Wildlife Preservation Canada is Canada’s acknowledged expert resource in direct intervention programs for saving endangered animal species from extinction.
We are the only non-governmental organization in Canada involved in captive breeding and release, reintroduction, nest protection, and other beneficial hands-on recovery practices with multiple species in multiple projects across the country. We always work in partnership with other organizations, and in collaboration with expert Recovery Teams.
Wildlife Preservation Canada (WPC) integrates many different, yet critically important, components of an effective conservation program. Four key characteristics set us apart from other national and international conservation groups:
Species-led conservation rather than habitat-led conservation
Species recovery is the only proven tool to protect the most endangered animals. Simply protecting a species’ habitat may not be enough to save a species on the brink of extinction. The success of our approach has been proven around the world, both to save species at risk, and to give an identity or focus to habitat preservation efforts.
High quality, hands-on science
It takes well-designed scientific research to protect and save species. Our scientists collect high-quality field data so they can plan effective strategies to better manage wild populations and improve habitat.
Hands-on intervention
We also have proven skills in captive breeding, wildlife management, re-introductions and translocations to boost dwindling populations or move animals to safer areas.
A commitment to training and building conservation capacity
We work with very special people for whom conservation is not just a phase in their lives, but their whole lives. We provide hands-on training and field experience in the methods of endangered species conservation and management to young Canadian scientists through the intensive eight month Canada’s New Noah program. We also support the applied field work of Canadian graduate students working with species at risk, ensuring that vital knowledge for conserving species at risk is collected while supporting the conservation career path of dedicated Canadian scientists – please see our Featured Scientists. Finally, through internships and field assistant positions with our species at risk recovery programs, we provide opportunities for young scientists to gain practical hands-on experience with species at risk in Canada.
WPC works to save both Canadian Species and Overseas Species.
If you are interested in partnering with us in a species recovery effort, please visit our Partner Resource Area.
Our current program partners are:
- African Lion Safari
- Burrowing Owl Conservation Society of BC
- Calgary University
- Conservation Halton – Mountsberg Raptor Centre
- Environment Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service
- Greater Vancouver Zoo
- Magnetic Hill Zoo
- Nature Conservancy Canada
- Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
- Ontario Parks
- Parks Canada
- Queen’s University
- The Couchiching Conservancy
- Toronto Zoo
- University of Guelph
- York University
