A win in Whitby thanks to supporter advocacy

Back in 2021, we were alerted that a facility in Whitby that organizes “hands-on” activities with dangerous animals for children, called Nova’s Ark, was seeking an exemption from a local bylaw. This bylaw prohibits the keeping of dangerous wild animals such as wolves, bobcats, and large constrictor pythons.

An exemption to this bylaw would have allowed them to keep their 118 prohibited wild animals and likely be free to acquire any additional dangerous wild animals they wanted. This was not only an animal welfare concern, but a severe public health and safety issue.

Photo from Nova’s Ark’s Facebook page showing a young child interacting with a Lynx, a potentially dangerous wild animal. 

Together with other animal protection organizations, we submitted letters and shared our concerns with the city by making a delegation in 2021. While it took until 2023 for this issue to re-appear on the Whitby Town Council agenda, we were ready. We asked our supporters for help, and they stepped up – attending our webinar to learn how to help advocate for these animals and speaking up at a Whitby Town Council meeting. 

All this pressure paid off! Thanks to the work of some incredible city councilors and the coordinated effort of local citizens, our supporters and other animal protection organization, Nova’s Ark decided to withdraw their request for the exemption and agreed that all their dangerous wild animals would be removed from their property in Whitby. 

Unfortunately, it’s unclear where these animals are now as Ontario doesn’t monitor the movement of non-native wild animals, but we are fighting to change this by calling on the Ontario government to make this the last unregulated roadside zoos season in Ontario.  

Speaking up can feel like a daunting endeavor, but in the words of longtime World Animal Protection supporter Leah, “There is no greater feeling than having the courage to stand up for what you believe in.”  

Leah was one of the concerned citizens who joined a critical city council meeting to advocate for wild animals and the safety of her community. 

Read about Leah’s experience and her advice for animal advocates in the interview below: 

What inspired you to attend the city council meeting to share your concerns about Nova’s Ark?  

It’s one thing to make a financial donation, but another to actually feel like you’re doing something that can have a real impact in your own community.  I was excited for the opportunity to make a difference.  

How did you prepare for the city council meeting?  

Using World Animal Protection’s information and through conversations with staff I created an outline of what I wanted to say, but I didn’t want to be stuck reading from a script, so I just spoke from the heart and tried to make sure that I was clear to highlight my main points.   

Would you take similar actions in the future?  

Yes, I would definitely take similar actions in the future! 

What was your biggest learning/takeaway from this experience?  

Be prepared, and don’t be afraid to stand up for what you believe in.  

What advice do you have for other animal supporters who may be intimidated to attend a council meeting or speak with their government representatives?  

Every time you speak up, it gets easier to do it the next time.  There is no greater feeling than having the courage to stand up for what you believe in. Just as long as you’re prepared and stay calm. Your voice matters!   

Is there anything else you think animal advocates should know about your experience?  

You can make a difference. Your voice and your contribution have the ability to make a real change in your very own local community.