February 6, 2025
Winter at The Wild Center: New Animal Ambassadors & February Events
Rescued arrivals, Gary, a North American river otter and Elwood, a wood duck, headline a suite of February programming at The Wild Center
Tupper Lake, N.Y. – The Wild Center is embracing winter with an upcoming lineup of events and the arrival of two new animal ambassadors: Gary, a North American river otter, and Elwood, a wood duck. Both animals were rescued after being found abandoned in the wild and have now found a permanent home at The Wild Center, where they will help educate visitors about their species. Visitors are encouraged to meet Gary and Elwood at their public debut during the Center’s Shanty Shenanigans event on Feb. 15 from 5 PM to 8 PM.
Gary, an otter pup born in 2024, was discovered alone in Garrison, Minnesota, and rescued by Wild & Free Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. Elwood, a male wood duck also around one year old, was found without his mother in Elgin, Illinois, and taken in by a local humane society. Both animals were deemed non-releasable and were carefully transported by Wild Center Wildlife Programs Manager Nicole Baker via a round-trip RV to Tupper Lake to become part of its renowned animal ambassador program.
“Gary and Elwood each have unique rescue stories that highlight the importance of wildlife rehabilitation,” said Leah Valerio, Wild Center Curator. “We’re thrilled to provide them with a safe and enriching home while sharing their journeys with our visitors.”
Gary and Elwood’s cross-country journey to their new home is documented in Operation: Fur and Feathers, a short travel documentary produced by The Wild Center and presented by The Reynolds Group of Lake Placid. The film follows Baker as she and her partner embark on a road trip from New York to Minnesota and Illinois to bring the two animals back to Tupper Lake. The documentary and limited edition Operation: Fur & Feathers stickers are now available at wildcenter.org/operationfurandfeathers.
Alongside these exciting arrivals, The Wild Center is offering a variety of winter experiences:
Shanty Shenanigans | Saturday, February 15, 2025, 5 to 8 PM
This after-hours event invites guests to experience ice fishing, connect with expert fishing guides, try fish painting, and enjoy winter games and fireside gatherings. Additional treats will be available for purchase, including beer flights featuring Wild Lights Light Lager from Raquette River Brewing, as well as donuts and s’mores. Visitors can also meet and chat with experts from Adirondack TrOutfitters, ADK Watershed Institute, and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Bureau of Environmental Education. Shanty Shenanigans is included in the cost of Wild Lights admission.
Winter Week | February 14 – 23, 2025
The Wild Center will be open daily, offering free snowshoe and kicksled rentals, ice fishing on Greenleaf Pond (weather permitting), and daily animal programs, including otter talks and creature features. Indoors, guests can explore interactive exhibits and try Birdly, an immersive VR flight simulation experience. In the evenings, the Center’s trails will come alive with Wild Lights, presented by Merrill L. Thomas, running February 16 to its final night on the 22nd from 5 to 8 PM, transforming the forest into a glowing winter wonderland.
Homeschool Day | February 14, 2025, 10 AM to 4 PM
Homeschool families are invited to STEAM-based learning at The Wild Center, featuring hands-on activities like family fish painting, junior naturalist field journals, and Valentine’s Day card-making. Guests can also explore sensory activities with Adirondack Riverwalking and try ice fishing on Greenleaf Pond (weather permitting). Admission is free for members; non-member pricing is $10 for adults and $5 for youth (ages 5–17).
Virtual Animal Club: Operation Fur & Feathers | February 25, 2025, 6 to 7 PM
This interactive 45-minute virtual program will introduce Gary and Elwood, sharing their rescue stories and care journeys. Participants will also engage in animal-inspired art and science challenges. Tickets are $15 per screen for non-members and free for members.
For more information on events and tickets, visit wildcenter.org/tickets.
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