We offer a variety of engaging educational programs perfect for classrooms, community groups, or other clubs or organizations. Using real life stories, thought-provoking activities and our live wild animal ambassador (a big and friendly snapping turtle named ‘Hotdog’), education programs promote peaceful coexistence between people and wildlife. Children, youth and adults alike will become inspired to take action to understand, support and protect wild species and the natural and built spaces that we share with them.
Education Programs
Children and Youth
Kids Go Wild: This interactive and informative presentation is perfect for classrooms, Guide and Scout groups and larger audiences too! Choose from our junior (grades 1-4) or senior (grades 5-8) program – both focus on the top threats facing local wildlife and offer ways kids can help! You can also download TWC’s Kids Go Wild guide for information and DIY activities to support learning and wild animals in your community!
Wild Activity Rotation Stations: This hands-on program gives participants the opportunity to visit up to 4 wildlife-themed stations led by TWC staff and volunteers. Children spend 20 minutes at each station in groups exploring props and other materials, learning unique information about wildlife and the issues affecting them. This program is perfect for groups of 30 or less and children 5 and up!
Where the Wild Things Are: This outdoor program is designed to engage kindergarten and grade 1 students in learning about our wild neighbours through exploration and play! Nature is everywhere – even in cities! Participants will learn some fun facts about a variety of wild species through using their nature investigation skills. They will explore signs of the presence of wildlife right at their doorstep – such as a local park, schoolyard or other suitable space.
Curriculum-Linked Workshops: Coming soon! Please inquire about the grade you are interested in!
Cost
We understand that cost can be a barrier for some groups. Please let us know if the rate is difficult for your school, group, or organization and we can discuss a partial or waived fee. All proceeds directly support our education program and sick, injured and orphaned wild animals in care at our hospital.
Program fees may vary from program to program. Our average cost to run a program is $550. Groups able to cover the full program cost help us provide low-cost or free programming to others facing financial barriers.
Subsidized cost of program: $250* + mileage at $0.70/km round trip from TWC to your location
*Mississauga children and youth groups and schools may be eligible for FREE session thanks to generous funding from the Smart and Caring Children and Youth Fund at the Mississauga Foundation. Please inquire for further details.
All programs are up to 90 minutes long and include a visit from our wild animal ambassador – “Hotdog” the big and friendly snapping turtle (availability not guaranteed). Extended programs are an additional $50 per consecutive hour beyond 90 minutes.
Book a Program!
Program funding
*Thanks to the generous support of Ontario Power Generation, Toronto Wildlife Centre is working to educate people about biodiversity and wildlife issues at a reduced cost.
