Traveling Live Animal Programs
Our 2024 schedule is FULL! We are booking early 2025 programs at this time.
Tamarack offers live animal programs to school classes, scouts, preschools, clubs, summer camps, college classes, nursing homes, libraries, business meetings, and festivals. We tailor every program to the group’s needs. For schools, we adjust for grade level and address state academic standards in environment, ecology, and science.
Click here to meet our Educational Ambassadors
Available Traveling Programs
Our 2024 schedule is FULL! We are booking early 2025 programs at this time.
Wings of Wonder: Pennsylvania Birds of Prey
K-12, adults
Get up close and personal with some of Pennsylvania’s magnificent birds of prey including a live falcon, hawk, and owl. Learn about these birds’ characteristic features, discover their adaptations and natural history, and explore their critical role in our environment. Find out what you can do to help birds of prey and the world we share.
Feathered Friends
Pre-K, K-2
Even the youngest learners are entranced by live birds. This program introduces them to the similarities and differences between birds and other living creatures and explores what we all need to survive. By meeting a variety of live birds of prey, young people learn how birds of prey are unique and important in our environment.
All About Owls
K-12, adults
Meet a mysterious feathered hunter of the night! Learn whether the myths about owls are true. Staff will bring a live owl to share, and you will learn about its fascinating adaptations for nightlife. You will also meet a non-owl raptor such as a hawk or falcon to help illustrate the different features of owls. A variety of teaching tools, including feathers, wings, talons, and recorded owl calls are used to support this unique learning experience.
Note: Our ambassador collection is always evolving. Currently, several of our owls are in their "retirement" years and no longer travel for programs. We are unable to do programming with multiple owls at this time.
Raptor Ecology
Middle School, High School, Adults
Based on state standards for Environment and Ecology, this dynamic program uses live birds of prey to explore human impact on the environment. In addition to learning raptor biology and natural history, students explore the impact of DDT and the success story of the peregrine falcon and what bird science is teaching us about environmental change. These issues are linked to each species presented. This memorable program can be modified to meet teachers' specific learning objectives upon request.
Traveling Live Program Pricing
All group program pricing includes a program of up to 60 minutes with 3-5 live animals and an education specialist. Programs for
- up to 35 people are available for $100,
- 36-50 people for $130,
- 51-99 people for $160,
- and $250 for programs and assembles over 100 people.
Booth programs are typically 3-4 hours in length and are available for $300. Live animals and related educational artifacts and activities are displayed for viewing and discussing with Tamarack educators.
Available ambassador animals include a box turtle, rat snake, opossum, owls, hawk, and/or falcons. Requests for specific animals may be made, but cannot be guaranteed.
Additional Charges & Discounts
- A mileage charge applies to all off-site programs. This charge is calculated using the current federal mileage reimbursement rate (65.5 cents/mile in 2023) for the round trip from our center.
- Programs that fall on weekends, evenings, or holidays are $25 additional.
- Additional consecutive programs on the same day, at the same location, are $10 off.
Onsite Group Programs
We would love to host your group at our Saegertown location! This option is great for Scout groups, Homeschool groups, college courses, or single classrooms. Tour our facility and meet 2-4 ambassadors during your visit. Onsite 60-minute programs are available for up to 35 people at $100.
Private Onsite Small Group Tours
This option is perfect for families! Come see where we care for our wildlife patients, learn about wildlife rehabilitation, and have an up-close encounter with our ambassador animals! Tours will take visitors through our examination and lab spaces, past our outdoor ambassador aviaries, and into our education building. Tours will last between 45-60 minutes and must be scheduled at least a week in advance.
- 6 people maximum - $85 donation
Virtual Programs
We are now offering virtual programs that are flexible to meet your needs. Whether you’re looking for a fun interactive activity for your family and friends, planning a virtual educational program for your organization, or looking for an exciting guest appearance during your next corporate meeting, Tamarack has an option for you!
Each program will feature a live video of 1-2 ambassador wild animals and the chance to discover their personality, natural history, and unique adaptations. Depending on what patients we have, it may be possible to have a glimpse of a rehabilitator or volunteer giving care to a wild patient! We are happy to tailor the program specifically to your needs and interests. Additional topics such as what to do if you find a wild animal that needs help, or a behind the scenes glimpse of wildlife rehabilitation can be included in desired.
Virtual Program Friends & Family Options:
- 15 minutes - $20 donation
- 30 minutes - $30 donation
Virtual Program Group, Library, & Organization Options*:
- 15 minutes - $30 donation
- 30 minutes - $45 donation
*Groups/organizations/corporations are responsible for any necessary arrangements with participants and will provide Tamarack Wildlife Center with an invitation link to join the virtual meeting.
Scheduling
To schedule a travelling program, onsite group program, onsite tour, or virtual program email our Outreach and Education Manager Melissa Goodwill: melissa@tamarackwildlife.org or call Tamarack Wildlife Center at 814-763-2574 and leave a detailed message including your name, phone number, and requested date if applicable.