WRI Wild Child

Educational Resources for Young Wildlife Enthusiasts

We can protect the environment for the future by providing access to and education about the natural world. When children are educated about wildlife, they will take better care of it.

No change will come if we don’t ensure that the next generation (and current generations) foster a connection to wildlife, and encourage current generations to lessen their impacts on our natural world.

Below you’ll find free (and fun!) Wild Child resources and activities, that will help you learn more about native Irish wildlife

Badger

Did you know that badgers comfort their young during thunderstorms? In one sett, after a huge clap of thunder, a 6-month-old cub was observed putting his paws over his ears. In a sweet gesture, other badgers sat around the cub to comfort him.

Hare

Did you know that hares become very boisterous during mating season? In March and are often seen in boxing matches. This match is not between two males but a male and female. She will box him if he is too persistent with her!

Magpie

Did you know that the Eurasian magpie is believed to be one of the most intelligent of all non-human animals? Magpies' overall intelligence of crows may be closer to that of Great Apes such as the gorilla.

Jellyfish

Jellyfish in Irish is smugairle roin which translates literally to seal snot!

Goldcrest

Did you know that Goldcrests, are the smallest birds in Europe? They weigh the same as a 20c coin and their eggs are the size of peas. They also look really grumpy all the time!

Seal

Did you know seals will perform the banana pose when they are feeling safe and content? Lifting their heads and flippers into the air also helps to regulate their body temperature and keeps their extremities dry when close to water..

Mouse

Did you know that even wild mice naturally enjoy running on wheels? When wheels were placed in nature, free-living wild mice were observed to spontaneously run on them.

Gull

Did you know, that gulls, carry out foot-tapping in an attempt to imitate the fall of raindrops? The vibration on the ground brings earthworms and other insects to the surface. How clever!

Fox

Did you know red foxes have an excellent sense of hearing and smell? They can hear the squeak of a mouse more than 100 feet away! When they jump into the air to surprise their prey from above this is called "mousing".