Wanderlight Alpaca Experience Launches First-of-its-Kind ‘Quest’ That Combines Escape Room and Dining Experiences

Wanderlight Alpaca Experience has launched a first-of-its-kind ‘Wanderlight Alpaca Quest,’ combining an escape room-like and dining experience announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of Wanderlight Alpaca Experience.

This on-farm experience combines the team-building aspects and intellectual challenges with alpacas.

Guests are given a backpack with a map, compass, lockbox, and instructions left by the time-travelling Incans to help them solve the mystery. They follow the map along on-farm trails to stations where they solve challenging puzzles. Once the hiding place has been discovered, the guests lead the alpacas to the safety of the farm and end with a local al fresco dining experience.

“Guests always comment on the sweet personalities of the alpacas and the beautiful serenity of the farm - this new experience allows guests to interact with the herd in an innovative and unforgettable way. People are making a visit to Wanderlight a family tradition and the Quest gives them a new adventure” said Katie Jackson, Wanderlight Alpaca Experience founder. “Alpaca walks are popular on-farm experience in Ontario, the Quest brings it to a different level. It is great for groups who like to embark on an adventure, have fun and work together towards a common goal.”

Jackson developed this idea with support from the ‘Spark’ Innovation grant – which assists new tourism ideas with funding and mentorship.

"Developing new, bookable tourism products in collaboration with other local business operators offers visitors a unique and memorable experience in our region," explains Jaimie Eastabrook, PKED’s tourism development officer. "This ultimately supports the region’s goals of increasing visitor spend and length of stay while ensuring guests have a rave-worthy experience they’ll want to come back to and share with family and friends."

The Wanderlight Alpaca Quest has been custom-designed by local experts from another Peterborough County business – Millbrook Escape Maze – based in Stewart Hall according to a press release. It continues to state that the story incorporates an element of magic by leaning into Earth elements and Incan mythology as the ancestral homeland of the modern-day domesticated alpaca.

“As a solo entrepreneur, it is invaluable to have support, mentorship, and accountability to make an idea happen,” said Jackson. “Consultations with Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism and fellow tourism business operators helped me to feel like I was not alone and that there were people invested in my success.”

While the traditional elements may be a nod to South American culture, the adventure culminates in a truly local culinary experience according to Jackson.

“Guests at Wanderlight have the option to add on an al-fresco dining package with a table set with locally-sourced artisanware and delicious local food and drink,” she said. “It is a great way to celebrate solving the Quest.”

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Missing Python Since Friday Has Yet to Be Found

A 10-year-old non-venomous ball python missing since Friday has yet to be located according to the Peterborough Police, announced on Monday.

Northern Water Snake. Photo courtesy of Dave Ellis.

The snake is described as black and brown in colour, approximately 4' in length and was lost in the area of Millennium Park.

It was last seen swimming toward the train bridge.

Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x225.

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Riverview Park and Zoo’s Nine-Year-Old Sichuan Takin, Yao Ming, Passes Away

The Riverview Park and Zoo’s (RPZ) Sichuan Takin, Yao Ming has passed away, announced on Friday.

Photocourtesy of the Riverview Park & Zoo.

The nine-year-old Sichuan Takin experiencing a decline in his overall health and body condition over the last few months and passed away overnight according to the Zoo.

His remains have been sent to the Guelph University Animal Health Laboratory in Kempsville for determination of the cause of death.

“We would like to especially thank our consulting veterinarian Dr. John Sallaway and his team of health experts and specialists who offered their knowledge and support in the diagnosis and treatment of the beloved takin. As well, we extend our gratitude and condolences to the caring zookeepers who had given extra attention to Yao Ming’s special needs and health over his lifetime at Riverview Park and Zoo. His loss will be significantly felt in the community, and he will be sorely missed by his RPZ team,” according to a statement made by the Zoo.

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Peterborough Humane Society's Inaugural 50/50 Lottery & Owen’s ‘Ruff’le Raises Nearly $35,000

Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) concluded its inaugural 50/50 lottery and Owen’s ‘Ruff’le, randomly drawing two winning names from last Wednesday afternoon.

