Safari Zoo Camp

Overview
Here's what makes Safari Zoo Camp stand out
At Jungle Cat World Wildlife Park in Orono, ON, Safari Zoo Camp offers a unique opportunity for young animal lovers. This immersive program features hands-on learning with wildlife, where campers work alongside Animal Care professionals. Kids help care for rescued & endangered animals, gaining understanding of their behaviour, needs, & conservation. The camp's enriching environment blends education with adventure. Campers enjoy animal care tasks, like meal prep, & outdoor adventures like caving & wall climbing. Programming is offered in overnight sessions for kids aged 6–17 & day camps for ages 6–12. Safari Zoo Camp is a gateway to discovering the value of wildlife conservation & forming lasting connections with the natural world.

Special needs: Not available

LGBTQ+ friendly community
Visit the Safari Zoo Camp website

Programs, Rates & Dates

Programs and Sessions Calendar

Safari Zoo Camp at Jungle Cat World Wildlife Park offers a unique opportunity for kids to connect with wildlife in meaningful & hands-on ways. Unlike other camps, our program immerses participants in the daily care of rescued & endangered animals, fostering empathy, responsibility, & a deeper understanding of conservation. Our small group sizes allow for personalized experiences, whether campers are preparing meals for the animals, designing enrichment activities, or learning about global efforts to protect species. Adventure & exploration are also key, with activities like caving & ziplining adding more excitement. Parents & kids choose Safari Zoo Camp for its blend of education, adventure, & values rooted in respect for all living things.

Choose the right programs and sessions for your child; Safari Zoo Camp currently has 4 programs available.

Filter activities available:

Name

Type/Gender

Specialty

Location

Date

Bus

Cost

Day Camp

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Day Camp
Coed
Ages: 6 - 12

Zoology

$75 to $550

Clarington, ON 3667 Concession Rd. 6	Mar 10-14	$75 - $375
Clarington, ON 3667 Concession Rd. 6	Jul 14-18	$550
Clarington, ON 3667 Concession Rd. 6	Jul 21-25	$550
Clarington, ON 3667 Concession Rd. 6	Aug 11-15	$550

Kids Camp

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Overnight Camp
Coed
Ages: 9 - 12

Zoology

$1,200

Clarington, ON 3667 Concession Rd. 6	Jun 29-Jul 05	$1,200
Clarington, ON 3667 Concession Rd. 6	Jul 06-12	$1,200
Clarington, ON 3667 Concession Rd. 6	Jul 13-19	$1,200
Clarington, ON 3667 Concession Rd. 6	Jul 20-26	$1,200

Safari Club

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Overnight Camp
Coed
Ages: 6 - 8

Zoology

$1,200

Clarington, ON 3667 Concession Rd. 6	Jun 29-Jul 05		$1,200
Clarington, ON 3667 Concession Rd. 6	Jul 06-12		$1,200

Teen Camp

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Overnight Camp
Coed
Ages: 13 - 17

Zoology

$1,200

Clarington, ON 3667 Concession Rd. 6	Jul 27-Aug 02		$1,200
Clarington, ON 3667 Concession Rd. 6	Aug 03-09		$1,200

Registration Details

Registration for Safari Zoo Camp typically begins at the end of each calendar year. Families can register through our online portal, and support is available for any questions during the process. Spaces are limited, and registration is completed on a first-come, first-served basis. Cancellations must be submitted in writing via email. Deposits are non-refundable, and no refunds are issued for cancellations after June 1 unless accompanied by medical documentation or due to uncontrollable circumstances. Families are provided with a welcome email after registration to help them prepare for camp.

Reviews & Insider Perspectives
The Our Kids review of Safari Zoo Camp

Unique and memorable, a child’s time at Safari Zoo Camp won’t be forgotten. Kids with a deep love of animals will thrive at this camp, where they get opportunities to interact, learn about, and care for wild animals. In doing so, kids learn about protecting and conserving the environment as well. Campers and counselors all share a passion for the same thing—animals, so friendships are easy and lifelong. Located at the vast facilities of Jungle Cat World, where leopards, wolves, tigers, cougars, wild birds, and more call the zoo home, many kids attend this camp as a start to a career working with animals. There are activities outside of working with the animals that are exciting for all kids like treetop trekking, waterparks, and even caving. Many campers call the experience life changing and are ready to immediately go back as soon as the camp is over for the summer. The skills they learn at Safari Zoo Camp include leadership, confidence, and of course empathy.

