Annual Report 2025-26
AGM Details
- Wednesday, July 23rd 2026 | 12pm-1pm YST
- Online via Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/her-niyq-aki
Supporting Documents
- Draft agenda for 2025-07-23 AGM (forthcoming)
- Minutes for 2025-07-07 AGM.pdf
- YWPOS Financial Statements (forthcoming)
- YWPOS Bylaws - Adopted 2023-03-05.pdf
About the Preserve in 2025-26
Our Mission
The Yukon Wildlife Preserve is a non-profit, charitable organization. The Perserve is operated under the full name of the Yukon Wildlife Preserve Operating Society (YWPOS).
The YWPOS Board adopted a new mission and values in January 2025.
Mission
The Yukon Wildlife Preserve cultivates reciprocal, respectful relationships between people and the natural world through accessible, impactful experiences with northern wildlife and landscapes.
“Reciprocal, respectful relationships” broadens the concept of “conservation” to express a more holistic, Yukon approach to environmental stewardship that emphasizes balance and our interconnectedness with nature. “Cultivate” emphasizes intentional effort, preparation, and active involvement over time.
We feel a deep responsibility to honour the gifts wildlife provide us and affect meaningful change in our world.
Core Values
Uniquely Yukon
We’re proud of doing things differently. Together, we explore and celebrate the diversity of ways Yukoners coexist with wildlife and the natural world. The Preserve’s natural setting puts people at ease and enables mindful, reflective, and sometimes healing experiences with the land and wildlife.
Awe, Curiosity and Learning
Experiencing wildlife is powerful. We want to ignite the spark that leads to lifelong passion for learning about our natural environment and appreciating and stewarding wildlife. We also strive to be rigorous in what we, and others, can learn (and then share) from nature.
Stewardship
We have one planet. At the Preserve, stewardship starts with providing a high standard of animal welfare. In addition to reducing our negative impact on the planet, we strive to support biodiversity and natural processes, both at the Preserve and beyond.
Yukon First Nations
The Preserve is located on the Traditional Territories of the Kwanlin Dun First Nation and Ta’an Kwach’an Council, and the species at the Preserve have home ranges on the traditional territory of all of Yukon’s 14 First Nations. We acknowledge our place in a complex history of colonization and displacement. We recognize our responsibility to learn and renew our relationships with Yukon’s First Nations Peoples based on the recognition of rights, respect, and partnership.
Our Team
People are the heart of the Preserve. Wherever we meet people along their journey, we want to build relationships and create opportunities for growth and development. We are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful work environment where every team member contributes to our success.
Our Board and Committees
The YWPOS Board in 2025-26 included:
- Michael Bennett, President
- Shawna Warshawski, Vice-president
- Bonnie Love, Treasurer
- Kirk Cameron
- Justine Benjamin
- Chantel Niven
- Ceara Crawford
The YWPOS board typically meets approximately 6 times each year.
The board is responsible for several key committees that provide oversight and support to various aspects of operations. These include:
Executive Committee - works closely with the Executive Director on a regular basis - meets monthly. Current Committee members:
- Michael Benett, President
- Shawna Warshawski, Vice-president
- Bonnie Love, Treasurer
- Jake Paleczny, ED
Animal Care Committee - oversight and support on care and management of the collection - meets monthly to quarterly depending on need. Current committee members:
- Justine Benjamin (chair)
- Dr. Cori-Anne Huisman (YWP Veterinarian)
- Jane Harms (Chief Veterinary Officer)
- Randy Hallock (Manager of Outdoor Operations)
- Dr. Julianna Campbell
- Bill Klassen
- Dave Mossop
- Jake Paleczny
Education Interpretation Committee - assists on education and experience based projects - meets as required. Committee members:
- Shawna Warshawski (Chair)
- Neil Tracey
- Lindsay Caskenette
- Jake Paleczny
Research Committee - reviews research proposals and makes recommendations to the board - meets as required. Committee members:
- Dave Mossop
- Fiona Schmiegelow
- Jake Paleczny
- Justine Benjamin
- Rebecca Carter
Other ad hoc committees and work groups are formed as required to tackle specific projects!
