The Earth Rangers, along with a contingent of their live Animal Ambassadors, made a special stop at Duclos Elementary School on Oct. 15, as part of the Bring Back The Wild School Show tour.
Fellow Earth Rangers and wildlife biologists Andy Cockburn and Laura Huculak showed videos and spoke with students about importance of biodiversity and a healthy environment and how they can get involved in protecting animals and their natural habitats.
Joining Cockburn and Huculak were their group of Animal Ambassadors, including Echo the barn owl, Blue the peregrine falcon, Linus the Harris hawk and Crimson the metre-long tegu from South America. The ambassadors quickly gained the attention of students and helped to demonstrate the natural behaviours of animals, said Cockburn.
“The program is about educating kids on biodiversity and inspiring them to take an interest in our amazing environment,” explained Cockburn. “Part of the way we do this is by bringing along our live Animal Ambassadors.”
He said, “We give the students some natural history about the different animals, some of the challenges facing the wildlife and some of the things they can do to help protect animals and their habitats.”
When asked whether anyone was a fan of Earth Rangers before Monday's presentation, the gymnasium filled with nearly 400 students burst into cheers and applause.
“Of course I want to be an Earth Ranger,” said Grade 3 student Mackenzie MacGillvary, following the presentation.
Grade 4 student Nicholas Pelke said he was already very interested in animals and protecting the environment, so he was very excited to hear the Earth Rangers were making a stop at his school.
“I have a pet dove at home and when (the Earth Rangers) brought out their birds, I thought that was so cool. The animals were my favourite part,” said Pelke.
The Earth Rangers are currently embarked on a nation-wide tour, promoting their Bring Back the Wild Show. The show not only educates kids about animals and the environment, it also provides ways to get involved.
Cockburn said, “Bring Back the Wild is a kid-powered fundraising campaign, where the kids that want to get involved actually get a chance to help the animals at risk.”
The funds raised through Bring Back the Wild are split, with 50 per cent going towards protecting habitats across Canada and the other half going towards Earth Rangers education programs and presentations.
Duclos principal Richard Cameron said the Earth Rangers program supports the school's science curriculum as well as the school's “positive outlook towards the environment and the natural world.”
“I think this helps teach the students about the natural world and that it is worth taking care of,” said Cameron.
He also thanked Devon Energy for sponsoring the Earth Rangers visit to Duclos, ensuring that the students “did not miss out on this wonderful opportunity.”
