The Bear Factory Presents the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo with the 2025 Sustainability Award
Whitmore Lake, MI
The Bear Factory is proud to announce the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo as the recipient of the 2025 Sustainability Award. This recognition celebrates partners who embody an unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility, conservation, and education—values that align closely with The Bear Factory’s mission.
Since our partnership began last year, The Bear Factory has been honored to collaborate with the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. Their dedication to wildlife conservation and bold vision for the future make them a shining example of sustainability in action. Together, our teams have worked with optimism and excitement to build programs that inspire the next generation while supporting conservation efforts today.
Founded in 1929, the Wilder/Institute Calgary Zoo has grown into Canada’s most visited zoo and an internationally recognized leader in wildlife conservation. Situated on 125 acres in the heart of Calgary, Alberta, the zoo welcomes over 1.5 million visitors annually, delivering exceptional animal care, inspiring educational opportunities, and unforgettable guest experiences. In 2021, the launch of the Wilder Institute marked a new era, deepening the zoo’s commitment to research-driven, inclusive conservation programs that engage communities, influence policies, and drive global impact.
Today, the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo continues to fight extinction by combining nearly a century of experience with a renewed vision that emphasizes the urgency of conservation and the power of collective action—working toward a future where people and wildlife thrive, together.
The Sustainability Award honors their leadership in shaping a more sustainable future through conservation, education, and partnerships that make a difference, locally and globally.
Quote from Cassandra Cameron, Retail Manager, Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo:
“We are incredibly honored to receive the 2025 Sustainability Award from The Bear Factory. This recognition celebrates not just our team, but the countless individuals who support conservation every day. Our partnership has allowed us to bring creative, educational experiences to our community while reinforcing our shared commitment to sustainability.”
Quote from Jimmy Banish, COO, The Bear Factory:
“The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo represents the very best of what the Sustainability Award stands for. Their commitment to conservation, education, and creating lasting change mirrors our own core values at The Bear Factory. It has been a privilege to partner with such a forward-thinking organization, and we are inspired by the incredible work they continue to lead both in Canada and across the globe.”
The Pawsitive Impact Awards were created to celebrate customers who go above and beyond, demonstrating not only business excellence but also a shared commitment to making the world a better place. The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is a true leader in sustainability, and we are proud to celebrate their continued impact..
About The Bear Factory
Founded in 2001, The Bear Factory LLC is a Michigan-based, family-owned company specializing in high-quality, customizable plush toys. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, we have established ourselves as a leader in innovation, sustainability, and design. Our unique ‘build-your-own plush’ experience allows customers to create personalized stuffed animals, fostering creativity and lasting memories.
Committed to environmental responsibility, The Bear Factory utilizes recycled materials in its products through our Plush for the Planet line. Our mission is to provide exceptional products while educating the next generation on the importance of sustainability and community engagement.
About the Wilder Institute Calgary Zoo
For more than 30 years, the internationally accredited Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo has been a leading authority in wildlife conservation, reintroducing threatened species to the wild and empowering communities to conserve natural resources to positively impact both the environment and local inhabitants.
While our work is global, our roots run deep in the Albertan conservation community. Sitting on 125 acres in the heart of the city, we operate one of the oldest charities in Alberta, the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo – a not-for-profit charitable wildlife conservation organization that works to fight the extinction of plants and animals worldwide. In addition to the zoo, we proudly operate the Archibald Biodiversity Centre (ABC), Canada’s largest conservation breeding and research facility. Nestled on 330 acres in the Albertan prairies, the ABC is a stronghold for biodiversity and a temporary home to some of Canada’s most iconic species-at-risk.
The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is passionate about inspiring and educating generations of visitors about the importance of biodiversity and conservation. Together, we will continue to be a force of nature for making the world a wilder place. Learn more at WilderInstitute.org and CalgaryZoo.com.