Learn more about the YWPOS Board, Board Committees, or connect with the board.
Our Staff
The YWPOS Management Team included:
Jake Paleczny, Executive Director/CEO
Randy Hallock, Manager of Outdoor Operations
Dr. Cori-Anne Huisman, Veterinarian and Animal Care Manager (arrived fall 2025)
Jan Moeller, Animal Care Manager (departed summer 2025)
Lindsay Caskenette, Manager of Visitor Services
Neil Tracey, Manager of Education and Programming
Learn more about everybody on the YWP staff team and get in touch.
Photos by Lindsay Caskenette, Jake Paleczny, Brittney Forsythe, and our Animal Care Team
President's Report
Over the past year, the Yukon Wildlife Preserve has taken several important steps that will help shape our future for years to come. Most significantly, the Board and Management team completed and began implementing a new three-year Strategic Plan that establishes a clear vision and direction for the Preserve. Built through collaboration with our Board, staff, partners, and community, the plan reflects our shared commitment to advancing animal care and welfare, strengthening relationships with Yukon First Nations, enhancing visitor experiences, expanding education and conservation programming, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of this remarkable organization.
One of the most exciting milestones this year has been the re-introduction of an in-house veterinarian. This investment represents a significant advancement in the care and well-being of the animals entrusted to us. Having dedicated veterinary expertise as part of our team strengthens our ability to provide exceptional preventative, emergency, and long-term care while supporting our continued commitment to the highest standards of animal welfare.
The past year has also brought change within the Yukon Government following the territorial election. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to congratulate the Honourable Wade Istchenko on his appointment as Minister of Environment. We look forward to working with Minister Istchenko and the new Government as we continue to develop and advance the Preserve as one of Yukon’s premier conservation, education, and tourism destinations. We greatly value the Government of Yukon's ongoing support and its commitment to wildlife conservation and environmental education.
None of the accomplishments of the past year would have been possible without the dedication of many people. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to my fellow Board members for their thoughtful governance, guidance, and countless volunteer hours. Their commitment to the long-term success of the Preserve continues to be invaluable.
I would also like to recognize our Executive Director, management team, staff, and volunteers. Their professionalism, passion, and unwavering commitment to animal care, conservation, education, and visitor experience are evident every day. Whether caring for our animals, welcoming visitors, delivering educational programming, rehabilitating injured wildlife, or maintaining the Preserve's beautiful grounds and facilities, their work is the foundation of everything we accomplish.
Finally, I want to thank our members, visitors, donors, sponsors, and the broader Yukon community for your continued support. Every visit to the Preserve, every child who participates in one of our camps or educational programs, every donation, and every partnership helps us fulfill our mission. Your support allows us to continue caring for Yukon wildlife, inspiring the next generation of conservationists, and providing meaningful experiences that connect people with the natural world.
The Yukon Wildlife Preserve continues to grow and evolve, but our purpose remains constant: to provide outstanding animal care, inspire conservation through education, and create exceptional experiences that foster a deeper appreciation for Yukon wildlife and the landscapes we all share.
Thank you for your continued confidence in the Yukon Wildlife Preserve. We look forward to welcoming you back throughout the coming year as we continue building an even stronger future together.
Michael Bennett
President
Yukon Wildlife Preserve Operating Society
Treasurer's Report
Forthcoming!
Executive Director's Report
It is with pride and gratitude that I share the accomplishments of the 2025-26 fiscal year—a meaningful period where the Yukon Wildlife Preserve saw new growth in visitation, enhanced our standards of animal care, and began putting our long-term strategy into motion.
This year we welcomed over 35,000 guests. August marked the highest-attended month in our history. More people visited that month than in any of the first 5 years the Preserve was in operation! Thanks to new merch featuring Yukon artists and collaborators, that growth was matched by new enthusiasm for our gift shop.