Si Grobler (left), Darlene (middle) and Kevin MacKenzie (right) celebrating the 50/50 win of $21,807.50 at the Peterborough Animal Care Centre. Photo courtesy of the PHS.

Darlene of Peterborough won the $21,807.50 grand prize from the 50/50 draw while Kathryn Sheridan of Peterborough was the lucky winner from the Owen’s ‘Ruff’le. She walks away with Loll Designs patio chairs, valued at over $1700.

The inaugural PHS 50/50 Lottery ran from March 13 to April 17, raising $34,857.50 for the Peterborough Humane Society's animals in need.

“I continue to be impressed and humbled by our supporters here in Peterborough, across the Kawartha Region, and the entire province for their generous support of what we do”, said Shawn Morey, PHS executive director.

Plans are already underway for the second iteration of the PHS 50/50 Lottery according to a press release.

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Peterborough Humane Society Launches Inaugural 50/50 Lottery In Honour Of Late Dog Ambassador

On what would have been Ambassador Owen the Griff’s 17th birthday, the Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) has launched its inaugural 50/50 lottery, announced on Wednesday.

Owen the Griff’s Instagram account has over 114,000 followers and has been succeeded by another dog, Gigi. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Humane Society.

Owen was popular through his Instagram account and a vital advocate in PHS fundraising throughout his dog life.

The PHS 50/50 Lottery allows participants to win money while providing financial support at PHS’s Animal Care Centre. In addition to the 50/50, the draw features Owen's ‘Ruff’le, a chance to win two patio chairs valued at over $1,700. 

“We're incredibly excited to launch our first-ever PHS 50/50 Lottery,” said Shawn Morey, PHS executive director. “It's a fantastic way for our community to come together and make a difference for animals in need while also having the chance to win beautiful patio chairs through Owen’s ‘Ruff’le.”

The draw will occur on April 17 at 1 p.m. PHS’s social media pages and website will update the public on the 50/50 pot throughout the draw. At the time of this article's publication, the pot was $2,220.

Tickets can be purchased online in packages of 25 for $25, 10 for $10, three for $5 or one for $2.

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Publican House's 'Our Pet Pilsner' Raises Over $8,500 For Peterborough Humane Society's Animal Care Centre

Since its inception in early February of 2022, Publican House’s fundraiser beer ‘Our Pet Pilsner’ has raised over $8,500 for the Peterborough Humane Society and their Animal Care Centre.

Our Pet Pilsner is a 4.5 per cent German-style that won a gold medal at the 2023 Ontario Brewing Awards. pilsner Photo courtesy of Publican House Brewery.

The money was to aid the Humane Society’s move to their new $10 million Animal Care Centre on Technology Drive.

The beer originally raised $5,000 as of May last year. The downtown pub raised another $3,590 and donated the money in another cheque presentation last Friday.

The brewery plans to continue to raise money for the Humane Society throughout 2024.

”With the gold medal recognition at this year's Ontario Brewing Awards, we hope to raise even more in 2024. Thank you to everyone who has enjoyed an Our Pet Pilsner and to the amazing team at the Peterborough Humane Society,” as stated in an Instagram post.

As part of the collaboration, Publican House showcased a pet for adoption from the Humane Society on their social media every month.

The beer label design was created by local artist Jason Wilkins.

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Auto Connect Sales Raises Animal Adoption Awareness During the Holidays With Adopt Advent Calendar

Auto Connect Sales launched an animal adoption awareness campaign during the holidays with an ‘Adopt Advent Calendar’ to help the Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) find homes for several pets.

Elias (left) was one of 25 animals showcased in the advent calendar and is having holiday fun with Watson (right). Photo by Mark Dizon.

There were 25 animals from PHS showcased in total, with one animal featured daily on Auto Connect’s Instagram account.

Of all the animals posted, 15 of the 25 pets found homes before Christmas according to a Facebook post.

