Objectives of Outreach:

1. To increase and maintain awareness and appreciation of animal life.
2. To provide an opportunity for people to meet animals at close range.
3. To encourage people to think about the natural world and how we fit into the big picture.

The outreach program runs from September 1 to April 30.  Availability at other times of the year is subject to interpreter availability.

Our Outreach Topics and Cost
We present a 45 minute to one hour interpretive talk on subjects such as birds of prey, reptiles and amphibians, endangered species, animal coverings, and carnivores and herbivores.  An outreach presentation is $2.00 per student with a minimum charge of $60.00 per classroom.  Distance charges of $0.40/km apply to out of town schools.  

Small Groups  =  Big Experiences

Please note: to avoid stress on the animals we prefer to present to smaller (classroom-sized) groups.  If you have several classrooms that would like a presentation, please contact us regarding multiple presentations or combining classes.

Swainson Hawk
Meet ‘Ariel’ our Swainson Hawk.  This magnificent bird of prey offers your students a close up view of this interesting raptor.  Each fall, Swainson Hawks migrate 10 000 km south to the grasslands of Argentina.  In this outreach we’ll explore the adaptations of this raptor, compare them to other raptors, and discover the unique environmental challenges Swainson Hawks face in their South American migration.

Great Horned Owl
‘Spirt’ (pronounced “spirit”) is our one-eyed Great Horned Owl.  This delightful Owl will introduce students into the nocturnal world of owls, and their special adaptations for hunting in the dark.  Unlike the daytime raptors, the hawks and eagles, the Great Horned Owl does not migrate south for the winter.  Find out why.

The Reptiles
We’ll explore the fascinating world of reptiles and discover how they survive in their various ecosystems.  Can a snake “smell” with its tongue?  Are snakes slimy?  Meet our Common Garter Snake from Saskatchewan or Royal Python from Africa, or Central Bearded Dragon, a lizard from Australia, and find out!

Domestic Ferrets – Saskatchewan Species At Risk Program
‘Chaos’ and ‘Casper’ are our Domestic Ferrets.  The Domestic Ferret originates in Europe where they were used to hunt mice around the house and barn.  Today, we keep them as pets.  Learn all about these amazing members of the mustelid family (which includes badgers, otters, weasels, mink, fishers, martins, and skunks!) and their special hunting techniques.  Saskatchewan was once home to the Black-footed ferret. The last wild ferret in Saskatchewan was seen in 1937. We’ll look back at the history of Saskatchewan’s grasslands and find out what happened to them, and what is being done to fix the problem.

North American Porcupine
Take a close up look at the life of Saskatchewan’s Porcupine and how this unique rodent survives a life high in the trees.
PLEASE NOTE: working with the porcupine in the winter months is difficult.  This outreach is best scheduled in September, October, March, and April.

Other animals available for Outreach: European Domestic Rabbits, Tiger Salamander, White Mice, African Hedgehogs.