WildePolar
Immersive Polar Bear Care & Conservation Experience
In this Wilde Tracks collaboration mission, you are immersed in the extraordinary world of polar bear care and conservation, working side by side with experienced animal care teams in a truly unique, purpose-built wildlife environment. This is a rare, hands-on opportunity to contribute directly to captive wildlife welfare while gaining unforgettable insight into the ethical management of one of the planet’s most iconic species.
Set at the world’s only wildlife centre solely dedicated to the care and conservation of polar bears, the polar bear habitat spans 24 acres of authentic sub-Arctic terrain, complete with a natural lake and boreal forest. This vast, enriched landscape allows the bears to move freely, interact naturally, and explore their environment entirely on their own terms - just as they would in the wild.
Day-to-day involvement includes supporting essential care that directly enhances animal wellbeing. From preparing specialised diets and creating enriching environments, to cleaning night rooms, maintaining pools, shovelling snow, cutting grass, and upkeeping dedicated animal care areas, every task contributes meaningfully to the lives of the bears.
Alongside this hands-on involvement, carefully managed observational experiences reveal the deeper science of polar bear care. Feeding sessions, behavioural training, veterinary examinations (conducted bi-weekly with a contracted veterinary technician), and crate training offer rare, behind-the-scenes access to advanced welfare practices. While non-contact to ensure the bears’ comfort, these moments provide powerful insight into behaviour, health, and veterinary care in action.
Through this dynamic blend of real-world contribution and guided observation, the experience delivers an unforgettable, front-line immersion in captive wildlife care - bringing you closer to the science, the animals, and the impact of conservation itself.
location
Canada
Canada is a country of incredible wildlife, diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, stretching from rugged Atlantic coastlines and vast forests to the Rocky Mountains and the remote Arctic. Home to iconic species including polar bears, moose, wolves, bears, whales and countless bird species, Canada is one of the world’s most important destinations for wildlife and conservation. With a diverse climate, two official languages and a rich blend of Indigenous cultures and communities, Canada offers a unique combination of nature, conservation, culture and adventure. From protecting Arctic ecosystems and marine life to conserving vast wilderness areas, there is something remarkable around every corner.
Conservation Activities
The mission combines practical animal care with observational learning, providing an insight into the daily work involved in maintaining the health, welfare and wellbeing of polar bears in a specialised captive environment.
Activities may include:
Preparing specialised diets and supporting daily feeding routines
Developing and maintaining enrichment opportunities that encourage natural behaviours
Cleaning and maintaining night rooms, pools and dedicated animal care areas
Shovelling snow and maintaining the sub-Arctic habitat
Cutting grass and assisting with general habitat maintenance
Observing polar bear behaviour and learning how individual animals are monitored
Observing feeding sessions and behavioural training
Observing veterinary examinations and learning about routine health monitoring
Observing crate training and safe animal management procedures
Supporting the upkeep of the 24-acre habitat to maintain a safe, stimulating and well-managed environment
All activities are undertaken under the direction of the centre's experienced animal care team. Participants support the existing team and contribute to the daily care and welfare of the bears, without replacing trained staff or undertaking activities outside their level of experience.
Your Canadian Home
Accommodation
Accommodation is not included in this mission, giving you the flexibility to choose where you stay based on your preferred comfort level, budget and travel style.
Wilde Tracks can recommend a selection of accommodation options within walking distance of the centre, making it easy to travel to and from the mission each day. Staying locally also provides an opportunity to experience the community beyond the wildlife centre, explore the surrounding area and gain a more authentic insight into local life and culture.
Whether you prefer a simple and comfortable stay or a more private and premium option, you can select the accommodation that best suits your needs.
Available Missions
We Can't Wait To Welcome You
Next Mission
Available year round
Can begin on any day of the week
1 month minimum stay
Who Can Join
Open to anyone 18 years who is studying or working in animal or conservation related industries
Open to any gender
An informal interview will be required as part of the application process
Proficient English is required
Inclusions + exclusions
What's included
Conservation Work
Support polar bear welfare through daily care, habitat maintenance, enrichment and behavioural observation while gaining insight into ethical captive wildlife management and conservation.
All Activities
Prepare diets, create enrichment, clean care areas, maintain pools and habitat, shovel snow, cut grass, observe feeding, training and veterinary care, and support crate training.
Guides
Qualified English-speaking professionals
What's not included
Flights
International flight to Timmins Airport (YTS)
Health/Travel Insurance
Mandatory
Tourist Visa
If applicable
Alcohol & Souvenirs
Accommodation & Meals
Airport Transfers
Conservation Contribution
Ready to Join Us?
If “Book Now” is available:
Click the Book Now button to secure your place on the mission. Select the departure date and the applicable package.
A deposit is required to confirm your spot - spaces are limited and cannot be held without payment
The remaining balance is split into three instalments, with final payment due 90 days prior to departure
If booking within 90 days of departure, full payment is required at the time of booking
Once your deposit (or full payment) is received, you’ll be sent a detailed information pack covering everything you need to know - including program details, travel guidance, what to expect, and a packing list
If “Book Now” is not available:
This mission may have specific requirements, offers multiple departure dates, or has alternative mission lengths available
Click Ask A Question and complete your details to register your interest
A Wilde Tracks team member will contact you via email
If you don’t hear from us within 3 business days, please email info@wildetracks.com
No payment is required to register your interest
Our team will help guide you through the best options available for you
Some of our trips require a minimum number of participants to run. In the unlikely event the minimum isn’t met, we’ll let you know no later than 60 days before departure. If you haven’t heard from us by then, your trip is good to go. To keep things flexible, we recommend booking your flight after this point or choosing a flexible ticket.
Find Out More
Want to learn more before booking your Wilde Tracks mission?
📧 Email us: info@wildetracks.com
📸 See the mission in action: Follow @wildetracks on Instagram for footage from past missions, conservation work and behind-the-scenes moments.
💬 Have a question? Send us an email or DM on Instagram, or use the “Ask a Question” button at the top of this page - our team is happy to help.
Real Experiences. Real Travellers. Real Reviews.
Don’t just take our word for it - hear directly from the travellers who have joined Wilde Tracks missions around the world.
From hands-on conservation work and unforgettable wildlife encounters to meaningful connections with local communities, our guests share what it’s really like to travel with purpose.
⭐ 5.0/5 on Tripadvisor
⭐ 34 five-star reviews
⭐ Travellers’ Choice recognised
Read their stories, see what they experienced and discover why so many of our guests are already planning their next Wilde Tracks adventure.
Photo gallery
Wilde Tracks
Wilde Tracks is a conservation organisation with a different approach to funding wildlife protection: our conservation work is funded through travel.
We work alongside wildlife veterinarians, conservation organisations, reserves, researchers and local communities around the world, helping fund vital work including veterinary interventions, wildlife monitoring and tracking, anti-poaching initiatives, research, habitat protection and community-led conservation.
Rather than relying on donations or traditional fundraising, the people who travel with Wilde Tracks help make this work possible. The money generated through our trips directly contributes to the conservation projects our guests may be part of, while also supporting important work continuing behind the scenes.