“We didn’t get these animals adopted. I think the calendar helped get exposure to the Humane Society,” said Cheryl Watson of Auto Connect Sales. “I was very happy that idea was very well received. I think the community liked it.”

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Watson had the idea of starting the calendar after attending a PHS gala. Animals were present at the event for anyone attending to interact with.

“I fell in love with a dog and I couldn’t stop thinking about them,” explained Watson. “I thought I had to get this dog adopted. That was my goal.”

Auto Connect staff met with the animals at the Peterborough Animal Care Centre for a photo shoot for the advent calendar.

“It was such a magical day,” said Watson. “Everybody was having a fantastic time. The Humane Society was so encouraging, supportive and eager to help get this done. It was a perfect joint effort.”

The remaining ten animals that were showcased are still up for adoption.

“Even if we can get one or two animals adopted, it was worth it,” said Watson.

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Peterborough Humane Society Holding Giving Tuesday Campaign For Animal Support

Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) is asking the public for donations during Giving Tuesday to help match thousands of animals with loving families announced on Tuesday.

Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement that takes place each year after Black Friday. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Humane Society.

Any donations during the GivingTuesday Campaign have CanadaHelps adding an extra one per cent.

PHS wanted to highlight the story of Twyla and her puppies.

Twyla, a gentle female St. Bernard, was found wandering the streets as a stray by our Animal Control Officers in late August of this summer. She was severely emaciated and neglected; thin and dirty, she was in desperate need of immediate care. Our team swiftly took action and brought her into the Peterborough Animal Care Centre. They were shocked to find she was actively in labour.

Once safely in our care, she gave birth to seven beautiful puppies. Staff gave her babies celestial-themed names: Nova, Galileo, Astro, Celeste, Aurora, Astrid and Halle.

After giving birth, the mom was in a deplorable state and couldn’t produce enough milk for her babies. Staff quickly jumped to action to care for the new pups by bottle feeding and providing around-the-clock care for them to survive. After many weeks of intense care and supervision, the pups were ready to be alone. Volunteers and staff fostered the puppies at their homes during their growth period to give them continuous care and socialization. They went above and beyond to ensure these pups would flourish into wonderful family members.

After months of love, growth and attention, the beautiful puppies went up for adoption and each found their forever homes. Twyla remained in our care to gain weight, heal, and receive all of the enrichment and support we could provide. Once her health improved, she underwent spay surgery at our Peterborough Regional Spay/Neuter Clinic. Now, Twyla is healthy, happy and ready to find a loving home of her own.

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Part Time CFO Services LLP Donates $50,000 to the Peterborough Humane Society's Animal Care Centre

The Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) has received a $50,000 donation from Part Time CFO Services LLP towards the new Peterborough Animal Care Centre (PACC).

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Humane Society.

“Support from our local businesses like Part Time CFO, means the world to us here at PHS,” said Shawn Morey, PHS executive director. “This donation helps us provide more programs and services which in turn helps animals and people in our local community.”

“Part Time CFO Services LLP is committed to giving back to the areas where we live and work via sponsorships, volunteer work, and donations,” said Tim McLaren, CFO director of finance. “Our team members are dedicated to making a positive difference in our community.”

As a result of the donation, PACC’s main reception desk has been named in recognition of CFO and will be identified on the Donor Wall in the lobby.

“Our new Centre allows us to serve more people than ever; we now have a welcoming space where the community can join us,” said Morey. “Everyone who comes through our doors either needs help for their animals or wants to help animals in need, and now we have a space where we can do it all.”

The PHS is in the latest stage of the capital campaign to raise the final $3 million of its $13 million goal for ‘Our Pet Project.’ The rest of the money will help in expanding services and improving animal wellness according to a press release.

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Hometown PTBO: Shawn Morey and the Peterborough Animal Care Centre In Need of Finding Homes For Their Surplus of Animals

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday talks with Shawn Morey, Peterborough Humane Society executive director, about the surplus of animals at the Peterborough Animal Care Centre and seeking anyone to adopt them.

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