Greater Vancouver Zoo | |
---|---|
49°05′32″N122°29′13″W / 49.09222°N 122.48694°W | |
Date opened | August 20, 1970 [note 1] |
Location | 5048 264 Street, Langley, British Columbia, Canada V4W 1N7 |
Land area | 49 hectares (120 acres) |
No. of species | 140 |
Memberships | CAZA [1] |
Website | www |
The Greater Vancouver Zoo is a 49-hectare (120-acre) privately-run zoo located in Aldergrove, British Columbia, Canada. The zoo was established in 1970 as the Vancouver Game Farm. Since then it has undergone two name changes, being briefly renamed as the Greater Vancouver Zoological Centre in 1995, before it adopted its present name in 1999. As of 2023, the zoo is home to 180 animals, representing over 100 different species, including several orphaned, rescued and otherwise non-releasable individuals. The zoo's mission statement is "to inspire appreciation of our ecosystems and support conservation efforts by engaging the community." [2]
In the late 1960s, businessman Pat Hines purchased 120 acres (49 ha) in Aldergrove, British Columbia, to construct a game farm. At first, Hines registered the business as the World Wide Game Farm Ltd., but on August 20, 1970, the site was opened to the public as the Vancouver Game Farm. The first animal to arrive was a llama named 'Dennis', who came from Mount Vernon, Washington. Soon after, animals of every size and description began to fill the newly constructed paddocks. Hines operated the game farm with his wife, Ann, other family members, and their employees. Their daughter Eleanor and her husband, Hugh Oakes, eventually took over management of the facility until 1991, when it was sold.
Under new ownership, the game farm underwent many changes, including a new name. In 1995, it was renamed the Greater Vancouver Zoological Centre, since it is part of the Greater Vancouver area rather than being a part of Vancouver. Improvements included the construction of new animal enclosures, 2 ft (610 mm) narrow-gauge miniature train rides, a picnic park with covered gazebos and barbecues, expanded landscaping, a remodeled entrance, more parking spaces, interpretive and educational programs and activities. In 1998, the North American Wilds exhibit opened, providing a narrative safari bus ride for visitors through one area where carnivores like black bears, coyotes, and Vancouver Island wolves live together; and travel into another habitat where grazers like the Roosevelt elk, black-tailed deer, and North American plains bison roamed.
In 1999, the facility went through another ownership change and was eventually renamed the Greater Vancouver Zoo. During this period, the zoo focused more towards conservation and to building up its educational programs.
In 2000, the Greater Vancouver Zoo joined the Oregon Spotted Frog Recovery Program. At the time, the frog was the only species to receive an "emergency listing" as an endangered species in Canada. [3] The zoo is currently still involved with this program, releasing frogs into the wild after they are weighed, measured, and tagged. Furthermore, many animals have been rescued over the years and eventually released back into the wild, but some animals like 'Shadow', a grizzly bear, could not be returned because she had been abandoned as a young cub and was not able to learn the skills needed to survive in the wild. In addition, the majority of the zoo's reptiles, exotic birds, various cat species, and many others were taken in for numerous reasons, such as being rescued from the illegal pet trade or after being abandoned as pets.