We made important strides in both the care of our animals and the stewardship of our land. We welcomed Dr. Cori-Anne Huisman as our full-time, on-site Veterinarian and Animal Care Manager, which strengthens our preventative and long-term care capabilities. Our animal family grew with a successful spring breeding season, the arrival of a non-releasable golden eagle, and our newest rescued moose calf, Atlin. Thanks to foundation funding we were also able to invest again in some major animal care equipment like a portable x-ray generator, ultrasound and other handy tools.
On the grounds, our teams worked diligently on habitat restoration projects and upgrades to fencing and animal handling infrastructure. We also invested in some upgrades to benches around the site.
Meanwhile, our education team engaged more than 1,000 Yukon students on-site and secured startup funding from the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation to develop a new virtual school program.
Behind the scenes, we also finished up the planning process and began implementing our new three-year Strategic Plan. We were fortunate to have a record year in donations that is helping to lay the foundation for this strategic plan. Former Wildlife Interpreter Stephen Kendall sadly passed away last year leaving the Preserve $25,000 - a testament to the passion he had for sharing the Preserve with people. We also saw $20,000 from Sovereign General Insurance and $8,000 from ATCO.
None of this would be possible without our dedicated staff and volunteers, whose daily hard work keeps the Preserve running through every season. I am deeply grateful to our members, donors, and partners. Your steady trust and support fuel our conservation mission and allow us to continue connecting people with the natural world.
Operations Report
Some of the highlights from the Outdoor Operations Department include:
Spring (April - June)
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Maintaining operational readiness: Plowed snow, cleared overgrown ditches, mowed foxtail, and fabricated custom sides for the trailer and F350 flatdeck.
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Animal Habitat and Fencing Upgrades: Consolidated project piping, constructed a new ram catch pen and dismantled the old bunny pen.
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Visitor Facilities Upgrades: Completed landscaping upgrades at the front reception area and constructed a new garbage shed.
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Assisting other teams: Supported the animal care team with daily feeding, watering, pasture cleaning, and animal immobilizations.
Summer (July - September)
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Maintaining operational readiness: Cleaned ditches, prepped fence posts, mowed foxtail, and managed routine pasture maintenance.
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Animal Habitat and Fencing Upgrades: Constructed the main elk herd catchpen and diversion gates, cleared the new northeast moose fence line, and repaired cliffside goat fencing.
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Visitor Facilities Upgrades: Upgraded fox/lynx habitat plexiglass, and installed gravel pads for new visitor benches across the grounds.
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Assisting other teams: Assisted with chipping old browse sticks.
Fall (October - December)
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Maintaining operational readiness: Managed heavy December snow removal, serviced the vehicle fleet, and coordinated major repairs on the primary loader.
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Animal Habitat and Fencing Upgrades: Advanced construction on the moose fence line until snowfall and coordinated front habitat grading and discing to prepare for spring seeding.
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Assisting other teams: Assisted the animal care team with daily feed preparation by grinding carrots.
Winter (January - March)
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Maintaining operational readiness: Lots of snow plowing to keep roads and gates clear, maintained equipment , and managed garage cleanouts and regular dump runs.
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Animal Habitat and Fencing Upgrades: Cleared brush along the lake road moose fence and cleared snow/pathways inside animal enclosures to facilitate safe movement.
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Visitor Facilities Upgrades: Packed and trackset trails around the park for winter skiing.
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Assisting other teams: Participated in organizational strategic planning meetings and assisted the animal care team with winter feedings.
Above: The Outdoor Operations Team hangs a gate on the new Elk catch pen. Below: New gravel pads and benches were place around the site.
Animal Care Report
Main Collection
As of March 31st, 2025 there were 122 animals in the Yukon Wildlife Preserve Collection.
