Northern Lights Wildlife Society:
Who Are we?
The Northern Lights Wildlife Society is dedicated to give injured and/or orphaned wildlife a second chance at survival. The Founders of the society, Angelika & Peter Langen immigrated to Canada in 1982. Both trained animal keepers, they had previously worked in zoos in Germany. After living in Smithers for several years, they became aware of the fact that there was no place for injured and/or orphaned wildlife to go to and that such animals ended up being killed. With great enthusiasm they approached the local wildlife branch only to find out that rehabilitation programs were met with great uneasiness by the government. After years of discussions and formulating permits, their dream finally became true in 1989.

At first the shelter was used very reluctantly by the authorities. But as first success became apparent and as the public became aware of the shelter's existence, the demands on the shelter grew rapidly. With the Langens covering most of the costs and almost all of the work involved, the shelter soon reached dimensions that required a new approach in order to secure adequate housing and care for the animals in need. As a result the Northern Lights Wildlife Society was formed in 2001 and in 2002 the Society became a registered charity. The shelter is now on the threshold of a new era. The board is actively looking for sponsors and volunteers to ensure the shelter's ability to care for all wildlife that is brought to our attention. Most birds are referred to other shelters , as there are a number of excellent bird shelters available already.

Though all mammals and birds are accepted, the shelter in Smithers has become a haven for bears, moose and deer. Up to 2002 a total of 75 black bears and 1 Kermode bear have found a temporary home here and have been released to the wild successfully. With many other shelters unable to work with such large mammals due to space and/or housing restrictions, the Smithers shelter has become a last refuge for bears from all over BC. The moose and deer raised at the shelter and released into the nearby Crown forest land, have done extremely well and have proven the success of the program, by producing and raising young in the wild year after year. Careful management, thrives to prevent the animals from becoming too human oriented, as that would prove to be a hazard to their own health (i.e. hunting season), as well as to the safety of humans ( i.e. hikers ) Fortunately, most animals seem to make a distinct difference when dealing with their handlers or strangers. This fact ensures that proper care can be given, while still securing the safety of other humans. Up to date none of the animals raised at the shelter have become nuisance animals.