Our Mission

• Within the species appropriate biology treat every being as you yourself would choose to be treated
• Don’t go broke
• Save the World
• Each day is a moment, seize the moment
• Give more than you take

As more and more of the North American human population resides within the urban environment, we need to have places to remind us that we share this earth and that we all have a responsibility in ensuring the health of the planet.

We term the separateness between urban humans and other animals, "Animal Apartheid". It is this disconnection, which the zoo views as the greatest threat to a healthy planet.

If we are to preserve and strengthen the dwindling numbers of the earth's animals, we must instill in all people a wonder and love for animals. We shall only save what we know and we will only know what we are taught. It is Bowmanville Zoo's mandate to reduce the separateness that has developed through "Animal Apartheid". In this quest, the Zoo showcases the partnerships and relationships, which exist between humans and animals of the zoo.

Within the captive environment, the greatest threats to our animals are boredom and obesity. By working with them in a positive setting, the benefits to the animals are enormous. A profound respect for their natural abilities forms the foundation of the operant conditioning principles, which are employed in the behavioural modification of the animals.

The ramification of the approach is that it insures a strong bond of mutual trust, understanding and respect between humans and animals. If we are to turn the tide of environmental abuse currently at play, we must use the bonds between humans and other animals to re-forge a conversational commitment, which will ensure the continual survival of humans, animals and the planet earth.

People can't go anywhere else to find the up-close and personal animal interactive opportunities the Bowmanville Zoo encourages. Whether it's in the Animatheatre or Animal Encounters, these interactions fulfill the zoo's goal to provide education and enlightenment through entertainment and to showcase the special relationship between people and animals.

Education and conservation are the essences of Bowmanville Zoo. These motivations underscore the content of the show performances, the keeper talks and the educational programs.

The key to conservation and protection of wildlife is public education about animals and environmental issues. The Bowmanville Zoo prides itself on its deep concern and integrative approach to the care of animals and community involvement in moving towards an ecological balance.

Here we`re dedicated to the protection and conservation of endangered species. Children (including those young at heart!) will learn about the animals in unique and entertaining ways, particularly through first-hand experience. Such an educational approach has proven to be most effective in facilitating learning.