World Caribou Day 2024
Theme: Caribou Connections
This year, we take a deep dive into the intricate relationships that link caribou to their environment, other species and humans. This year’s live events include zookeeper chats, indigenous voices, and conservation specialists. We will focus on the latest on caribou behaviour and biology, as well as new research and strategies for safeguarding caribou populations.
Celebrate World Caribou Day by joining our live events, hosting fundraisers and learning about the ecological and cultural importance of caribou!
Live Events
Toronto Zoo
⏰ 10am PST (1pm EST)
📍 On The Toronto Zoo's Facebook page
🎥 Join to discuss a new Ontario Boreal caribou bio-banking initiative that will braid cryopreservation research with Indigenous knowledge from communities that have long been stewards of the land and wild caribou populations.
Arrow Lakes Caribou Society
⏰ 1pm PST (4pm EST)
📍 On Instagram @arrow_lakes_caribou
🎥 Learn about the community lichen project, their vast network of volunteers and the care that goes into supporting the caribou currently residing within the maternity pen for the Central Selkirk herd in British Columbia.
Leavenworth Reindeer Farm
⏰ 4pm PST (7pm EST)
📍 On Instagram @leavenworthreindeerfarm
🎥 Do you know the difference between antlers and horns? Why antlers are covered in velvet as they grow? Or how much caribou antlers weigh? Join us to talk all things antlers, and announce the winners of our raffle!
Shuswap Relationship with Caribou
Marge Eugene, elder and former Chief of the Shuswap Band, her husband Xavier, and their son Tim share their connection to caribou and hopes for their future.
Games and Activities
Caribou Connections
Caribou help maintain the health of their ecosystem in small and big ways! Search the image for ways in which caribou impact their ecosystem.
Seasonal Connections
Mountain caribou migrate throughout the year to find food and avoid predators. Learn what caribou do throughout the four seasons.
Broken Connections
Old-growth forests are threatened by industrial development and climate change. Learn how this affects caribou and think of ways to help.
All About Antlers
Did you know that both male and female caribou grow and shed antlers every year? Can you guess how much caribou antlers weight?
Parent-Offspring Connections
Many species have a strong bond between parents and offspring. Did you know that offspring often have different names than their parents? Match up these connections!
Maze
Caribou are strong swimmers and use their large paddle-like hooves to cross rivers. Help caribou swim across this maze!
Colouring Page
Artwork by Abigail Roscoe
Abigail is a queer and disabled Canadian illustrator with a love for wildlife and conservation. They hope the love they show for caribou in their work moves people to learn more about them and care more about the remaining herds. During their bachelor's study, Abigail released a children’s book titled “Yuka’s Way Home” that follows Yuka the caribou as he meets reindeer and Sámi people in his new Arctic home. Abigail is currently working on new books, writing a movie, and exhibiting their solo show this year- all these projects tie into themes the artist cares about, such as conservation, and our relationship to the world around us.
Abigail obtained a Design bachelor degree with a focus on illustration and animation. They hope to use their work to raise awareness about endangered species and what we can do to help.
@ab_roscoe