Education: A Call to Action
Whether for a child who wants to sleep in the wild, a student studying to be a veterinarian, or an octogenarian who has a passion for penguins, the Toronto Zoo has a program or workshop to suit all animal lovers and learners . The veterinary residency program with Guelph University, started by Dr. William Rapley, the Zoo’s Executive Director Conservation, Education and Research, has been in operation since 1979. Highlighting clinical medicine, pathology and research, the program provides hands-on learning in the Zoo environment. The University of Toronto Scarborough Campus’s science and biology departments have several co-operative programs with the Zoo including a course on the role of zoos in conservation. Laurentian University collaborates with the Zoo on undergraduate and post-graduate studies and researchers at Trent University also work with the Zoo to study endangered species. Every summer around 70 students come to the facility to do internships focusing on all aspects of the Zoo, from behind-the-scenes animal care to front-of-house rides and retail. There are also programs for at-risk youth, curriculum related workshops for primary and secondary school students, teacher resources available online, and the opportunity for secondary students to earn a grade eleven biology credit at Zoo school. There are also a wide variety of public programs for audiences of all ages including “Panda Pyjama Party” an overnight experience, Enviro-Rangers, summer Zoo camp and the popular overnight Serengeti Bush Camp. In addition to the programs that are available, the Zoo also provides multiple oppor- tunities to engage and educate visitors. This is done through key messages at exhibits, interpretive stations, keeper talks and animal encounters throughout the site, supported by over 500 volunteers, contributing more than 34,000 hours of their time. “It’s all about sparking that first interest in nature and helping people develop the emotional connection that will push people to do more and think more about the world around them and how all living things are connected,” says Heather House, Manager of Education. “More than 130,000 students came to the Zoo last year for field trips and the feedback we get from both teachers and students is about how much they enjoyed the unique value of this learning environment,” House added.
Learning comes naturally at the Zoo.
The ultimate goal, says Rapley, is to trigger action so people are motivated to assist endangered species, their habitats and the planet. “Many urban dwellers have lost their connection to nature. Our education programs help them reconnect and become better environmental citizens,” he says.