and bear enclosures. Orphaned cubs stay in the junior nursery, shielded from public view except via a livecam feed, until they’re about 18 months old, when they move to the pre-release enclosure before being set free. Two of their most popular residents are black bears. Watching 25-year-old Knut and his younger female buddy, Rae, play and hang out together is a highlight of any visit. They are ambassadors in the centre’s quest to educate people about living with wildlife. Over the years, Robin, Sylvia, and their family have added ponds, wheelchair-accessible pathways, art, gardens, and places to play and picnic, along with the Museum of Nature and the Learning Centre. With so many different areas, it never feels crowded, even when kids are joyfully running around the place — there’s always a quiet, lovely corner. It’s been a lot of work over the years, but for the Campbells, their staff and volunteers (now numbering 80 to 100), it’s clearly a labour of love. When asked about their unconventional life, Sylvia modestly says she and Robin are proof that “anybody can do anything. You just really need the desire to do it.” Then she adds, “It was fun.” The North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre is open daily from 9 am to 4:30 pm at 1240 Leffler Road in Errington.
6 PASSIONS | WINTER 2020
Circumnavigating VI in a Couple of Old Sailboats... Fair Winds and Mast Destruction
THE FIRST INSTALMENT IN A FOUR-PART SERIES by Rob O‘Dea
