The Yukon Wildlife Preserve is open for a full season this summer
The Wildlife Preserve’s hours have also expanded from last year, and the facilities are open daily from 10:30 a.m. until 6 p.m.
The Yukon hasn’t seen many nice days yet this summer, but there are still ample outdoor opportunities. The Yukon Wildlife Preserve, for example, has a full season planned.
“We’re open the entire summer, which is exciting compared to last year,” said Lindsay Caskenette, manager of visitor services at the Wildlife Preserve.
Last summer, the facilities were not able to open until June, but this year, the Wildlife Preserve has been off to a strong start already, even without tourists being able to enter the territory. According to Caskenette, the Wildlife Preserve has received a huge level of local support, with Yukoners coming out to see the wildlife, despite the less-than-stellar weather so far.
“Members and locals are diligent in visiting,” she said. “We have some members that come almost daily, rain or shine.”
The Preserve offers daily interpretive bus tours, spanning an hour and a half, at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., for patrons who wish to develop a deeper understanding of the Yukon’s wildlife and their habitats. Visitors are also free to walk around the facilities on their own timeline, or even bike.
Memberships for individuals and families can be purchased for the Wildlife Preserve. Members receive admission during regularly scheduled hours and can take part in bus tours, as well as receiving other benefits.
“We’ve really seen a huge uptake in memberships in the last year,” said Caskenette. “That’s been really fantastic.”
PHOTO: Cathie Archbould
One of the most exciting things about this summer in particular is the new baby animals. The Yukon Wildlife Preserve is home to 11 different species now, and recently welcomed two bison calves a couple months ago.
“We are hopeful to see a few more baby animals join our collection of animal residents,” said Caskenette, noting that it’s possible a few caribou calves and lynx kittens may be born this summer. “We’re still keeping an eye on those species for any offspring to be born in the next little bit.”
The Yukon Wildlife Preserve offers a safe and respectful way to get up close with the wildlife that can be found in the Yukon, and keeps its animals in humane conditions. The Wildlife Preserve also cares for orphaned and injured wild animals, rehabilitating them so they can be sent back into the wild. To raise funds for these efforts, they put on a 5-kilometre fun run each year.
“That’s always a well-attended event every year,” said Caskenette. “It’s a great supporting event to all the animals that come through.”
Luckily, the preserve is large and mostly outdoors, so there aren’t many restrictions that change the visitor experience. Bus tours are back to full capacity. Patrons must wear masks when seated on the busses, but those who choose to walk or bike outside do not need to. Visitors are also free to buy tickets online if they don’t feel comfortable lining up in a queue. “Over the last year, we’ve been really endeavouring to stay open for the locals,” said Caskenette.
“Us Yukoners know we need to get outside any time of year, and if you wear the right clothing, that can make all the difference.”
The Wildlife Preserve’s hours have also expanded from last year, and the facilities are open daily from 10:30 a.m. until 6 p.m.
To find out more, visit https://yukonwildlife.ca/