Future Collection Plans
In fall/winter 2025-26 we bred the following species:
- Bison (spring 2026: 5 calves)
- Muskox (spring 2026: 3 calves)
- Caribou (spring 2026: 0 calves)
- Mule Deer (spring 2026: 5 fawns)
- Elk (spring 2026: 3 calves so far)
- Thinhorn Sheep (spring 2026: 2 lambs so far)
In fall/winter 2026-27 we plan to breed the following species, but the list maybe adjusted depending on birth rates this summer:
- Muskox
- Caribou
- +/- Bison
Other Updates:
In fall 2025 Dr. Cori-Anne Huisman joined the Animal Care Team as Veterinarian and Animal Care Manager. Dr. Cori-Anne comes to us from Newfoundland where she held a similar position in captive wildlife care and wildlife rehabilitation medicine. She is passionate about Canadian wildlife and is particularly fond of caribou. So far she is loving working at YWP and enjoyed her first frigid winter in the north.
Dr. Cori-Anne took over from a combination of Animal Care Manager, Jan Moeller, and Amber Antler Veterinary Services (Dr. Cassandra Andrews and Dr. Julianna Campbell) who collectively oversaw the health and management of the YWP animals from Feb.2024 until Oct.2025. We thank them for their hard work and dedication to the Preserve and the animals that call it home!
Welcomes and Goodbyes
From April 1st, 2025 to March 31st, 2026 the Yukon Wildlife Preserve welcomed some very fun new additions and said goodbye to some other special members of our herd. Several of the collection animals have grown up here since they were babies and we have been lucky enough to witness their entire lives in our care. Our herd in general is aging, and along with that comes some heartfelt goodbyes as animals reach their time.
This year we said goodbye to a double-curled 10-year-old thinhorn sheep ram, a 17-year-old muskox cow, two 17-year-old mule deer bucks, four female mule deer over the age of 13, and a spectacular 21-year-old bison bull. These animals had incredibly full lives with us and will be missed. We also lost our adult female moose Jesse, two muskox calves, and one mountain goat billy to health conditions throughout this year.
We celebrated the birth of two muskox calves, five elk calves, four bison calves, three mule deer fawns, and four thinhorn sheep lambs in spring 2025! We were also proud to welcome our newest moose calf rescue, Atlin, into the moose herd this year. Last but not least we were excited to add a non-releasable rescued juvenile female golden eagle to our collection in fall 2025. Come visit the Preserve to see how big these new additions are growing already!
Wildlife Rehabilitation Report
Between April 1st, 2025 and March 31st, 2026, The Yukon Wildlife Preserve Wildlife Rehabilitation Program admitted 39 native wildlife patients of 19 different species.
This chart shows all arrivals between April 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026. Current status includes all known outcomes up to June 29, 2026.
| Common Name | Released | Deceased | Still in Care |
| American Kestrel | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| American Robin | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Arctic Ground Squirrel | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Bald Eagle | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Barn Swallow | 3 | 2 | 0 |
|
Bohemian Waxwing |
0 | 1 | 0 |
| Canada Goose | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Canada Lynx | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Chipmunk | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Common Raven | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Golden Eagle | 2 | 0 | 1 *transferred to collection |
| Great Gray Owl | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Great Horned Owl | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Mew Gull | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Moose | 0 | 0 | 1 *transferred to collection |
| Pine Grosbeak | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Red Squirrel | 5 | 1 | 0 |
| Snowshoe Hare | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Yellow-rumped Warbler | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 22 | 15 | 0 |
This chart shows all arrivals between April 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025. Current status includes all known outcomes up to June 19, 2025.
| Common Name | Released | Deceased | Still in Care |
| American Herring Gull | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| American Robin | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| American Tree Sparrow | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Bald Eagle (read more and more here) | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Bonaparte’s Gull | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Great Horned Owl (read more) | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Hermit Thrush | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Common Raven | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Rough-legged Hawk | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Rusty Blackbird | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Short-tailed Shearwater | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Tundra swan | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Arctic Ground Squirrel | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Red squirrel | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Snowshe Hare | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 16 | 7 | 0 |
This chart shows all arrivals between April 1, 2023 – March 31, 2024. Current status includes all known outcomes up to July 2, 2024.
