Wild Zoo of Saint-Félicien
Our cameraman has just decided to jump into the van to turn his camera on the continent's biggest land mammal: the buffalo. Despite the fact that the species was nearly eliminated in the time of Buffalo Bill, the specimen we see before us seems highly determined to defend his territory. The animal nonetheless allows cameraman Yanick Rose to get back in the vehicule in one piece. Seconds later, the beast is joined by his friends and they all chase after the van! Our guide calmly explains that this particular buffalo was raised in captivity and is less frightened of humans. That's why he sometimes plays chicken with the zoo's trucks.
Every species of the North American fauna is represented at Saint-Félicien's Wild Zoo. Don't expect to glimpse any exotic animals here; it's not the zoo's mandate. Organizers prefer to put all their energy in making the zoo as close to wilderness as possible. "We didn't want to see a giraffe standing next to a fir tree," explains Philippe, resident biologist. "It would make no sense at all. We decided we were going to display the animals in their natural habitat." So, in 1993, the zoo turned "wild," eliminating all cages, bars, cement, aluminum and steel that separated visitors from the animals, resulting in an original and efficient way of using space. A network of walkways and small bridges allows visitors to go from one exhibit to the next. It almost feels as if the animals aren't in captivity at all.
A large forest. That's the impression that you get as you walk through the vastness of the zoo. Going from exhibit to exhibit, you realize that you know very little about our country's fauna. Of course, when you first enter the zoo, you're convinced that you know every single animal who's ever galloped, grazed or flown across North America. It doesn't take very long to see just how wrong you are!
Not many of us can boast that we've seen a lynx, a polar bear or a wolf outside of the pages of a dusty copy of "National Geographic". Even the elusive wolverine is present here. He looks at us with mistrust in his eyes, moving rapidly, as if he had something to hide. In fact, the wolverine seems to be more uncomfortable with his captivity than other animals, and prefers to keep away from the public's curious gaze.
As the tour goes on, we realize that this is a zoo like no other. Designers tried to introduce a human dimension to the exhibits. That's what Philippe calls ethno-bio-geography. "We don't only talk about animals and nature," he notes. "We also deal with Quebec and Canadian history. As visitors go through the zoo, different characters pop up, explaining the role that humans have played in transforming nature."
A little further away is the feline area, where cougars and lynx pace around neighbouring exhibits. Cougars are as large as panthers and their brown fur gives them a ferocious look. One of them stretched across on a rock at the top of a small hill. He's observing the members of our team as we walk across the bridge. Another one is sharpening his claws on a log the size of a telephone pole.
Soon it's feeding time. The zoo keeper throws chunks of fresh meat in the exhibit and three other cougars come out from behind the hill. The animals tear into the flesh as instincts start to resurface. The growling intensifies. The cougar who makes the least amount of noise is cast aside, unable to share in the meal, until the keeper throws another chunk at the weaker animal's feet. Lynx, on the other hand look like a bigger version of your average house cat. One difference though: Don't try to pet them!
We keep the best for last: 
the polar-bear exhibit, which features a giant aquarium that allows visitors to stand face to face with the giant beasts. As we approach the exhibit, we are mesmerized; the bear is swimming around the basin, looking for fish that are being dropped from above. Despite the freezing water, he moves rapidly, his shiny white fur giving him a trully regal allure.
As I leave the natural habitats, I feel as if I'm stepping out of a different world, despite the fact that every single one of these animals is a native of this continent. Unbelievable! Which brings us to the zoo's motto: knowing to learn, learning to love, loving to protect. Any questions?
