A Partnership Designed with Animal Welfare in Mind

A Partnership Designed with Animal Welfare in Mind

Have you ever wondered why visitors can interact with certain animals at Parc Safari this year, but not others? Why can you meet species such as a snake or a lizard just steps away from giraffes, lions, and bison? And most importantly, how does this partnership benefit both the animals and the visitors?

In this blog article, our biologist Roxanne Brunelle explains why Parc Safari chose to partner with Éducazoo to enhance its summer experience. You'll discover the unique challenges faced by a seasonal zoo, the reasons behind this collaboration, and how Éducazoo supports Parc Safari by presenting species well suited for educational animal encounters, while respecting each animal's needs and the shared commitment to animal welfare embraced by both organizations.

For decades, Parc Safari has been recognized for giving visitors the opportunity to observe an impressive diversity of animals from around the world. Beyond showcasing biodiversity, the park also contributes to conservation initiatives, endangered species breeding programs, and public education about wildlife protection. This mission naturally aligns with Éducazoo's own, which provides a sanctuary for hundreds of exotic animals while educating the public about their true needs.

 

Why Not Simply Keep Animals for Hands-On Experiences?

One question comes up frequently: why doesn't Parc Safari simply keep its own animals for educational handling sessions? The answer is simple: it would not be in the animals' best interest.

Parc Safari welcomes visitors primarily during the summer season, for approximately three to four months each year. For species participating in educational activities, this would provide very little time to build trusting relationships with their caregivers, gradually become comfortable with handling, and develop positive experiences.

During the remainder of the year, when the park is partially closed to the public, these animals would receive far less social stimulation. Yet many of the species we present genuinely enjoy interaction, behavioral enrichment, and educational presentations when these experiences respect their natural rhythm. That is precisely what makes this partnership so valuable.

 

Every Animal Has Its Role... and Its Limits

At Parc Safari, many animals are absolutely fascinating to observe, but they are not appropriate for direct interaction with visitors. Lions, bison, and many other large mammals are excellent examples. Even when an animal appears calm, that does not mean it is ethical or safe to allow direct contact.

At Éducazoo, we instead present animals whose biological characteristics, temperament, and training make respectful interactions possible. These animal ambassadors have been carefully selected to ensure that every experience is positive for both visitors and the animals themselves.

Thanks to this complementary approach, Parc Safari continues showcasing its spectacular wildlife while Éducazoo offers close encounters with species that genuinely enjoy this type of stimulation.

 

A Naturalist On Site Every Day

This summer, an Éducazoo Naturalist is present every day at Parc Safari to guide visitors. Three Naturalists rotate throughout the season, ensuring a consistent presence while maintaining the highest standards for our educational presentations.

Each Naturalist receives specialized training with the animals they present. They learn how to ensure each animal's comfort, respect its pace, and adapt every interaction according to its behavior.

Our animal ambassadors also rotate every three weeks so visitors can discover different species throughout the summer. Even more importantly, the individual animals change every day. This rotation provides each animal with regular rest days, which is why we care for several individuals of the same species at the sanctuary. It is an excellent example of animal welfare in practice.

Throughout the summer, visitors can discover a wide variety of species:

• June 13 to July 3: Tarantulas, degus, Corn Snakes, and a Tegu

• July 4 to July 24: Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches, Guinea Pigs, a Redfooted Tortoise, and a Uromastyx

• July 25 to August 14: Giant African Land Snails, a Hedgehog, Ball Pythons, and an Giant Pixie Frog

• August 15 to September 7: A Tailless Whip Scorpion (Amblypygid), Domestic Rats, a Bluetongued Skink, and a Parrot

It is important to note that this schedule represents the species planned for each period. The individual animals change daily in order to provide every animal with adequate rest. As a result, two visitors attending only a few days apart may not meet exactly the same animals. This daily rotation is what allows us to provide enriching experiences while keeping animal welfare at the center of every decision.

An Experience Visitors Love

Since the beginning of the summer, feedback collected by our Naturalists has shown that this new activity truly resonates with visitors.

Guests especially enjoy observing the animals up close, handling them when appropriate, and taking the time to ask questions. Conversations about Éducazoo's animal sanctuary mission and our commitment to animal welfare consistently spark curiosity.

Many families even return several times throughout the day to meet the different species presented according to the daily schedule. Unsurprisingly, snakes have become one of the most popular animals among both children and adults.

Our Naturalists have also noticed that many visitors already know Éducazoo before arriving at the booth. Some mention attending one of our educational activities elsewhere, while others spontaneously say they plan to return during a future visit to Parc Safari. For many families, this experience becomes one of the highlights of their day.

 

A Partnership Where Everyone Benefits

This partnership demonstrates that it is possible to offer memorable experiences without compromising animal welfare.

Parc Safari enriches its educational programming with species it does not already house, animals that are particularly well suited to educational interactions. Meanwhile, Éducazoo's animal ambassadors continue benefiting from regular stimulation, an experienced team that knows them individually, and schedules designed around their specific needs.

Most importantly, visitors experience two complementary ways of discovering the animal world: observing magnificent large animals in their habitats while also enjoying close encounters with smaller species that create meaningful personal connections with wildlife.