Our Main Events Focus On Northeast Ohio Wildlife

We are all about local wildlife, conservation and education. Forty years ago we were told to recycle, plant trees and help stop global warming and pollution. Our planet is now reaching a point where a few individuals may not do much to stop it, but every little bit helps! We are starting by carrying plush that have been crafted from recycled fiber made from plastics, preventing more new plastics from being added to the environment and offering a fun, friendly and rewarding experience for everyone to learn in!

Wildlife Education

First things first, our local wildlife is closest to us and is the most relatable. Instead of trying to present the idea of a huge factory in a large city polluting the environment, or fishing nets trapping sea turtles in the ocean, we start by focusing on relatable scenarios such as an animal being caught in fishing line, or getting its head stuck in a discarded food container. Besides environmental factors, there are also issues created by direct human impact – wild animals are not pets, yet a growing number of social media influencers are using them for attention which more than likely ends sadly.

Sensory, Hands-On Experience

Besides our plush setting a good example by being crafted from recycled fibers, they are soft to the touch and quite desirable! From picking out a plush to “bringing it to life” using recycled poly fiber we are not only providing a positive hands-on experience, but also a positive introduction to the benefits of recycling.

Conservation Education

As we know, some resources can’t be replenished as quickly as they are used up; while other resources are man-made but may be hurting the planet like plastics and waste. We strive to open discussion on what practices are practical but also beneficial to our environment.

Impact on the Planet

How does all of this impact the planet? Some may not even realize the smallest acts can have a big impact! We typically set up a “recycle only” bin during our events with information about how our plush are made from up to the equivalent of 9.5 plastic water bottles – and how recycling them can keep them out of the environment.

Understanding Individual Roles

Every individual can help make the planet a better place for wildlife and people! Every little bit helps from picking up trash to recycling and helping animals or local natural areas in need. We can also touch on calling a wildlife rehabilitator when you might find an animal that needs help. These individuals are trained to care for wildlife and return them to the wild.

Sign the Pledge

Our Wild Friends come with a Wildlife Pledge vs. a birth certificate. Participants can still name their new Wild Friend, but before they add the heart they will hold it against theirs and recite the pledge! Once recited and the heart is put inside their new friend, participants will sign the pledge.

Sharing Information

We also encourage participants to share information and make sure that they do research and look up facts on how to help. There is a lot of misinformation still floating around as well as fallacies that get repeated quite often such as “bats always get caught in your hair” or “all raccoons carry rabies” which hurt perceptions of local wildlife and may cause unnecessary harm to certain animal populations.

Hunting Animals vs. Hurting Animals

We are NOT AGAINST HUNTING animals! Actually, if you have a little hunter who wants camouflage themed “hunting” birthday party we are happy to help! Feel free to bring out the foam shooters! Hunting (and fishing) can put food on the table for many families as it did mine growing up. With that, we were taught to respect wildlife, and not let an animal suffer. If a child asks “What about hunting?” while taking the wildlife pledge we will tell them it is okay to hunt and that is not part of the pledge.