Group Programs
 We are living in an ever-changing environment, and never has there been a greater need to communicate the importance of wildlife conservation. Carolina Wildlife Care’s education programs are designed to bring an appreciation of nature, an awareness of conservation, and an understanding of stewardship directly to schools, educators, scouting groups and other civic organizations. As humans and wildlife compete for the same living space, encounters between man and nature are inevitable. Programs raise awareness about the challenges facing wildlife and our roles as good stewards to the environment that we share with them.
Carolina Wildlife Care provides educational programs for thousands of students each year. Since CWC functions as a wildlife hospital with sick and injured animals, the wildlife center is not open for tours. Carolina Wildlife Care’s education programs are the most popular way for groups to learn about the rehabilitation process, the wildlife that we care for, and an exciting way to meet some of the “wildlife ambassadors” in our care.
When CWC visits your school or group, we bring 3-4 live wildlife ambassadors to provide children a unique opportunity to experience the natural world up close. They learn about the importance of conserving South Carolina’s wildlife and what they can do to make a difference for wildlife and our environment.
Program Information
Presentations are 25-45 minutes in length
Programs are designed to be age appropriate
Ideal for classroom visits, educator workshops, and troop meetings
Fees and Scheduling
As a nonprofit organization, Carolina Wildlife Care must charge fees to support its services. PTA's, interest and civic groups, classroom parents and local businesses are often willing to sponsor education programs.
Fees are as follows:
$100 one program
$125 two programs (at same site)
$150 three programs (at same site)
$175 four programs (at same site)
A travel fee will be added to the base fee for all programs over a 30 mile drive from the center. This fee will range from $50-$225, depending on distance. Please call for details.
To schedule a program, please complete a program registration form. Send or email it to
Carolina Wildlife Care
Attn: Wildlife Education
5551 Bush River Road
Columbia, SC 29212
Email: carolinawildlifecare@sc.rr.com
Education Programs
Amazing Animal Adaptations
Delve into the world of natural habitats found right here in South Carolina and the creatures that call them home. Students investigate some pretty cool adaptations in wildlife and discover how these characteristics help them to survive and do their jobs within their environment. What makes a opossum play dead? Why do different turtles have different appendages? Exactly how does camouflage benefit an animal? Why do some birds have long, pointy beaks, while others have curved ones? Our wildlife ambassadors provide the clues to answer these questions and more!
Turtle Hurdles
Have you ever wondered why a turtle has its shell? Can they really move to a larger shell as shown in cartoons? Do all turtles swim? What makes a turtle different from other reptiles? This program answers these questions and more as we explore the characteristics that make a turtle, well… a turtle. Children discover what makes this ancient creature so unique and why so many species of turtles face extinction today. Kids leave knowing how they can lend a helping hand to have a positive impact on the future of turtles.
Litter Harms a Critter
Thousands of animals, especially waterfowl, are injured or killed every year because of litter. Discarded plastic six-pack holders, fishing hooks and line, aluminum cans, even an apple core are all potentially lethal to wildlife. This program introduces children to many of the everyday dangers that litter can have on various types of wildlife. Students learn about the importance of recycling and are actually put to the test with a “recycling challenge”. Students participate in a guessing game using commonly discarded household items to discover the benefits of recycling for wildlife and the environment.
If You Care, Leave Them There
Do birds really reject their babies, if they have been touched? Millions of baby birds, squirrels, fawns and other wild animals are born into the world each spring. Their parents are programmed to take care of them until they are on their own, but sometimes people intervene. Students will learn the “do’s and don’ts” of rescuing wildlife and discover how and when to reunite a baby with it its mother. To rescue or not to rescue, that is the question. And after this program children leave with the answer!
Urban Wildlife: As Close As Your Backyard
Neighborhoods keep growing and changing. And as they do, wildlife is losing valuable habitat and being forced to live among us. Opossums that climb, snakes that slither, and birds that fly – our own backyards are filled with countless fascinating creatures! Students learn to recognize, understand and appreciate the most common wildlife living in their own backyards. Children will also take away gardening practices that will not attract songbirds, butterflies and other interesting wildlife to their yard naturally, but help the environment too!
Keep the “Wild” In Wildlife
Wild animals are fascinating creatures and sometimes it seems really cool to turn a wild animal into a pet, or even feed a wild animal by hand! This program examines the importance of treating wildlife as the wild animals they are and explores the best ways to enjoy nature up close, while keeping the “wild” in wildlife. Children learn why it’s best to keep a wild animal in its natural home, instead of bringing it into their own and the risks of not enjoying wildlife from a distance.
Interactive Wildlife Program NEW!
A different type of program designed to provide a unique opportunity to explore and personally experience the natural world up close by integrating the use of live animals with a “hands-on” component. A stand alone display incorporates colorful graphics, actual samples (birdhouses, feeders), and specimens (nests, eggs) to provide kids with a sensory learning experience. Children are further engaged with the introduction of “wildlife ambassadors” and by hearing “their” stories; real-life interpretation is drawn into the program. This program is a fun and engaging way to help young people learn through experience about wildlife and natural resources, while being introduced to the important concept of conservation. NOTE: Only appropriate for classes or groups of 25 or less.
From Shells to Scales and Tails Available August 2008
A unique program utilizing live birds and reptiles to educate students on the characteristics of animals that hatch from eggs. Using eggs, shells and other specimens, children have fun discovering the similarities and differences between our scaled and feathered friends. They are challenged to go on a “reptile round up” and play a word game seeing how many characteristics they can discover. Children are surprised and amazed to learn just how similar birds and reptiles really are!
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