UVic adopts adorable hands-on learning opportunity

The world is interconnected and ever-evolving. We think learning should be too. That's why UVic is pleased to announce the opening of a brand new interactive Edge Petting Zoo in the library.

At UVic, dynamic learning is crucial to our students' success. We want all of our students to be immersed in personal, hands-on learning experiences, regardless of which program they choose. Sure our co-op program is one of the largest in the country, but we're constantly asking ourselves, what else can we do? That's why we've opened the world's first-ever university petting zoo.

The inspiration

The West Coast of Canada is an environmentally rich region, and many of our students, faculty and staff have deep connections to nature and animals.

"If you've ever spent any time walking around campus, you'll get it," says George Wiseman, the newly appointed Library Zookeeper and driving force behind the project. "It's inspiring."

"I mean, just look at the amount of deer photos taken on campus—they're all over social media," Wiseman continues. "Last week I posted a picture to Facebook that I took from my library office window. It got over a hundred likes! If one photo can bring that kind of joy to that many people, just imagine what we can do with a zoo."

A rehabilitation program with a vital impact

Currently there are over a dozen species in the Edge Petting Zoo, including chickens, cats, goats, cows, llamas, sheep and raccoons.

There's even a tiger who was rescued from a boat that washed up on Cadboro Bay and spotted by a citizen scientist conducting ocean monitoring with the InFORM Network. The tiger, who has been affectionately named "Lightning" by Vikes Nations ambassadors, will be returned to the wild once rehabilitated.

UVic's Edge Petting Zoo provides students with an opportunity to learn real-world skills, like how quickly tigers run while chasing prey.

"Most of our animals are rescues," says Wiseman, "but we're also experiencing some people dropping off unwanted pets. It's a familiar problem."

The most popular animal, according to Wiseman? "The monkeys are a big hit. Although, we've had some complaints about them running off with books and laptops. There are still a few kinks to work out."

Reaction from the community

Most students are excited about the opportunity to learn from and alongside animals, and to help in the rehabilitation process.

"I think it's a great idea," says one student. "The campus deer just aren't enough for me; I really want to connect with a wider variety of animals. I've often found myself wondering, 'what's it like to be a miniature horse?' Thanks to UVic, I'll be that much closer to knowing."

Not all students share her enthusiasm though. Another student had this to say: "I worry that it might be distracting while I'm trying to study. Call me old-fashioned, but I think a university library should stick to coffee and computers."

Wiseman countered the noise issue by explaining that the animals would be contained to the first and second floors only. Quiet spaces would still remain on the upper floors.

As for the smell? "It's all part of the learning experience," he says. "Sometimes learning is dirty, and occasionally it's also smelly, apparently. But we're working with Facilities Management to have the manure sent to the campus community garden, so that's a plus! UVic is really stepping up its already strong commitment to sustainability."

The goal is to provide a hands-on learning experience while still allowing students to relax and concentrate on academics in our extraordinary library environment. We call it living in the 'mooment.'

Welcome to the edge of discovery. We won't stop until we see martlets flying in the rafters!

The Edge Petting Zoo closes at noon today. Happy April Fools' Day!