If you have ever wanted to howl with wolves, hoot to an owl, pet a moose, view birds of prey up close, or see some wild, baby animals the Muskoka Wildlife Centre is the place to go. Emphasizing that they are not a zoo, but an interactive learning park, the Muskoka Wildlife Centre offers individuals and groups the chance to have a close encounter with some native Ontario wildlife.

  Most of their hand-raised emissaries, as they refer to the residents, came to the centre as ex-pets or through other circumstances and are not eligible for release back into the wild. Instead they live out their lives in a natural setting at the centre, where they are used to promote a better understanding of Ontario’s wildlife.

  Run by husband and wife team Dale and Jody Gienow, the Muskoka Wildlife Centre was opened in July 2000. Both Dale and Jody have backgrounds in conservation education and extensive experience with wild animals, including the implementation of the well-known ‘Speaking of Wildlife’ program, Canada’s largest live-animal outreach program, in operation since 1989.

  Working with both the private sector and government agencies on a number of conservation projects, Dale and Jody have had the Centre’s animals appear on a long list of TV shows, including CBC’s Wonderstruck, Kratt’s Creatures, TVO’s Green Earth and Discovery Channel’s ‘Canada’s Heaven and Earth. They are also the animal coordinators for the new children’s TV series Zoboomafu. Their own Barn Owl is the familiar Moonface on the show, as is Sticky Feet, the Great Horned Owl. Flower the Skunk and Forrest the Fisher have also made guest appearances on Zoboomafu. Currently the Centre is involved with a new series for the Discovery Channel.

  A visit to the centre allows you to tour the grounds and interact with the various animals.  Take in one of their programs, such as their birds of prey flight demonstration, ask questions of the keepers, and explore the area to view the different animals in their natural settings. Facilities at the centre include an outdoor food vendor, a picnic area, hiking trails, a gift and snack bar, the education building and a playground. Special interest groups are encouraged to arrange for a customized tour.

  A visit to the Muskoka Wildlife Centre is a fun and educational, close-up view of Ontario wildlife.

  For more information and directions go to www.muskokawildlifecentre.com or e-mail wildlife@encode.com.