Go wild at Chippewa Park's new wildlife rescue exhibition

(THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO) – Be informed. Be inspired! You won’t want to miss the eye-opening, yet uplifting, travelling exhibition Wildlife Rescue which is now on display at Chippewa Park.

Science North and the City of Thunder Bay have collaborated to bring this special exhibition to Thunder Bay.

Wildlife populations around the world are under enormous stress due to pollution, deforestation and habitat encroachment, with species becoming endangered and some on the brink of extinction. Through this exhibition, visitors of all ages will experience compelling stories of animal rescue from around the world. Through interactive exhibits, they’ll step into the rescue efforts to experience and learn the innovative science involved in wildlife rescue. Visitors will also experiment with techniques and tools used by rescuers through hands-on exhibits and multimedia experiences. Wildlife Rescue explores the rehabilitation of different species that share Earth with us, and how we as individuals can make a difference.

“The Harper Government is proud to invest in Science North to help bring its Wildlife Rescue traveling exhibit to communities across Northern Ontario,” said the Honourable Greg Rickford, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources and Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario (FedNor).  “This strategic initiative will further position our region as a tourism destination of choice for travelers, while providing a new and exciting learning opportunity for Canadians of all ages.”

“By bringing dynamic exhibitions such as Wildlife Rescue to northern communities, Science North, with the support of the NOHFC, is making it possible for students and residents to benefit from interactive educational experiences close to home. It will also help four Northern Ontario attractions provide new experiences for local visitors, an important element in operating successfully in the North,” said the Honourable Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines and Chair of the NOHFC.

“I am pleased to see that Wildlife Rescue will be making a stop in Thunder Bay. This exhibit will provide a unique visitor experience for both tourists and the local community,” said the Honourable Bill Mauro, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry and the MPP for Thunder Bay-Atikokan.

Wildlife Rescue, a travelling exhibition produced by Science North in 2011, is touring Northern Ontario until September 2015 with stops in four communities, including Thunder Bay. 

“On behalf of the four attractions who will benefit from this investment, we’re thankful for the support of the federal and provincial governments on this exciting project,” stated Guy Labine, Science North CEO.  “The opportunity to work with other Northern Ontario attractions to tour this exhibition in the North, offers a greater opportunity to inspire people of all ages to be engaged with the science in the world around them. The Wildlife Rescue tour also serves to build tourism in Northern Ontario by encouraging first-time and repeat visits to each host venue and community.”

“The City of Thunder Bay is pleased to host this engaging exhibit in our community. I encourage residents and tourists to visit Wildlife Rescue at Chippewa Park and experience the innovative science involved in the exhibit,” said Thunder Bay Mayor Keith Hobbs. “We are very pleased with Science North’s increased presence in Thunder Bay and look forward to more exciting collaborations.”

Travelling exhibitions such as Wildlife Rescue provide a significant element of change and augment the visitor experience, which is critical to attracting local audiences and tourists. Wildlife Rescue is making its last stop in Thunder Bay as part of its Northern Ontario tour.  Wildlife Rescue opened in Sault Ste. Marie on July 20, after successful tours in Kenora and Kirkland Lake earlier this year. It will then continue on its regularly scheduled North American tour.  Wildlife Rescue is the 8th travelling exhibition to be produced by Science North.

The Wildlife Rescue Northern Ontario Tour is supported by the federal government through the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario (FedNor), and the provincial government through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC). 

The Wildlife Rescue Northern Ontario Tour is a Science North led initiative, which includes the collaboration of four partners:  The City of Kenora’s Lake of the Woods Discovery Centre, Hockey Heritage North in Kirkland Lake, The Sault Ste. Marie Science Festival and the City of Thunder Bay’s Chippewa Park.

The Wildlife Rescue exhibition in Thunder Bay is also supported by Tourism Northern Ontario, Bearskin Airlines and Comfort Inn.