View the zoo!

Click on the thumbnails to view a larger image:

Are the animals happy and healthy... and are they safe?

Jungle Cat World Wildlife Park is one of only 26 facilites across the country that is fully accredited by the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums. CAZA members are dedicated to the highest standards of animal care. They nurture, protect and care for more than 100,000 animals representing over 2000 species. Often these animals are the last representatives of endangered species. Many of these endangered species survive because of zoo and aquarium captive animal management programs.

CAZA standards deal with every aspect of the zoo and aquarium that affects the wellbeing of the animals- nutrition, enclosures, security, exercise and enrichment, veterinary care, contact with visitors- everything that impacts on the animal. These standards are under continual review as knowledge develops and evolves, and CAZA members are committed to seeking out and implementing the latest developments that are of benefit to both animals and visitors.

***

Up-close experiences and personal contact with animals is a powerful educational tool that provides a variety of benefits to zoo and aquarium educators seeking to convey cognitive and emotionally inspiring messages to the public about wildlife and environmental conservation. Advantages of this method of teaching include: lengthened learning periods, increased knowledge acquisition and retention, enhanced environmental attitudes, and the creation of positive perceptions concerning zoo and aquarium animals. However, the use of any program animal comes with a host of responsibilities including the welfare of the animals used (i.e.-physiological and psychological well-being), the safety of the animal handlers and public, and accountability for the message received by the audience.

For more information, please read our Policy and Procedures for Program Animals


Safari Zoo Camp is a fun and interactive program that allows children, teens and adults to get directly in touch with nature! Established in 1995 at Jungle Cat World Wildlife Park, this one-of-a-kind residential camp offers hands-on experiences with a variety of animals: mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and exotic insects. This develops an intimate comprehension of the Earth's fragile living environment under the safe guidance of knowledgeable peers and professionals.

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.

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 meals.

Campers sleep in simple, but comfortable, bunkhouses. Approximately 12 children reside in each with a minimum of two Activity Counsellors and one Assistant Counsellor. The washrooms and 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.

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 campground. Safari Zoo Camp is also kept seperate from the general public that visit the park daily. Only campers, counsellors, zoo staff and specially permitted guests are allowed on Safari Zoo Camp grounds.