The Wild Center Partners with Ahmad Butler Foundation to Bring Virtual “Wonderful Distractions” to Hospitalized Children

The Wild Center is proud to announce a new partnership with the Ahmad Butler Foundation (ABF), an all-volunteer nonprofit dedicated to supporting families facing pediatric cancer and other life-threatening childhood diseases. Through ABF’s upcoming Wonderful Distractions program, The Wild Center will bring the beauty and wonder of the Adirondacks to hospitalized children and their families nationwide via a live, interactive virtual tour on May 1, 2025.

Launching this spring, Wonderful Distractions is a weekly web-based series designed to offer children facing critical illnesses a chance to “travel” from their hospital beds or homes, exploring exciting destinations through real-time, virtual field trips, and The Wild Center is the first stop. These uplifting adventures allow kids to ask questions, interact with guides, and experience a moment of joy and curiosity during difficult times. Watch a sneak peek of what the field trip will entail.

“The Wild Center’s mission has always been to connect people with nature, and we’re deeply moved to bring that mission to children who can’t physically be here on campus,” said Stephanie Ratcliffe, Executive Director of The Wild Center. “Partnering with the Ahmad Butler Foundation allows us to share the magic of the Adirondacks with families in a way that’s meaningful, engaging, and deeply human.”

Named in memory of Ahmad Butler, who passed away from brain cancer at age six, the foundation believes in the healing power of joyful moments. Each virtual “road trip” ends with fun giveaways and a celebration of the partner organizations who make it possible.

The Wild Center’s virtual tour will offer a behind-the-scenes look at its interactive exhibits, animal ambassadors, and the natural wonders that make the Adirondack Park such a special place. The tour will be recorded and made available on the ABF website so families can revisit the experience at any time. It will also be showcased in hospitals around the nation.

“This program is about bringing smiles to children who are facing some of life’s toughest battles,” said ABF Executive Director Latanya Morrison. “Thanks to amazing partners like The Wild Center, we’re turning hospital rooms into portals of adventure.”

To learn more about the Wonderful Distractions program or how to support ABF’s work, visit ahmad butler.foundation.

For more information about The Wild Center and its programs, visit www.wildcenter.org.

The Wild Center invites visitors to discover the story of the Adirondacks, and to explore new ways that people and nature can thrive in the same place. Located in Tupper Lake, NY the center uses science-based experiences, exhibits and program to open new ways to look into the relationship that people have with nature and to promote environmental best practices. A 54,000-square-foot facility, The Wild Center features indoor and outdoor space, live animals, hands-on experiences, and its popular Wild Walk, an elevated trail across the Adirondack treetops. The Center is open 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit wildcenter.org to learn more.