WildCare’s courtyard is home to 18 non-releasable wild animals. All of our Wildlife Ambassadors have shown themselves adaptable to the demands and stresses of living near humans, and each of them provides an invaluable opportunity for the public to view native animals up close.
Many of our animals come out of their enclosures “on the glove” to meet school groups, scout troops and the general public. Visitors love the opportunity to meet the animals and learn about their natural history. This is an educational experience for all.
The way people think about captive animals is changing. No longer do we accept just seeing a captive animal in a cage. We want a richer experience that includes an understanding of the animal’s habitat, physiology and natural history. And who is better able to teach us than the animals themselves?
WildCare’s Wildlife Ambassador Program is a unique collaboration between animals and their human handlers designed to provide an enriched experience of animals on display.
Through courtyard signage and interactions with our docents, visitors are introduced to each Wildlife Ambassador and to learn the animal's personal story. Visitors learn fascinating facts about the species as well as information about the environmental issues faced by wild animals today.
Natural Behaviors and Enrichment Techniques
In their courtyard poolside enclosure, our pelicans splash into the water to scoop fish into their throat pouches and our gull shows off her beautiful red beak. Members of the public can visit to learn about and watch our pool birds’ adaptations to their watery environment.
Routines and training give captive animals activity and challenges. Behavior-enriching activities such as finding hidden food or eating food frozen like a popsicle are stimulating events that keep animals mentally and physically healthy. Maintaining the mental health of our Ambassador animals is an important component of being a Wildlife Ambassador volunteer.
Invite a Wildlife Ambassador to your child's classroom!
Live wild animal Ambassadors are available for one or two 60-minute programs daily at a location within a maximum one-hour travel distance from WildCare.
There is nothing more memorable for your students than having live wild animals visit their classroom!
Your group will have the opportunity to meet three of WildCare’s rescued non-releasable wild animals during this unforgettable presentation.
Unfortunately our Live Wildlife Ambassador Programs are fully booked for the 2021/2022 school year. Please click to be added to our waitlist.
Note that we will begin accepting reservations for the 2022/2023 school year in May of 2022.
