Educational Programs
Interested in creating a unique and memorable experience for your classroom or other venue? A.R.K. is state and federally permitted to use non-releasable wildlife ambassadors to teach people about the importance of their species. Our ambassadors are carefully selected to ensure a safe and fun learning experience. Our Scientific Collector's permit allows us to use touchable artifacts from real animals, such as wings, pelts, and talons, to enhance learning and understanding. On request, A.R.K. can provide supplemental worksheets and learning materials that meet Michigan Science Standards to strengthen retention and learning.
Meet Your Teachers
Our Ambassador Animals
Miss Peeps
Broad-Winged Hawk
Miss Peeps loves to be in front of a crowd. She is named for the light peeping sound she often makes!
Sadie
Gray Fox
Sadie came to the A.R.K. as a tiny kit in 2024. She loves to steal treats and show off her climbing skills!
Rascal
Raccoon
Rascal loves to climb and can often be found napping on her platform. Her favorite treat is an almond!
Zero
Barred Owl
Zero came to the A.R.K. as the only surviving owlet after his nest was destroyed and is believed to be a West Nile Virus survivor. He loves affection from his handlers, and will often let them show off his ears during a program!
Willow
Virginia Opossum
Willow is a sweet girl with limited eyesight who always follows her nose to find the treats her handlers hide for her.
Zephyr & Rocky
Southern Flying Squirrels
These two tiny squirrels were admitted within a week of each other after surviving cat attacks that left them unreleasable. They quickly bonded and have been inseparable ever since!
Chuck
Groundhog
Chuck came to the A.R.K. in 2024 as an adult after approaching a finder for help. A badly injured shoulder left him unreleasable, but a winning personality makes him a wonderful ambassador for his species!
Boudica
Great Horned Owl
Boudica is named after the Celtic warrior queen. She came to the A.R.K. in 2007 as an adult and is estimated to be over 20 years old. She is a fierce advocate for her species!
Bandit
Raccoon
Bandit has a gentle disposition and loves to be petted by his handlers.
Pepper Rose
Turkey Vulture
This sweet lady came to the A.R.K. in 2002 as a baby. She was found at the base of a tree with a badly broken wing that left her unreleasable. Rosie loves to look at herself in the mirror and untie shoelaces!
Castiel
American Kestrel
Castiel was illegally raised by a member of the public. Because of the conditions he grew up in, he is imprinted on humans and cannot be released back into the wild.
Maverick
Turkey Vulture
Maverick came in as a baby with a broken wing. He is playful and curious!
Mabel
Virginia Opossum
Mabel was illegally raised by a member of the public and because of her disposition toward humans, she is non-releasable.