Visit the Safari Zoo Camp website

Three Things: Safari Zoo Camp
Hear the three things that Our Kids’ editors see when they look at Safari Zoo Camp

Video interviews with parents, campers, and alum
Jaime Carney, Parent

00:30 - What's unique about the program at Safari Zoo Camp that made you want to enroll your children there?
01:17 - What would you highlight about the camp's programming, counsellors, or facilities?
02:23 - How and when did you know that Safari Zoo Camp was the right fit for your child?
03:34 - Was there any change or noticeable personal growth that you saw in your child after time at camp?
04:29 - How can parents overcome hesitancy to send their children away for a week or longer?
05:15 - What would you tell other parents about the overall value of sending kids to Safari Zoo camp?
05:57 - Final thoughts?
More reviews of Safari Zoo Camp

Show all 5 reviews

Aaron, Alum

"No place like it"
Read review

Anonymous , Parent

"2 weeks next year"
Read review

Angie, Parent

"Awesome"
Read review

Anonymous , Parent

"they will remember for the rest of their lives"
Read review

Anonymous Camper, Camper

"Thank you so much!"
Read review

More reviews of Safari Zoo Camp

Aaron, Alum

"No place like it"

"No other place like it, from the animal experiences to the people you meet. I've been there for 11 years as a camper, CIT, and staff, and there's no place else I'd rather be."

Anonymous , Parent

"2 weeks next year"

My son has loved the camp. 2 weeks next year.

Angie, Parent

"Awesome"

Awesome camp program for children and teens.

Anonymous , Parent

"they will remember for the rest of their lives"

"We have had 3 kids do Safari Zoo Camp in two different years and they loved it. We stayed in the Safari Lodge B&B at the zoo both times and we loved it just as much I think. Both the camp and the lodge are unique experi... Show More

Anonymous Camper, Camper

"Thank you so much!"

Gave me the confidence and groups skills to pursue a leadership role at my school as the head of the environmental club at my high school. Thank you so much!

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Gallery
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Meet the Staff

Director's Message

At Safari Zoo Camp our staff and campers share an experience with nature that is sometimes hard to come by.

I started as a camper in 2001 and I never really left. I was a camper for 10 years, then a volunteer, Photographer, Camp Counsellor, Assistant Director, and became Director in 2018.

As a young camper, I was captured by the experience, the atmosphere and the like-minded people that surrounded me.

My goal as Camp Director is to continue to provide that experience of a lifetime for each camper enrolled.

It is my hope that through this experience, we can show others how important it is to protect, conserve and adore our environment. I welcome you to join our camp and participate in the activities of a lifetime. Listen to the lions roar, hear the wolves howl and see a snake slither through the grass. This up close and personal interaction reinforces what caring for these species is all about.

Work alongside animal care staff, learn about the amazing species that inhabit this world, go treetop trekking and handle some fascinating animals. Get ready for some fun, laughter and lifelong memories.

We would love for you to join our zoo camp family!

Ashley

Staff and Counsellors

Safari Zoo Camp’s staff are the heart of our program, bringing expertise, passion, and a deep commitment to wildlife education. As a Rainbow Registered camp, we are proud to foster an inclusive space for campers. Each counsellor undergoes rigorous training, including certifications in First Aid and CPR, as well as specialized training in animal care and safety protocols. Our staff-to-camper ratio ensures personalized attention, fostering a safe and supportive environment. Many of our team members return year after year, creating continuity and strong connections with campers. Known for their enthusiasm and knowledge, our staff inspire campers to learn, explore, and grow, making them an unforgettable part of the Safari Zoo Camp experience.

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Location & Operations
Address

3667 Concession Rd. 6, Orono, Ontario, L0B 1M0, Canada
Accommodations

Sleeping Accommodations

Cabins

Amenities

Electricity in Sleeping Area

Washrooms Facilities

Flush Toilets
Showers (indoor)

Are meals provided? Yes.

