Animal Care Staff
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Patricia Morin
Director of Conservation & Animal Care
Born and raised in the Cochrane community, animals have always had a special place in Patricia’s heart. Despite her age, Patricia has already gained recognition in the animal care field with her experience working with Polar Bears. With a background in veterinary sciences, she has experience working alongside Toronto Zoo’s animal care staff with the primary focus on polar bears and sits on Northern College’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Advisory Committee. Patricia is also the primary lead for education and research opportunities.
Amanda Jansen
Polar Bear Keeper
Born and raised in northern Ontario, Amanda has been taking care of horses since she was young. “I love working with animals because there is never a dull moment.” After completing her studies in Husbandry and Equine Studies, Amanda moved back to her hometown of Cochrane Ontario and joined the animal care staff at the Polar Bear Habitat.
When she isn’t taking care of polar bears Amanda is a competitive horseback-rider. She is part of the A.E.R.W.A.T (Association Esquistre Regionale Western Abitibi-Temiscamingue.)
Amanda has become known as the Paper Mache Queen, she is always coming up with new ideas as to what shapes and characters to make the bear’s enrichment items. You can see samples of Amanda’s work when visiting the enrichment section of the website. Suggestions are always welcome.
Mireille Caron
Polar Bear Keeper
Growing up in Moonbeam Ontario, Mireille spent her time exploring the northern Ontario wilderness. As a young girl she always felt that there was more to learn out in the woods than in a classroom. Mireille graduated from the Fish and Wildlife Management Program and decided to pursue an extra year of schooling to learn more about wildlife and ecosystems.
While she was in school she volunteered her time caring for orphaned moose, beaver, raccoons and black bears to name a few. It was during this time she realized that caring and rehabilitating animals was her passion.
Mireille moved to Cochrane Ontario to complete her program placement at the Polar Bear Habitat. She fit in so well that the Animal Care staff wouldn’t let her leave, and she has been with the team ever since.