New educational programs were introduced by the zoo. In 2005, the "Radical Raptor Birds of Prey" show was created, in which eagles, owls, hawks, and falcons performed free flying presentations at the zoo's amphitheatre. Since then, the zoo has introduced a one-week summer camp program for children ages 10–14 to handle and learn about the many birds of prey species since 2007. [4] In 2006, the zoo opened its indoor "Animalasium – Educational Training Centre" to teach the public about conservation and education for animals and their environments. In addition, the centre is also used for various other functions, such as birthday parties, group sessions and guest speaker events. [5] Furthermore, the zoo offers educational walking tours for school groups that is based on a B.C. Ministry of Education curriculum. [6]
The new owners also completed building new enclosures for the grizzly bear, the Arctic wolf, the camels, the mountain sheep, and the hippopotamus, while making improvements to the giraffe enclosure. On August 23, 2008, the zoo introduced a pair of muskox to their new 32,000 sq ft (3,000 m2) enclosure, which with the Arctic wolf, Arctic fox, reindeer, and emperor, and snow goose enclosures, completes their new Arctic Section exhibit. [7]
The zoo's new general manager, Serge Lussier, announced expansive plans for a more immersive "zoo of the future" in spring 2020, including several multi-million dollar projects expected to be completed over the course of the next several years. This included plans to re-structure over half of its area into a sprawling, multi-species savannah landscape, as well as an engaging area for big cats, and an observation walkway. However, despite seeing record-breaking summer attendance owing to its status as an outdoor attraction, progress was slowed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. [8] Despite the setbacks, the zoo underwent extensive changes; renovations were made on many of the zoo's habitats and fences, including its giraffe viewing platform, and a larger front entrance was constructed along with a new gift shop and guest services area. Among the zoo's new animals are three grizzly bear cubs orphaned in the wild in Alberta. [9]
In the summer of 2021, the zoo opened a new walk-through exhibit, Mesozoic Adventure, a Jurassic Park-esque area featuring a dozen life-sized animatronic dinosaurs. [10]
On July 1st, 2023, the zoo opened a second walk-through exhibit, Wallaby Walkthrough. The experience consists of a small looped trail that runs through a portion of a multi-species enclosure, featuring red-necked wallabies, red kangaroos and an emu. [11]
This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page . (Learn how and when to remove these messages)
|
The Greater Vancouver Zoo participates in both local and global conservation efforts. The zoo has successfully bred exotic, endangered species like addax and Père David's deer, and was the first zoo in western Canada to breed red pandas. [20]
In collaboration with Wildlife Preservation Canada, the zoo has supported the captive breeding and release of three endangered species native to British Columbia, these being the Oregon spotted frog, Taylor’s checkerspot butterfly and Western painted turtle. For their work with the Oregon spotted frog, the zoo was given the Colonel G.D. Dailley Award, which symbolises and celebrates the "achievement in ex-situ propagation and management programs that contribute to the long-term survival of animal species or populations." [21]
The zoo also participates in the Salmon River Restoration Program, a stewardship program designed to support the Salmon River tributary, which passes through the property.
In 1997, two reports by Zoocheck Canada and UK veterinarian Samantha Lindley called on the Greater Vancouver Zoo to improve conditions for the animals it holds, such as rhinoceros and big cats. By 2003, few improvements had been made. [22]
On May 31, 2006, the Crown Counsel of British Columbia laid formal charges [23] against the Greater Vancouver Zoo, in accordance with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, for failing to provide adequate facilities for a baby hippo acquired in October 2004. This was the first case of a major Canadian zoo being charged with cruelty to animals. [23] However, in January 2007, the case was stayed, as crown counsel believed, with the opening of a new habitat for hippos, that it was no longer in the public interest. This was not seen as vindication for the Greater Vancouver Zoo nor a statement that charges were unjustified. [24] The zoo eventually lost its Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums accreditation over this incident for two years.[ citation needed ]
In May 2008, an individual broke into the zoo when it was closed, entered the spider monkey enclosure, killed 'Jocko' (the male monkey), and kidnapped 'Mia' (the female monkey). The case is still unsolved and there is currently a $3,000 reward for Mia's safe return. [25]
In June 2008, the zoo made headlines when 'Skye', a female golden eagle, was killed by a lioness after landing in the lion enclosure, following a run-in with a murder of crows. [26] Two months after that incident, a four-year-old boy was landed on by a Harris's hawk when he volunteered in the Radical Raptors Birds of Prey show. According to the zoo's spokesperson, the hawk mistook the boy's head for a perch. After the incident, the zoo removed Harris's hawks from the bird show and put a stop to audience participation. [27]
