Our Conservation Impact: 2024 in Review
Discover how the Wildlife Discovery Center made a difference in 2024 through our partnerships, rescue efforts, and community engagement. Our annual impact report showcases the meaningful work we've accomplished together with our supporters and partners.
Want a closer look? Download your copy of our 2024 Impact Report
Program Outcomes
Over 2,000 students reached in Tipton and Shelby Counties in the past year
Programming delivered to audiences ranging from grades 1-12 in public schools
Outreach conducted at church-based schools and homeschool groups
Ability to focus efforts on underserved schools in the Memphis area
The only provider of environmental education outreach aligned with state learning standards in Tennessee
Successful implementation of Dr. Toni Carmichael's tailored curriculum to engage minority populations
The Impact
The Wildlife Discovery Center fills a critical void as the only nature center in Tennessee offering environmental education outreach programs aligned with state learning standards. By bringing joyful, hands-on encounters with wildlife directly into schools, the WDC makes this vital education accessible regardless of a school's ability to travel. In just the past year, the WDC has reached over 2,000 students across Tipton and Shelby counties, sparking passion for conservation.
Looking ahead, the WDC is poised to create an even greater impact by expanding its innovative programming across the region. With a focus on underserved At-Promise schools in Memphis, the WDC has an extraordinary opportunity to inspire the next generation of environmental advocates and change agents. Through strategically implemented, high-quality programs tailored for diverse audiences from 1st through 12th grade, the WDC will foster environmental literacy and stewardship on a broadening scale.
“Recently Rob Carmichael came to our Elementary school with his animal program. We had a great experience and saw a diverse group of animals our students wouldn’t have seen outside of a zoo!
The animals were clearly well taken care of, interactions were entertaining and appropriate, and Mr. Rob was great! We would love to have him back again! We look forward to meeting Dr Carmichael too as we heard she writes the curriculum!”
“The WDC has international significance due to its diverse collection and professional staff. It is our hope to see more funding be provided for this exceptional organization doing fantastic work. For our museum, we consider the WDC our close friends as a number of our prized specimens came from their collection and they have always been very willing to help us.”
“Having had the good fortune to win 6 Emmy-Awards as a Cinematographer, I have had the privilege to work with some of the finest professionals in the field. But none have been any better than working with Rob Carmichael.
Not only have we made some groundbreaking films together, but we have grown to be very close friends which I treasure. It’s my hope that the efforts of the WDC continue to do well in Tennessee and that they get the funding they deserve to do something that is so unique for the people in the Mid South.”
“Rob and Toni are magnificent people and I can’t think of a more worthy cause to support than what they are doing now. They are talented educators, outwards thinkers, and Rob and I especially have some very close bonds in the field of crocodile conservation. Schools need to have experiences like this and I know that with the proper support, they can do many magical things for the people of Tennessee.”
“Thanks so much for coming to our school. The kids absolutely loved it!”
