Nova's Ark - Whitby, Ontario

Cameron L.

It is one of the most unique and amazing places I've ever been to. It's awesome. They do such great work here with such talented people and friendly professional staff. The animals and atmosphere are an awesome experience. Keep up the exceptional work!

Timothy W.

My son has become a new person, more confident, happier and brave since going to Nova's for the last year. I'll be eternally grateful.

Matthew C.

A very decent summer camp for kids. 🤧 if you know the secrets can be a little dirty though. The bathrooms are pretty dirty and are even a portable bathroom and I don’t think I like portable bathrooms. Plus you may know that I’ve been here before. Pretty decent zoo and animals, and even a swag tree and swings. And if you want to know why there are a few good staff and counsellors. At least it’s okay so that’s a bonus. For the day you stay from 9am to 3pm. Same time as school.

C P.

They OVERWORK volunteer students, not even giving them breaks.. and forcing them to clean and do jobs that are out of their scope. Poorly run and managed. The kids are better off somewhere else.

Michael C.

I implore anyone that is considering visiting Nova’s Ark to look into how exactly this “therapy camp” acquired their animals. Not only were these animals acquired through illegal means, but they were continuously exploited by Nova’s Ark Zoo (which is exactly what this place is).

While animal therapy can be very beneficial to one’s mental health, Nova’s Ark is not operating in good faith and cares far more about attempting to bypass the law in order to house animals on their premises. A quick google search will direct you to a few different articles outlining what Nova’s Ark is truly in the business of doing.

Bobby M.

Had the pleasure of getting a tour with the Rotary club of Whitby Sunrise. Wonderful charity doing great things

E B.

The most amazing place on earth! I have had the pleasure of having both of my children involved at Nova's Ark and couldn't even begin to express my feelings towards this organization. The guest, volunteers, animals and most of all, Maryanne Nova. I can not even imagine (nor do I want to) where we would be without this organization! Thanks for all you do Nova's Ark!!!!

Supa M.

Volunteered here. Found the head of the establishment to be quite rude and unprofessional. I was being compared to workers who have been there for years and was expected to work at the same pace as them, with little guidance. And I had been there for 2 days a week for 3 months, making it a total of 2 and a half weeks. I was there for the animal care program and I got very little time to actually work closely with the animals. And when I did have the time, i was put to scrub walls instead of working with the animals. There were times when I was put on a task that I had not been trained on, and was reprimanded when I did not follow through. I also think she has too many animals and not enough animal staff to take care of them. She cares more about the children's entertainment than the animals needs. I feel like she has bitten off more than she can chew and the staff suffer the consequences. If your goal is to go there to work with animals, I highly recommend picking another place.