Safari Niagara Receives the 2025 Eleanore Oakes Award for Conservation Education Innovation
CAZA is proud to recognize Safari Niagara as the 2025 recipient of the Eleanore Oakes Award (Large Institution). This award honours exceptional achievement in conservation education program design, highlighting projects that inspire learning, build conservation awareness, and engage the next generation of environmental stewards.
Safari Niagara earned this distinction for its forward-thinking redesign of the Junior Zookeeper Program. What began as a traditional behind-the-scenes experience has evolved into a comprehensive, research-informed learning program that benefits both youth participants and staff facilitators.
A Transformative Learning Program for Young Conservationists
The redesigned Junior Zookeeper Program empowers adolescent participants with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to understand wildlife care and conservation. Through hands-on, guided activities, participants learn:
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Foundational animal husbandry practices
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Observation and data collection techniques
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Testing and environmental assessment skills
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Sustainable habits and environmental stewardship
By linking practical skills with conservation values, the program encourages youth to explore green careers and develop a lifelong connection to the natural world.
Supporting Staff Development and Continuous Improvement
In addition to its impact on youth, the program also supports professional development for seasonal staff and team members outside the education department. Daily reflections, group discussions, and structured feedback cycles allow facilitators to grow their leadership and teaching skills.
Regular pilot testing and iterative redesign have strengthened the program’s delivery and created a culture of continuous improvement. This collaborative, research-driven approach ensures that the program remains relevant, engaging, and effective.
A Scalable Model for Conservation Education Excellence
Safari Niagara’s commitment to innovation, cross-departmental collaboration, and measurable educational outcomes demonstrates what’s possible when institutions invest in impactful learning experiences. The Junior Zookeeper Program now stands as a scalable, repeatable model for conservation education across CAZA-accredited organizations.
CAZA congratulates Safari Niagara on this outstanding achievement and its leadership in empowering future conservation advocates.
