February 17 – April 29, 2018
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory
Focusing on the remarkable biodiversity seen in Ontario province, the Wild Ontario Exhibit at the Butterfly Conservatory will feature a wide range of species found here, both common and endangered.
The exhibit will give you a chance to view the 5 most well-known classes of animals: mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, fish and invertebrates. You will see a barn owl, American kestrel, porcupine, skunk, wood turtle, spotted turtle, common toad, grey tree frog, yellow spotted salamander, black rat snake, garter snake and gar pike. Learn why some species may thrive around humans while others are at risk of extinction.
In addition to the live animal exhibit, there will be panel displays on other Ontario species, major ecosystems, and measures that can be adopted to assist species in our backyards and in the wild.
Ecozones of Ontario
An ecozone is a biogeographic area with unique mineral and rock composition that separates it from its neighbouring regions. Ontario, the second largest province in Canada, is classified into three unique ecozones: the Hudson Bay Lowlands, the Ontario Shield, and the Mixed Wood Plains.
The geology of an area is an important factor in determining the types and number of plants and animals that may live there. Scientists separate landmasses into ecozones to study the organisms they contain based on similar or dissimilar groupings.
Education at Niagara Parks
Wild Ontario introduces visitors to amazing and diverse native species of Ontario. The exhibit provides educators an opportunity to educate students on a variety of topics linked to the Ontario curriculum.
Students can learn about animal adaptations, including winter survival adaptations; diversity of animal and plant life, species at risk and what can be done to save them; Ontario ecosystem and habitat loss; food chains; and invasion and naturalization of species.
Schools that want to bring their students to the Butterfly Conservatory’s Wild Ontario exhibit can contact Niagara Parks’ group sales team. Please call 1-877-642-7275 ext. 2 to find out more!