Is Safari Zoo Camp technology free? Yes.
Rentals & Services

Offers children's birthday party packages: Yes

Available for private rentals: Yes
After the Safari Zoo Camp Season (June - August), a 1-night educational and interactive "Night Safari" program begins. The adventure begins with a fascinating Wildlife Presentation in our Education Centre, an opportunity to see some amazing animals up-close and meet the professional staff that care for them. Once it gets completely dark outside, follow a Safari Guide through the zoo as they take you on an evening feeding tour. Year-round, the property also features a Bed & Breakfast. The Bed & Breakfast has three different suites available varying in capacities. Both of these programs allow guests to spend the night at the zoo and wake up to the wolves howling and the lions roaring. For more information about either of these programs, please contact [email protected] or or visit https://www.junglecatworld.com

Associations
What's New
Stories

Anything is possible!
Zoo Camp has been a big influence on the person that I am today. Camp has given me once-in-a-lifetime experiences that have made me realize that anything is possible. I've become more aware of environmental issues and been inspired to try and make a difference. Some of the best days of my life were spent at Zoo Camp: cleaning up garbage at Lake Ontario (and swimming), wildlife presentations, hang gliding, building and sleeping in shelters in the forest, the hands on experience with diverse animals, and all the amazing friends I've made over the years! Zoo camp is always the highlight of my summer. -Victoria

Beautiful animals!
Zoo Camp is my once-a-year satisfaction, and easily my favourite place in the universe. The moment I arrive home from Zoo Camp, I start counting the days until go back! There's absolutely no way I could chose a specific memory as my favourite, because I've had enough wonderful moments and experiences at that camp to last me a lifetime. I've learned so much about not only the brilliant and beautiful animals at Jungle Cat World, but about what kind of person I want to be, and how it's never too soon to begin. For all of this I give countless thanks to the always magnificent staff! -Paige

Changed my life
I have to say that it has actually changed my life. I love the camp, the people there, and the atmosphere. It's opened my eyes to the world around us... I'm more conscious about what I buy, and do... I want to make a beneficial difference in the world, I want to help people change, I want to spread the knowledge I have gained concerning our planet... Zoo camp is like nothing else, it's something really special, and has something unique that other camps don't have. You're part of a family at camp, and that is really something amazing. -Thomas

Spelunking
The underground world has been a place of reverence and security since the dawn of time. In many ancient cultures it is believed that our ancestors first appeared from caves. It was the Earth that gave birth to us. For thousands of years humans have made caves their homes and spiritual sanctuaries, leaving traces of their existence through century-old wall paintings, clay pottery and burial remains. As we've moved from caves to cities, the use and importance of the underground world has been lost. Safari Zoo Camp has incorporated spelunking (exploring underground passages) as part of the curriculum to show the importance of this environmentally sensitive subterranean realm. Caves are the home to countless native species, such as bats, skunks, porcupines and a variety of snakes. Many important aquifers either originate or flow through caves, so it?s important that caves remain clean and pollution free so we don?t poison our water. While campers explore the Warsaw Caves and become familiar with them, they also collect any litter left behind by the visiting public. When children leave the Warsaw Caves Conservation Area, they do so dirty and tired, but with a profound respect and admiration for the world beneath our feet.

Holding giant snakes!
It's funny, when she went there for the first time two summers ago, she didn't even like to look at a snake, let alone touch one. Look at her now. Holding huge snakes, she can't even hold up by herself becuase they are so heavy. Wow! I think she's become more at ease with a lot of different animals but also gained a new respect for them as well. The variety of people from all over the country and the world that she has met is amazing. She was talking on MSN to one of the girls from Spain on Christmas Eve this year. This is quite an experience for a young person. -Denise (Megan's mom)

Touching a tiger!
Safari Zoo Camp is the best camp in the world. I can say this because I have been to a few different ones, and will always come back to Safari Zoo Camp from now on. This was my 3rd year at camp and I stayed for 2 weeks. If you love animals of any shape or size this is the camp to go to. You don't just look at the critters, you actually get to handle and play with them. There are so many cool things that make this camp fun, but this was my best experience. We got to interact with the young tigers! There was only a fence between us and these beautiful creatures but they let us pat them. They seemed to like me, because I got my hand licked by both of them. It was the neatest feeling to have such a large tongue come out through teeth that could rip anyone apart and lick my hand. I will never forget that as long as I live. -Darien
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