Safari Zoo Camp is nestled in a quaint spruce forest adjacent to Jungle Cat World, a wildlife park located on 15 picturesque acres in the Municipality of Clarington in historical Orono, just 45 minutes east of Toronto.

The zoo was established in 1983 and first accredited in 1989 by the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA). This non-profit organization was established to promote the welfare of animals and encourage the advancement and improvement of education, conservation and science. Certification is granted once a thorough inspection is made of the facility examining all facets of the institution, such as animal health, public safety and active conservation/education programs.

(click here to see a large aerial photograph of the zoo)

Most of the mammals and birds are housed in outdoor enclosures, while the reptiles, amphibians, arachnids and exotic insects are kept in a secure, temperature-controlled room.

The Education Centre is reserved for presentations, educational activities, indoor crafts and games. Next door is the Dining Hall where kids eat their breakfast and snacks.

Campers sleep in rustic, but comfortable, bunkhouses. Approximately 12 children reside in each with 2 staff members that live in a seperate room. The washroom/showers are located nearby. All the buildings meet fire and safety regulations. To the south is the small spruce forest with trails that lead to the large Siberian tiger and Gray wolf habitats. The focal point is the big campfire area, where we gather in the evening to talk and laugh, listening to both campers and staff play the guitar.

(click on the image to see some more photos)

For the utmost safety, Safari Zoo Camp is situated outside the zoo's perimeter fence. However, many of the animals, particularly the tigers and wolves, can be seen up-close from the campgrounds. Safari Zoo Camp is also kept seperate from the general public that visit the park daily. Only campers, councellors, zoo staff and specially permitted guests are allowed on Safari Zoo Camp grounds.