VALUING OUR WILDLIFE – Why your voice matters for the BC Wildlife Park’s educational future

By SYLVIE LLOYD & PETER TSIGARIS
Thompson Rivers University

AS RESIDENTS OF KAMLOOPS, we are fortunate to have a place like the BC Wildlife Park right here in our community. Since opening its doors in 1965, the park has been guided by a simple but powerful motto: Conservation through Education. It has inspired children, students, and visitors of all ages, helping them understand the value of protecting the incredible species that share our planet.

At the heart of the park’s educational mission are its unique programs, designed to complement the BC Curriculum Guide and enhance students’ learning experiences outside the classroom. From kindergarten to high school, the park offers hands-on educational opportunities, daily animal encounters, guided tours, and special demonstrations, that foster curiosity, respect, and awareness of wildlife and their habitats. For many students, it’s more than just a field trip; it’s a meaningful learning experience that stays with them for years.

However, the educational facilities that support these programs are now outdated and in need of renewal. To continue delivering high-quality, engaging education and to expand conservation initiatives like the burrowing owl breeding program, the park is planning to build a new, modern education centre.

We are conducting a survey for parents whose children have visited the park, or may do so in the future, as part of their school’s extracurricular activities. Your feedback is essential. It will help us better understand how the community values the park’s educational offerings and how we can shape the future of the park to serve you and your children even better.

This survey is also part of a larger research effort being led by Sylvie Lloyd, a graduate student in the Master of Science in Environmental Science program at Thompson Rivers University. Sylvie’s thesis focuses on assessing the recreational, educational and conservation value of the BC Wildlife Park.

By taking a few minutes to complete the survey, you are helping us build a stronger case for investment in the park’s future, ensuring that children across our community continue to benefit from meaningful, hands-on learning about wildlife conservation.

We encourage all parents to share their views and help shape the future of education at the BC Wildlife Park.

https://www.surveymonkey.ca/r/YMBQRQ8