| Species | Released | Deceased | Still in care |
| American Robin | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Bald Eagle (read more) | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Bohemian Waxwing | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Great Horned Owl | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Kingfisher | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Lesser Scaup | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Mallard | 5 | 3 | 0 |
| Mew Gull | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Northern Shoveler | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Ptarmigan | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Raven | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Red Crossbill | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Sandhill Crane (read more) | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Sparrow sp | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Chickadee sp | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Grebe sp | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| White-crowned Sparrow | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| White-winged Crossbill | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Yellow-bellied Sapsucker | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Brown Bat | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Moose | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Red Fox | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Red Squirrel | 3 | 4 | 0 |
| Vole sp | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 28 | 20 | 0 |
This chart shows all arrivals between April 1, 2022 - March 31, 2023. Current status includes all known outcomes up to July 6, 2023.
| Species | Released | Deceased | Still in care |
| Carolina Chickadee | 1 | ||
| Mallard Duck | 2 | 1 | |
| Cedar Waxwing | 3 | ||
| Sparrow juv | 1 | ||
| Gull | 2 | ||
| Northern Pygmy Owl | 1 | ||
| White-winged crossbill | 1 | ||
| Northern Harrier | 1 | ||
| Swainson's Thrush | 1 | ||
| Three-toed Woodpecker | 1 | ||
| Kingfisher | 1 | ||
| Tree swallow | 1 | ||
| Northern Hawk Owl | 2 | ||
| Red Squirrel | 21 | ||
| Raven | 1 | ||
| Arctic Ground Squirrel | 1 | ||
| Red fox | 1 | ||
| Total | 36 | 7 |
This chart shows all arrivals between April 1, 2021 - March 31, 2022. Current status includes all known outcomes up to June 13, 2021.
| Species | Released | Deceased | Still in care |
| Pine Grosbeak | 2 | 2 | |
| Mallard Duck | 1 | 2 | |
| Bohemian Waxwing | 2 | ||
| American Robin | 2 | ||
| Sparrow juv | 1 | ||
| Gull | 5 | 1 | |
| American Kestrel | 1 | ||
| Red Crossbill | 1 | ||
| Northern flicker | 1 | ||
| Pine Siskin | 2 | 1 | |
| Short Eared Owl | 1 | ||
| Northern Harrier | 1 | ||
| American Pipit | 1 | ||
| Junco | 2 | 2 | |
| Boreal Owl | 2 | ||
| Redpoll | 1 | ||
| Magpie | 1 | ||
| Tree Swallow | 1 | 2 | |
| Golden Eagle | 1 | 1 | |
| Northern Hawk Owl | 2 | ||
| Red Squirrel | 12 | 2 | |
| Moose | 1* | ||
| Snowshoe hare | 1 | ||
| Coyote | 2 | ||
| Total | 39 | 21 |
* This moose was released from the YWP’s rehabilitation program to join the main collection in fall 2021.
This chart shows all arrivals between April 1, 2020 - March 31, 2021. Current status incdlues all known outcomes up to June 18, 2021.
| Species | Released | Deceased | Still in care |
| Pine Grosbeak | 2 | ||
| Mallard Duck | 9 | 1 | |
| Bohemian Waxwing | 1 | 1 | |
| American Robin | 3 | 2 | |
| Sparrow juv | 2 | 2 | |
| Gull | 3 | ||
| Sharp Shin Hawk | 1 | ||
| Raven | 4 | ||
| Northern flicker | 1 | ||
| Spruce grouse | 4 | ||
| Kingfisher | 1 | ||
| Bald Eagle | 3* | 1 | |
| Lesser Scaup | 1 | ||
| Junco | 4 | ||
| Boreal owl | 1 | ||
| Yellow Billed Sapsucker | 1 | ||
| Magpie | 1 | ||
| Tree swallow | 14 | ||
| Golden Eagle | 1 | ||
| Frog | 1 | ||
| Red Squirrel | 11 | ||
| Moose | 1** | ||
| Total | 56 | 21 | 1 |
* Two of the three bald eagles were successfully released in May 2021.
