wild spaces

initiative

Education is imperative to develop environmentally conscientious citizens, but to truly protect, conserve and regenerate the Earth’s depleting natural resources it takes action.

During a 2003 field trip, Zoo Camp kids collected over a dozen bags of garbage from the Warsaw Caves, much of which was recyclable. Removing the litter not only improved the aesthetic value of the caves, but also removed potentially dangerous materials. Items as broken glass and plastic wrapping were a potential threat to wildlife that use the grottos as homes, including porcupines, raccoons and garter snakes. The caves are also a conduit for the Indian River, so any pollution (such as toxins from old flashlight batteries) could end up downstream.

In 2004, Safari Zoo Camp made a commitment to Otonabee Conservation, the organization responsible for managing and maintaining this park, to keep the caves litter-free. One day each week we explore the caves, collecting any refuse we find. Garbage is separated from recyclable material and properly disposed of.

Due to this effort, Otonabee Conservation recognizes Zoo Camp kids as JUNIOR STEWARDS in CAVE CONSERVATION. We look forward to expanding this clean-up initiative to other parks in 2005.

Caring for nature

Safari Zoo Camp strives to encourage and empower participants to live environmentally responsibly, but also, to teach and influence other people, such as family and friends, to do the same.

Here is an ever-growing list of staff and campers that are working to protect and care for the other plants and animals we share this planet with:

APE AWARE: James is a senior camper that is actively involved in raising funds and awareness to save apes from going extinct.

Ape: Any of various large, tailless Old World primates of the family Pongidae, including the chimpanzee, bonobos, gorilla, gibbon, and orangutan.