Campaign Launched To Reimagine Animal Room At Darien Nature Center

DARIEN, CT — The Darien Nature Center on Monday launched a $250,000 capital campaign to create a new home for its 22 species of beloved resident animals.

The Darien Foundation has joined the campaign as the lead donor with a $50,000 grant that funded a new owl enclosure in September 2024, the architectural concepts for the reimagined Animal Room, and additional seed money to upgrade the remaining enclosures.

“We’re extremely grateful for the Darien Foundation’s support of this initiative to enhance our animals’ lives. Their commitment to our vision of providing an engaging, interactive space for our students, families, and the broader community is inspiring,” said Darien Nature Center Executive Angela Whitford in a news release.

The goals for the reimagined Animal Room include:

• Creating more naturalistic, enriching environments for all the animals
• Strengthening the nature education programs
• Increasing visitor engagement and immersion
• Installing an updated kitchen, new flooring, and generator

"We are proud to support The Darien Nature Center's Capital Campaign as lead donor to help transform and reimagine the habitats in the Animal Room," said Paige Kyle, a member of The Darien Foundation Board, in a news release. "As a parent, I am excited for the increased opportunities for children to learn from and interact with these wonderful animals. The Darien Nature Center is an incredible part of our community, and the new space will enhance the amazing programming offered by the Darien Nature Center team."

The Darien Nature Center said "this is more than a renovation—it's a movement to cultivate empathy for wildlife and inspire action to protect the planet."

For more information and to donate, click here.

Naming opportunities and special recognition are being offered for Legacy League ($25,000) and Founders Circle ($10,000) donors.