.C. Wildlife Act, and the Migratory Birds Conservation Act.