Photo by Chris Simon A Bear Creek Exotic Wildlife Sanctuary employee plays with five-month-old tiger Makari last week. It's not everyday that a tiger comes strolling into your classroom.

But for a group of Alcona Glen Elementary School students, that's exactly what happened Friday. As preparation for several fundraisers that will benefit Bear Creek Exotic Wildlife Sanctuary, the school's Ambassador's Club received an up close look at a five-month-old Siberian tiger named Makari, and nine-year-old umbrella cockatoo named Daisy.

"It looked unreal," said 11-year-old Dana, after coming within metres of the tiger, which was restrained on a leash by a sanctuary staff member. "It actually came in and walked around. I thought it would be shocked."

The club hosts bake sales and other fundraisers for several charitable causes throughout the school year. Currently, the club is earning money for earthquake relief efforts in Haiti, but members have also participated in Coats for Kids and other initiatives.

Located in Barrie, Bear Creek is a non-profit organization dedicated to the survival of rare and endangered species. Staff rescue animals that have been abandoned or mistreated by zoos or private owners.

"It's (mankind's) mistake for bringing these animals (into captivity)," said Bear Creek owner Mary Sever, noting Bear Creek is the only exotic animal sanctuary in Ontario. "It's our job to look after them."

Eleven-year-old Megan is glad to help the sanctuary.

"We want to make sure the (animals) live long and are happy," she said.

Club organizers hope to raise about $500, money that will be used for food and other necessities for the facility's over 100 animals. Bear Creek currently cares for tigers, lions, cougars, jaguars, monkeys, bears, wolves, coyotes and foxes, among other animals.

"All of our animals are previously owned as pets, or are old movie or zoo surplus animals," said Sever. "Those kind of animals end up at our place. If we're unable to take them, they get (euthanized), it doesn't matter how old they are. We don't sell or breed the animals; whatever arrives at Bear Creek will die at Bear Creek."

For more information, visit www.bearcreeksanctuary.com or call 721-4730.