World Teachers’ Day From Naturalist to Future Teacher, Megan’s Journey

Can you learn how to teach somewhere other than in a classroom? How can working as a Naturalist prepare a future teacher? How can animals become true allies in sparking young people’s curiosity?

On the occasion of World Teachers’ Day, celebrated on October 5, we wanted to highlight a journey that truly represents Éducazoo’s educational mission: that of Megan Boivin, a Naturalist at Éducazoo for the past four years and a future teacher.

In this blog article, our biologist Roxanne Brunelle introduces you to Megan’s journey, from her arrival through the Canada Summer Jobs program to her studies in education, including thousands of encounters with young people, the creation of educational tools for teachers and a very special involvement with Chaupin, our white-crested cockatoo.

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What is a Naturalist at Éducazoo?

For the past four years, Megan has been introducing the animal world to a wide variety of audiences. As a Naturalist, she has led activities in schools, daycares and several other settings, in addition to participating in filming with some of our residents.

Her role is not simply to present an animal. An educational activity with animals requires explaining scientific concepts in accessible terms, answering questions, adapting her vocabulary to the age of the group and, above all, constantly observing the behaviour of the animal being presented.

A kindergarten group and a class of teenagers are not captivated in the same way. Being a Naturalist therefore also means learning to read your audience, adjust your approach and find the right way to communicate information. In short, to be a chameleon!

That already sounds a lot like teaching, doesn’t it?

From Canada Summer Jobs to four years at Éducazoo

Megan’s story at Éducazoo began through the Canada Summer Jobs program, which notably allows young people to gain practical experience in the workforce.

What was meant to be a summer experience turned into a journey spanning several years. Over time, Megan developed her knowledge of animal education, behaviour, science communication and educational activities with young people.

And she is far from the only one bridging the worlds of animals and education at Éducazoo. Chloé, Roxanne, Mélissa and Alyson are also members of our team who work in the education sector. This diversity of backgrounds allows us to combine knowledge about animals with knowledge related to learning and youth development.

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Chaupin: learning to observe before intervening

Megan’s journey at Éducazoo, however, has not been limited to educational activities. Her involvement with Chaupin, our white-crested cockatoo, is probably one of the best examples.

Chaupin was experiencing a complex issue involving self-mutilation, meaning that she was harming certain parts of her own body, particularly her feet. Veterinary examinations had notably revealed a neurological component affecting sensation in part of her left foot.

Her care required time: veterinary follow-ups, treatments, hydrotherapy, massages, wearing a protective collar and behavioural work were among the measures put in place.

Megan became particularly involved in her care. She worked to develop a trusting relationship with Chaupin and participated in her behavioural training. During a more difficult period, she even temporarily welcomed her into her home to ensure continuity of care.

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When patience becomes a learning tool

In March 2025, an attempt to remove Chaupin’s protective collar had to be stopped when the self-mutilation began again. The work therefore had to continue, while observing her reactions and respecting her pace.

After more than a year of effort and follow-up, Chaupin was finally able to live without her protective collar. Her progress is the result of several interventions and teamwork, but Megan’s involvement in this journey earned her special recognition at Éducazoo.

This experience also illustrates something important about animal welfare: we cannot ask an animal to adapt simply because our first approach does not work. We need to observe, understand what triggers a behaviour and adjust our interventions.

A way of working that also resonates in the field of education: observe, try an approach and adapt it when the person in front of us learns differently.

From Naturalist to creator of educational tools

Today, Megan’s experience with young people allows her to contribute to another aspect of Éducazoo’s mission: the creation of educational tools for teachers.

Megan is notably working on materials that will accompany our turnkey thematic packages for schools. The goal is simple: to allow teachers to prepare their students before an Éducazoo activity and continue certain learning activities without having to become specialists in the subject themselves.

Preparatory quizzes, questions about the concepts covered and materials related to learning objectives help create a common thread around the activity. Teachers therefore have access to ready-made tools that they can integrate more easily into their planning.

For Megan, it is a new way to combine two worlds she is becoming increasingly familiar with: teaching and animal education.

At Éducazoo, many paths lead to education

Megan is currently pursuing her studies to obtain her teaching degree. After four years of explaining, asking questions, making science accessible and adapting to groups of children, her journey at Éducazoo has provided her with a rather unique learning environment.

She shares this passion for education with other members of the team, including Chloé, Roxanne, Mélissa and Alyson, who are also involved in the field of education. For an organization where a large part of our activities take place in schools, this expertise provides valuable insight into how our content is shared with young people.

A tarantula can spark a hundred questions. A snake can turn hesitation into curiosity. And a cockatoo like Chaupin can remind us that we do not all learn in the same way or at the same pace.

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World Teachers’ Day and those who will become teachers

World Teachers’ Day is an opportunity to recognize the work of those who share their knowledge every day, but also to look at the next generation preparing to take over.

For Megan, the past four years have been filled with schools, daycares, animals, filming, children’s questions and situations where she had to quickly find the right way to explain something. Today, she even participates in designing the tools that will help other teachers introduce the animal world to their students.

Soon, the setting may change to a classroom. But one thing will remain familiar: sparking young people’s curiosity and making them want to learn more. And that is something Megan has already been practising for four years.

Frequently searched questions

What is an animal Naturalist?

A Naturalist shares knowledge about animals and nature with the public by adapting their explanations to their audience.

How can you prepare students for an educational activity with animals?

Educational tools for teachers, such as preparatory quizzes and activities related to the concepts covered, help introduce concepts before the activity and continue learning afterward.

What is a turnkey educational package for a school?

A turnkey educational package provides the teacher with an activity as well as complementary educational materials to facilitate preparation and the integration of learning in the classroom.

Can you work with animals while studying to become a teacher?

Yes. Science education and animal education notably provide opportunities to develop skills in science communication, communication and adapting to different audiences.

What is self-mutilation in a parrot?

Self-mutilation in parrots is a complex behaviour that can have various medical or behavioural components. Professional evaluation and follow-up are important to investigate the causes and adapt interventions.