Found injured by a roadside near Trail and carried to safety in a pillowcase, a tiny bear cub has become a symbol of compassion and hope.
The Northern Lights Wildlife Society 乌鸦传媒� a registered Canadian charity in Smithers that cares for injured and orphaned wildlife 乌鸦传媒� shared the cub乌鸦传媒檚 story in a June 1 email titled 乌鸦传媒渁 story of perseverance and kindness.乌鸦传媒�
The story was sent to the Williams Lake Tribune, then forwarded to the Trail Times, as Trail is where the little bear乌鸦传媒檚 journey began.
The society explained how it all started with an unusual call.
乌鸦传媒淪omeone reported to have found a bear cub on the road near Trail and had picked it up, currently holding it in a pillowcase?乌鸦传媒� the society recounts, understandably perplexed about carrying a baby bear in a piece of bed linen.
乌鸦传媒淗onestly, I was pretty confused by that statement but concluded that the cub must be in rough shape.乌鸦传媒�
With the help of volunteers, the cub was rushed to a local vet.
X-rays revealed a badly broken femur (thigh bone).
For the cub to survive, surgery and plating were necessary. At just 4.5 pounds, the little bear faced a daunting recovery.
乌鸦传媒淔or every rehabber this becomes a difficult decision, cost for one versus others that might need rescue,乌鸦传媒� the society shares.
Unable to turn their backs on her, the society arranged for surgery at Nelson Animal Hospital, where Dr. Celeste Bignell performed the operation.
The society said: 乌鸦传媒淥ur little fighter pulled through just fine, and with the help of several driving volunteers, made her way from Nelson to Smithers.乌鸦传媒�
Named Gimlet by the doctor and volunteers, she has captured hearts ever since.
乌鸦传媒淏eing the smallest cub in care and climbing and playing despite her injury, the spirit of this little warrior is an inspiration to us all.乌鸦传媒�
Gimlet is now rehabbing up north, living up to her name 乌鸦传媒� tiny but mighty.
She will need a follow-up vet visit in the Smithers area within four weeks to have her plate removed.
The society says they have high hopes she乌鸦传媒檒l handle it with her usual pluck.
To support Gimlet乌鸦传媒檚 rehabilitation and that of other animals in care, the organization is gratefully accepting donations.
Visit the Northern Lights Wildlife Shelter乌鸦传媒檚 website, wildlifeshelter.com, and click on the 乌鸦传媒淒onate乌鸦传媒� button to be directed to a CanadaHelps.org link.
