The owners of a B.C. wildlife centre scrambled to save dozens of injured animals after being given just an hour to evacuate as the Bald Range wildfire tore toward their Summerland, B.C., property. Ryan Cope, a volunteer with the Interior Wildlife Rehabilitation Society said the society’s owners, Eva Hartmann and Jonathan Laumer, packed up 32 animals on Aug. 7, including their own. “Bats, a skunk, porcupine, the beaver, and two otters, as well as 14 water birds and three turtles,” she said. “In addition to all the animals in care, they also had personal animals, including a horse, some dogs. So, they had to like Noah’s Ark everything out.” Cope said Hartmann and Laumer connected with other wildlife centres, such as the B.C. Wildlife Park in Kamloops, to ensure each animal was safely relocated. ‘It’s devastating’ The Interior Wildlife Rehabilitation Society cares for aquatic birds, reptiles and small mammals. It was built by volunteers in 2021, according to Cope. A recent photo shows severe damage to the property from the wildfire. “It’s devastating to think about what is not there anymore,” she said. Cope said the couple also lost their home in the fire. “It’s a really tragic time for them,” she said. Despite the devastation, she said the response from the community and other wildlife centres has been incredible. “We’ve had people from other countries reach out, asking how they can help,” she said. On Monday evening, officials held a briefing in Penticton. Summerland Mayor Doug Holmes choked back tears as he urged the community to stay strong. “We need to just pull together as the community we are and get through this”
