OUR TEAM & VISION
"In the end, we will conserve only what we love.
We will love only what we understand.
We will understand only what we are taught."
— Baba Dioum, Senegalese forester and conservationist
Stefanie MacEwan & Justin Vandebelt
Soper Creek Wildlife was founded by Stefanie MacEwan, a passionate wildlife professional dedicated to inspiring meaningful connections between people and the natural world. With more than 20 years of experience working with native, exotic, and domesticated animals, Stefanie combines her expertise in wildlife care with a lifelong commitment to conservation and environmental education.
A graduate of the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology, Stefanie is a provincially licensed Wildlife Custodian and one of only three internationally Certified Wildlife Rehabilitators (CWR) in Ontario—and one of approximately 30 across Canada. This internationally recognized designation reflects the highest standards of wildlife rehabilitation, animal welfare, and professional care.
Stefanie is also a certified trainer and program leader for the Canadian Wildlife Federation’s Project WILD and Below Zero programs, helping educators and communities bring environmental education to life. As a student mentor with the University of Guelph’s College of Biological Science, she works alongside future conservation professionals, providing mentorship in wildlife conservation, environmental education, nonprofit leadership, business development, and community engagement.
Today, Stefanie’s vision extends far beyond wildlife rehabilitation. Through the Soper Creek Wildlife Discovery Campus, Wildlife Experiences, Discovery Camps, Wildlife on Wheels, and community outreach initiatives, she is helping inspire the next generation of environmental stewards while creating unforgettable opportunities for people to connect with wildlife.
A Partnership Built on Passion
Behind every successful conservation organization is a dedicated team, and Justin Vandebelt has been an integral part of Soper Creek Wildlife’s growth and success.
While working full-time as a Red Seal Licensed Automotive Technician, Justin volunteers countless hours as Director of Operations, overseeing many of the behind-the-scenes projects that keep the organization running. From designing and constructing animal habitats and maintaining the Discovery Campus to caring for the property, supporting wildlife experiences, and assisting with educational programming, Justin’s hands-on approach helps bring Soper Creek’s vision to life every day.
Together, Stefanie and Justin have built more than a wildlife organization—they’ve created a place where wildlife, education, and community come together to inspire curiosity, foster meaningful connections with nature, and protect the world we share.
Bryce & Ella
Bryce and Ella have been the heart and inspiration behind Soper Creek Wildlife since the very beginning. When Soper Creek was founded, Bryce was just four years old and Ella was only one. Their endless curiosity, compassion, and love for Ontario’s wildlife inspired a dream that has since grown into a community dedicated to wildlife conservation and education.
More than ten years later, they continue to be an integral part of Soper Creek Wildlife. They have grown up alongside the organization—helping care for animals, welcoming visitors, supporting programs, and sharing their passion for wildlife with others. Watching them develop into confident young conservationists has continually reinforced our belief that when children are given the opportunity to connect with nature, they become the next generation of wildlife advocates.
They are, and always will be, the driving force behind everything we do.
Our Wildlife Team
Nicole Countway
Director of Wildlife Rehabilitation
Nicole Countway has been part of the Soper Creek Wildlife Family since May 2018. She is the Director of Wildlife Rehabilitation at Soper Creek Wildlife Rescue, overseeing the care of animals in rehabilitation as well as the training and education of volunteers.
Prior to beginning at Soper Creek Wildlife she completed a Bachelor of Science Honors in Zoology at the University of Guelph in 2016, and a Wildlife Conservation Technology Diploma at Holland College in 2018.
