Joanie Asselin From a Young Animal Lover to Leading the Éducazoo Sanctuaries
5 November 2026
Who is Joanie Asselin, the owner of Éducazoo? How can a passion for animals turn into a career in biology and eventually lead to running two animal sanctuaries? How can a family business contribute to protecting hundreds of exotic animals?
Behind Éducazoo, its educational activities and its two animal sanctuaries is a woman who has devoted her life to animals since childhood. A biologist, entrepreneur and company president, Joanie Asselin grew up at the heart of a family project that she continues to help evolve today.
In this blog article, discover Joanie Asselin's journey, her scientific and entrepreneurial achievements, and the values that guide her mission to care for animals today.
A Passion for Animals That Began in Childhood
The story of Éducazoo begins with its founders, Sylvain Asselin and Danielle Vanier, two animal lovers who envisioned a company that would allow the public to discover domestic and exotic species through educational presentations.
From a very young age, Joanie grew up surrounded by animals and actively participated in this family adventure. Her interest in the animal kingdom quickly went beyond simple curiosity: she wanted to understand animal behaviour, their needs and their place in nature.
In 2004, her passion was even recognized when she won a trophy at KARV, l'anti.gala, for her love of animals. This early recognition already reflected her commitment to the animal world.
From Animal Lover to Biologist: Science at the Heart of Her Journey
To deepen her knowledge, Joanie pursued a bachelor's degree in biology, followed by a master's degree at the Université de Montréal. Her research included a biological study conducted for the Ministry of Transport.
Alongside her studies, she remained involved with Éducazoo. She developed her skills in science communication, the art of explaining scientific knowledge in language everyone can understand. She also presented her research at international conferences.
This combination of scientific research and animal education would profoundly influence the way she developed the company. For Joanie, meeting an animal should also be an opportunity to better understand its species, its environment and the behaviours we should adopt to respect its needs.
2015: A New Generation Takes the Reins at Éducazoo
After more than 15 years working in the family business, Joanie became the owner of Éducazoo in 2015. She continued the work started by her parents while placing an increasing emphasis on science, education and animal welfare.
Under her leadership, the company developed approximately thirty animal education themes designed to support student learning. These activities explore natural sciences in connection with the educational objectives of the Ministry of Education, from elementary school through vocational training.
Today, Éducazoo's naturalists continue to share this knowledge in schools, daycares and many other establishments. Encounters with animals become opportunities to discover biodiversity while encouraging responsible behaviours.
A Quebec Entrepreneur Recognized for Her Achievements
Over the years, Joanie Asselin has distinguished herself in Quebec's entrepreneurial community. She notably won two awards at the 17th Quebec Entrepreneurship Contest: the Femmesessor Lanaudière Award and the People's Choice Award.
She also received the Emerging Entrepreneur Award at the Gala Vision, along with several grants and financial contributions supporting education, scientific development and digital innovation. These contributions notably enabled Éducazoo to develop facilities dedicated to virtual educational presentations.
In 2022, she was named among the 25 Impact Leaders recognized as part of Evol's 1001 Reasons campaign. This distinction highlighted her company's contribution to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including quality education, reduced inequalities and life on land.
Her expertise has also led her to share her knowledge through various media outlets, including Radio-Canada, TVA, Télé-Québec, Canal D and Canal Vie.
Two Sanctuaries and Hundreds of Animals: A Growing Mission
Beyond the awards and distinctions, one of Joanie's most important achievements remains the development of Éducazoo's exotic animal rescue mission.
Over the past few years, Éducazoo has developed two sanctuaries, located in Terrebonne and Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, near Quebec City. Together, they are now home to more than 700 animals, including parrots, reptiles and small mammals, many of which were abandoned or entrusted to the sanctuary when their owners could no longer meet their needs.
The organization has also contributed to more than a thousand exotic animal rehomings, helping find new living environments suited to their needs.
For Joanie, this mission requires much more than simply providing animals with a roof over their heads. It involves appropriate care, suitable habitats, daily monitoring by Animal Care Specialists and decisions based on the welfare of each resident.
Who Is Joanie Asselin Today?
Today, Joanie Asselin is the president, owner and a biologist at Éducazoo. After dedicating much of her career to scientific research, animal education and the development of the family business, she is now focusing more on the growth and future of her two sanctuaries.
Although she remains involved in major decisions concerning the animals and retains the right to veto decisions, she relies on the expertise of her directors : sales, scientific and human resources, who oversee decisions within their respective areas. This collaboration allows her to delegate some operational responsibilities while ensuring that the values that have shaped Éducazoo continue to be respected.
Joanie can also count on a team of naturalists, Animal Care Specialists and professionals who contribute to the company's mission every day. Her mother, Danielle, also remains involved in this family adventure, several decades after its creation.
A Vision for the Future: Growing Éducazoo to Welcome More Animals
In the coming years, Joanie Asselin aims to strengthen Éducazoo's reputation as a leading authority in animal education in Quebec, while continuing to expand its services and educational activities. But behind this desire for growth lies a very specific motivation: providing a future for more animals in need.
For Joanie, helping Éducazoo thrive also means giving its sanctuaries the resources to welcome more abandoned exotic animals or animals in need of a new home. Every new development opportunity represents a chance to support this rescue mission while maintaining high standards of animal welfare.
From the young animal lover recognized in 2004 to the president now preparing the next chapter of her company, Joanie continues to pursue the same goal: introducing people to the animal world so they can better protect it, while providing a home for animals in need.
