Wildlife Educators Coalition is an expanding number of exotic animal owners and handlers who have been working in this field for some years. We network with several other wildlife groups to bring a larger variety of animals and perspectives to our programs. We are experienced in the business and the art of wildlife education. Mission Statement: We exist to introduce children of all ages to the wonders of the natural world through their exciting personal experience with our animal ambassadors. We believe that WILDLIFE IS THE HEARTBEAT OF THE EARTH.We have over 100 animals who participate in our programs. Our presentations include introductions to our animals, sharing their personal history and the life their wild counterparts lead. We include information about their native environment and how we can help protect it. We also include interactive materials to draw the students into the program. These programs fulfill several of the New York State Educational Standards in Science. Some of our program themes: The Diversity of LifeRain, Rain Don't Go Away!! - Rainforest Going, Going, Gone - Endangered Species Skin, Scales and Shells - ReptileBug ZooSpecialized programs will focus on a specific family of animals with emphasis on commonalities and differences. For example, we have a common marmoset and a black handed spider monkey – A Tale of Two Monkeys. One is big, one small, one has opposable thumbs, one does not, both have long tails, but one is prehensile the other is not. One is threatened, the other not. Discussions and interactive materials can address the differences, the adaptations, the commonalities and even diversity in the human family as well as in the primate family. We are a serious educational group with long term plans to enrich our community.