Seven-Year-Old Eva Inspires Community with Love of Animals and Nature

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard

SCUGOG: The sounds of spring returning to the countryside are some of the things seven-year-old Eva Giancoulos loves most about the outdoors.

From spotting frogs and toads to watching baby animals emerge each spring, the Prince Albert Public School student has developed a deep appreciation for nature and wildlife at a young age, something which has now helped her advance to the quarterfinals of the North American Jr. Ranger competition.

Eva recently moved into the next round of the contest, placing her among the top one percent of entries across North America.

Her father, Dave Giancoulos, said, the family has been amazed by the support coming from the local community, as Eva continues through the competition.

“We’ve been blown away by how many people have reached out, voted, shared her story, and encouraged her,” Mr. Giancoulos said. “It’s been really special to see the community rally around something so positive and uplifting.”

The competition features young people who share a passion for wildlife, conservation, and outdoor exploration. Public voting helps determine which contestants advance through each stage.

Mr. Giancoulos said, Eva’s love for animals and the outdoors is something which naturally developed over time.

“She genuinely cares about every living thing,” he explained. “Whether it’s helping care for our horses, goats, chickens, cats, and dogs at home, or stopping to rescue ants from water puddles, that compassion is just who she is.”

Spring is especially exciting for Eva, who enjoys watching nature come back to life after winter.

“She loves seeing eggs in nests, spotting frogs and toads again, and finding all the little changes happening outside,” Mr. Giancoulos said. “She notices the small wonders many people walk past every day.”

When asked about her favourite animal, Eva has trouble choosing just one.

“She honestly loves all animals,” Mr. Giancoulos laughed. “But she keeps coming back to ferrets because she thinks they’re hilarious. She loves how playful and curious they are, and she thinks the way they wiggle around is so funny.”

Living in rural Ontario has given Eva opportunities to explore nature year-round, something Mr. Giancoulos believes has helped shape her confidence and curiosity.

“In a world where so much attention is on screens and devices, Eva naturally gravitates toward being outdoors,” he said. “We’ve tried to support that because you can see how much joy it brings her.”

Whether she is building habitats for small creatures, hiking through forests in the autumn, caring for animals during the summer, or playing outside in the snow during winter, Mr. Giancoulos said, Eva is happiest when she is outside exploring.

“She’s always asking questions and wanting to learn more,” he said. “Seeing her make it this far in the competition is exciting, but what makes us most proud is simply the kind and curious person she is becoming.”

Voting in the Junior Ranger competition continues, as Eva looks to advance beyond the quarterfinal round.