** This moose was released from the YWP's rehabilitation program to join the main collection in fall 2020.
July 3 2018 - July 3, 2019
| Species | Released | Deceased | Still in care / YWP Residents |
| American robin | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Tree Swallow | 2 | ||
| Pine Grosbeak | 1 | ||
| Sparrow | 2 | ||
| Crossbill | 1 | ||
| American Kestrel | 1 | ||
| Northern Goshawk | 1 | ||
| Moose | 2 | ||
| Bald Eagle | 1 | ||
| Red Squirrels | 9 | 4 | |
| Hawk Owl | 1 | ||
| Snowshoe Hare | 1 | ||
| Red Fox | 1 | ||
| Total | 18 | 12 | 7 |
Animal Care Committee
The ACC provides oversight and support on care and management of the Preserve's collection. It is made up of specialists from different animal care fields and provides recommendations to the board on a range of topics - from collection planning and animal care policies to acquisition and disposition of animals and more. To find out more or if you have expertise to contribute to this committee, reach out to cori-anne@yukonwildlife.ca
Visitor Services Report
Visitation
Annual visitation reached a record high, setting a new benchmark for total attendance. Monthly visitation set several new records throughout the year.
- August recorded the highest monthly attendance in the Preserve's history with 5,737 visitors.
- New monthly records were also established in April, July, September, October, and February, reflecting sustained growth across the operating seasons.
- The only exceptions were December, due to holiday-season closures from extreme cold, and March, likely due to the Arctic Winter Games festivities.
The majority of our visitors entered through General Admission, accounting for over 21,000 of the 35,000+ total guests.
The two guided experiences—regularly scheduled Guided Bus Tours provided by YWP and tours through our Travel Trade Partners—brought in just over 11,000 of the total visitors.
Special Visitation & Events
Annual events, including Easter, Halloween, and Run Wild, ran as usual and remain core events for the Preserve and its community. A new event was added in September, thanks to the creative vision and talent of Wildlife Interpreter Avery Elias, who facilitated a guided art-walk event.
Membership
Membership sales outpaced the previous year early in the 2025–26 fiscal year before moderating through the latter half of the third quarter. Colder-than-usual weather contributed to reduced visitation during the holiday season, impacting what is typically one of the strongest periods for membership sales. Unfortunately, this slow trend continued through Q4.
We added membership cards to our program this year to help streamline check-in and ensure reciprocal zoo benefits could be easily accessed by members.
Retail
Yet another milestone year! A new monthly sales record was set in August at $27,221.
Retail sales exceeded the previous year's performance in 10 of the 12 months, with only February and December recording lower sales. Despite lower visitation in December, retail performance remained strong, resulting in the Preserve's highest per-capita retail spending on record at $5.51 per visitor.
Overall annual per-capita performance was $4.38—the highest annual average the Preserve has seen and a 14.1% increase over the previous year.
The Preserve expanded its tri-collaboration with Tedd Tucker and Yukon Built, creating a new design featuring sheep on soft, semi-technical long-sleeve shirts.
Equipment Rentals - Kicksleds
Kicksleds
Kicksleds were rented 499 times this year. This was only a 10.6% increase due to a later start to winter in 2025 from a lack of snow, combined with extreme cold weather in December and March—even though overall March visitation was the strongest ever in Preserve history.
Fat Bikes
Fat bikes were rented 912 times throughout the year, representing a 30.3% increase over last year. Total revenue from these rentals was $21,602.
Wagons
Wagons remain a fantastic, budget-friendly visitor support option. The current fleet of four wagons was rented 153 times. The Preserve will continue to look into better, quieter options than the two models currently available.
Education and Programming Report
The Education and Programming team had a busy year consolidating growth from previous years.
Swan Haven School Programming - April 2025
Since 2017 the Yukon Wildlife Preserve has provided curriculum-based experiential learning programs at Swan Haven in support of Department of Environment’s Celebration of Swans. As in past years, Yukon Wildlife Preserve’s educators delivered a successful month of programming in April of 2025. Educators continue to follow the adjusted model of programming introduced in 2024. Changes to scheduling allowed a significant increase in attendance over the 2023 season, while updated programming provided additional content to students. Changes to programming were subject to detailed evaluation, showing broad satisfaction from teachers and students.
