Visit Wildlife Rescue from January 13 to April 5, 2026. Learn how scientists are working to save wildlife at risk and find out what you can do to help keep these creatures safe!
Animals
Visitors can view a grey rat snake, red-knee tarantula, hog island boa constrictor, Burmese star tortoise, crested gecko, cane toad, and domestic ferrets in specially designed habitats, and learn what makes each species unique. All habitats provide enrichment, access to nourishment, and private spaces for the animals.
- Grey rat snakes can be up to 2.4m long. They are endangered in the northern parts of their range in eastern Canada; they live as far south as Florida.
- Red-knee tarantulas live on the Pacific coast of Mexico. Tarantulas are venomous, but most tarantula venom is relatively mild and not deadly to humans.
- Hog island boa constrictors are only found on two islands in Honduras. They were over collected for the pet trade, but trade restrictions and captive breeding allowed their population to bounce back. Most boas give birth to fully formed babies instead of laying eggs.
- The Burmese star tortoise is a critically endangered species, but conservation efforts are underway to help the population rebound in Myanmar. The tortoise in Wildlife Rescue was smuggled into Canada and confiscated.
- Crested geckos live more than 25 years, if they drop their tail it doesn’t grow back! Crested geckos were thought to be extinct, until an expedition to New Caledonia in 1994 found them again.
- Cane toads are native to Central American rainforests and were successfully used as a form of natural pest control in other parts of Central America. The cane toads in Wildlife Rescue were removed from Florida, where they are an invasive species.
- Domestic ferrets are not a species at risk; however, they are a great model species for the black-footed ferret which is at risk. Modern threats include habitat loss and low genetic diversity.
Activity Stations
Learn about animals and conservation with hands-on activities.
Education Programmes
Education programmes are available. Wildlife Rescue pairs well with our life systems programme but can be combined with any of our education programmes.
Little Ray’s Exhibitions
Wildlife Rescue was created by Little Ray’s Exhibitions, based in Ottawa. Little Ray’s is one of the largest animal rescues in North America; they strive to create memorable and educational experiences that promote animal conservation and welfare. They are nationally accredited by the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums and are licenced by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.
Little Ray’s operates a formal rescue foundation (FARE) and participates in conservation release programs (for example: massasauga rattlesnakes and wood turtles). While the ambassador animals in this exhibit aren’t candidates for release, they are cared for under the same accredited standards.
Little Ray’s has provided extensive training to our staff; they will monitor animal habitats and provide support for the duration of the exhibit. The health and safety of the animals in our care is our priority, please let our staff know if you have any concerns.