Nicole joined the team at Soper Creek Wildlife as a Wildlife Educator, traveling around Ontario for various educational experiences. Nicole was also a co-director for the summer camp programming offered at Soper Creek Wildlife for summers 2018 and 2019. Throughout her time at Soper Creek Wildlife Nicole has also played a large role with care of the educational animals as well as educational programming throughout all seasons. She is a Jane of all trades
Marisa Kinnear
Executive Administrator
Marisa started at Soper Creek Wildlife as a volunteer in spring 2021 and officially joined the team as a staff member the following year. Marisa works in the Admissions Office, answering our wildlife emergency hotline and admitting patients into our wildlife hospital. She also helps coordinate our volunteer program, our day experiences and our corporate sponsorships. Marisa is the smiling face that will greet you each time you visit “The Meadow Welcome Building”.
taalor d.
wildlife educator & animal husbandry team
Taalor is a Wildlife Educator and Animal Husbandry Team Member at Soper Creek Wildlife. With a lifelong passion for animals, Taalor has always found ways to learn more about the natural world and the species that inhabit it. Originally starting as a volunteer team member she has ventured into a full time role with us. Whether caring for wildlife or inspiring others through education, she is dedicated to promoting conservation and fostering a deeper appreciation for wildlife. Her favorite animal is the otter, admired for its intelligence, playful nature, and adaptability. Looking ahead, Taalor plans to attend the University of Guelph to study Zoology and continue building a career dedicated to wildlife care, education, and conservation.
Our Vision
Welcome to the Soper Creek Wildlife Discovery Campus
The Soper Creek Wildlife Discovery Campus is where curiosity becomes connection and connection inspires conservation.
Nestled on 15 acres of the beautiful Oak Ridges Moraine, our Discovery Campus invites visitors of all ages to discover Ontario’s native wildlife through unforgettable experiences, hands-on learning, and meaningful interactions with nature. Every trail, wildlife encounter, educational program, summer camp, and seasonal event is designed to help people see the natural world in a new way.
Our philosophy is rooted in the words of renowned conservationist Baba Dioum, who said:
“In the end, we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we are taught.”
At Soper Creek Wildlife, this belief guides everything we do. We believe the path to conservation begins with discovery. By creating opportunities for people to experience wildlife firsthand, we inspire understanding. Understanding builds appreciation, appreciation grows into love, and that love becomes a lifelong commitment to protecting the world we share.
Meet the Animals Who Inspire Conservation
At the heart of the Discovery Campus are our remarkable Animal Ambassadors—wildlife that can no longer survive in their natural habitats and have found a permanent, safe home at Soper Creek Wildlife.
Each ambassador has a story that helps visitors better understand the challenges facing wildlife in Ontario. Through thoughtfully guided experiences led by our experienced Wildlife Educators, guests learn why these animals could not return to the wild and discover the important role they now play in inspiring thousands of future conservationists.
Every interaction is carefully designed to prioritize the well-being of our ambassadors while creating authentic, meaningful experiences that foster empathy, respect, and a lifelong appreciation for wildlife.
Built on Conservation
The Discovery Campus is proudly built upon the work of Durham Region’s only Wildlife Rehabilitation Hospital. While visitors experience the educational side of Soper Creek Wildlife through our permanent Animal Ambassadors, our dedicated rehabilitation team works behind the scenes providing specialized care for sick, injured, and orphaned native wildlife with the goal of returning every possible patient back to its natural habitat.
Although these two paths may appear different, they are inseparable. Wildlife rehabilitation gives purpose to education, and education inspires the conservation actions that help protect wildlife for generations to come. Every species—no matter how big or small—plays an essential role in the web of life, shaping healthy ecosystems that ultimately support our own lives.
Bringing Education to Life
Learning at the Discovery Campus extends far beyond the classroom.
Whether exploring our forests, meeting wildlife, participating in camps, attending educational programs, or joining one of our guided experiences, visitors become active participants in their own learning. These immersive experiences encourage curiosity, strengthen mental well-being, build empathy, inspire positive social connections, and create a lasting appreciation for the natural world.
We don’t simply teach people about wildlife—we create opportunities for them to experience it.
Because we believe that when people truly experience nature, they begin to understand it. When they understand it, they care. And when they care, they choose to protect it.
Every Visit Makes a Difference
Every visit to the Soper Creek Wildlife Discovery Campus directly supports the lifelong care of our Animal Ambassadors while also helping provide life-saving rehabilitation for sick, injured, and orphaned native wildlife.
As we receive no government funding, every guest, donor, volunteer, and supporter becomes part of a larger mission: inspiring curiosity, building meaningful connections with nature, and protecting the world we share.