Between April 7th and April 30th 2025, 652 students participated in curriculum linked programs. Curriculum connected programs were offered to grade 2, 3, 5 and 9 students. They learned about the importance of early season open water through games, observations, and hands-on activities. YWP staff undertook an evaluation of teacher and student experiences and found that teacher and student feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
Nature Camps
Nature Camp bookings in spring and summer were consistent with the previous year, while one-off Winter Break and school holiday/PD Day camps were booked more frequently.
- Summer 2025: 295 campers (full week camps)
- Winter 2025-26: 18 campers (1-3 day camps)
- Note: Several other camps had to cancel, and several campers were rebooked, due to extreme cold.
- March 2026: 48 campers (plus 11 in a shorter 2-day camp running due to Arctic Winter Games)
- School Holiday & PD Day: 52 (one day camps)
On-site School Programs
In partnership with Department of Education, the Preserve continued to deliver school programs to classes from across Yukon. In the 2024-25 school year, 1054 students attended programs, up from 853 students in the 2023-24 school year. Final numbers from the 2025-26 school year are not yet available, but are expected to be approximately 1100 students.
The Preserve signed a new TPA with Department of Education that runs until August 2027. Department of Education has indicated that, after the conclusion of this current TPA, they will be looking to reduce the amount of funding provided to the Preserve for school programs. The Education and Programming team is currently examining what this will mean for the future of the program.
Virtual School Programs
TD Friends of the Environment Foundation provided $7500 in startup funding to develop a new virtual school program targeted at southern classrooms. This 45 minute program, aimed at grades K-3, will be available through the winter in future years.
Ecology & Landscapes
Through the continued support of Natural Resources Canada’s Green Jobs program, the Preserve has continued to improve both visitor experience and ecological integrity through the removal of invasive species and the improvement of habitats.
Siberian peashrub (caregana) removal continued, with the vast majority of reproductive plants removed this year, setting the stage for complete removal from the site in 3-5 years as remaining seeds in the soil germinate and are removed. Work on invasive thistle, sweetclover, and other species continues.
With additional funding from Yukon Foundation, the front habitat - formerly home to elk, and soon to be home to mule deer - was prepared for dramatic ecological restoration. The elk heavily grazed and compacted the soil, limiting biodiversity and ecological integrity of this space. Soil was moved and tilled to prevent flooding and to prepare for native species planting in summer 2026.
The Preserve in 2026-27
Thank you.
We are forever grateful for your continued support. Our commitment to wildlife—and to you—our community—are at the heart of everything we do.
Here's a small sampling of some of what we're working on in 2026-27:
- Implementing our strategic plan;
- Fence maintenance and repairs to the moose habitat;
- Negotiating new funding agreements and a lease with Department of Environment - and working with other YG departments including Highways and Public Works;
- Planting in the front habitat to continue the habitat restoration process;
- Invasive species removal (foxtail and caragana);
- Mapping the YWP site's infrastructure;
- Rebuiling the large aviary - expanding the size and installing new netting;
- Participating in the BugQuest research to inventory insect species at the YWP;
- A long overdue upgrade to wayfinding signage (including the notoriously confusing crossraods map);
- And much, much more!
Ways to Support
• • •
Leverage your extra resources, services or expertice and make an in-kind contribution to the Preserve's day-to-day operations.
Make a one-time or monthly tax-receiptable donation to education, wildlife rehabilitation, or general operations.
Turn your businesses cash or in-kind support for the Preserve into PR for your business and perks for your team.
Ways to Stay Connected
• • •
Get the latest at
facebook.com/yukonwildlife
Read original blog articles
yukonwildlife.ca/blog
Get the latest videos
youtube.com
See photos and more at
instagram.com/yukonwildlifepreserve
Jake Paleczny
He/Him - Executive Director/ CEO
Jake Paleczny is passionate about interpretation and education. He gained his interpretative expertise from a decade of work in Ontario’s provincial parks in addition to a Masters in Museum Studies from the University of Toronto. His interests also extend into the artistic realm, with a Bachelor of Music from the University of Western Ontario and extensive experience in galleries and museums.
atco donation
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