On April 20, 2009, it was reported that four zebras had died in early March, shortly after two African buffalo were introduced to their enclosure. [28] The zoo did not make the incident public at the time. [29] A spokesperson for the Vancouver Humane Society stated that the zebras were between 5 and 15 years old, and probably died from exertional myopathy, a muscle disease causing damage to muscle tissues which is caused by physiological changes (often extreme exertion, struggle, or stress). The spokesperson also stated that African buffalo are extremely dangerous and although the two species co-exist in the wild, they should not have been placed together in an enclosed space. [29] The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has launched an investigation of the incident, [29] while the Vancouver Humane Society will ask the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums to investigate the incident and review the zoo's accreditation. [30] The zoo replaced the dead animals with two new zebras. [28]
Two giraffes died within days of each other in November 2011—23-year-old 'Eleah' and her offspring 3-year-old 'Amryn' were found deceased inside the giraffe barn. Just a year later on November 4, 2012, 12-year-old giraffe 'Jafari', the sire of 'Amryn', was also found dead inside the barn. [31]
A 2-year-old girl was injured by one of the zoo's three black bears on August 5, 2019, after she ventured past a guard rail and stuck her arm through the enclosure's fence. The child was airlifted to hospital and treated for extensive injuries to her arm, including a fracture and the loss of a fingertip. [32]
On July 21, 2020, photos of an emaciated moose cow, known as 'Oakleaf', were posted to social media, prompting backlash from the general public and the Vancouver Humane Society, who called for an investigation into the incident. Shortly thereafter it was announced the zoo had euthanised the 8-year-old moose on July 22, 2020, due to her continually deteriorating health. [33]
According to a report by WorkSafeBC, a keeper was injured by one of the zoo's jaguars during a feeding session on December 13, 2021, wherein the feline was able to bite the zookeeper's hand. [34]
On August 16, 2022, a clipped hole was discovered in the wolf habitat containing nine adult grey wolves and six cubs, leading to the wolves escaping and two leaving the zoo grounds. [35] Two wolves were recovered by the British Columbia Conservation Officer Service by a creek, and another by a veterinarian in the dinosaur exhibit through the use of dart guns. 'Chia', a three-year old female that had left zoo property, was hit by a car and found dead on the roadside. After three days of searching, the missing one-year old adult female 'Tempest' was safely returned to the zoo. [36]
Marwell Zoo is a 140-acre (57 ha) zoo situated in Colden Common near Winchester, in the English county of Hampshire. It is owned and run by the registered charity Marwell Wildlife. The zoo is home to 1,208 animals of 149 species. The charity undertakes a range of educational and conservation activities, with a particular focus on Africa in addition to work from its base.
Woodland Park Zoo is a wildlife conservation organization and zoological garden located in the Phinney Ridge neighborhood of Seattle, Washington, United States. The zoo is the recipient of over 65 awards across multiple categories. The zoo has around 900 animals from 250 species and the zoo has over 1 million visitors a year.
The Toronto Zoo is a zoo located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Encompassing 287 hectares, the Toronto Zoo is the largest zoo in Canada averaging around 1.2 million visitors a year. The zoo is divided into seven zoogeographic regions: Indo-Malaya, Africa, Americas, Tundra Trek, Australasia, Eurasia, and the Canadian Domain. Some animals are displayed indoors in pavilions and outdoors in what would be their naturalistic environments, with viewing at many levels. The zoo also has areas such as the Kids Zoo, Waterside Theatre, and Splash Island. The zoo has one of the most taxonomically diverse collection of animals on display of any zoo worldwide and is currently home to over 3,000 animals representing over 300 species. The zoo is open to the public every day of the year.
The Oakland Zoo is a zoo located in the Grass Valley neighborhood of Oakland, California, United States. Established on June 6, 1922, it is managed by the Conservation Society of California, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of wildlife both locally and globally. The zoo is home to more than 850 native and exotic animals and is a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is a zoological park located southwest of downtown Colorado Springs, Colorado, on Cheyenne Mountain in the United States. At an elevation of 6,714 feet (2,046 m) above sea level, it is the highest zoo in the country. The zoo covers 140 acres (57 ha), 40 of which are in use. The zoo houses more than 750 animals, representing nearly 170 different species, with more than 30 endangered species. The zoo was ranked the #4 best zoo in North America in 2018 by USA Today. It is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
The Maryland Zoo — also known as The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore and formerly known as The Baltimore City Zoo or the Baltimore Zoo — is a 135-acre park located in historic Druid Hill Park in the northwestern area of the City of Baltimore, Maryland, with the postal address of 1876 Mansion House Drive. Druid Hill was opened in 1876 as the first major park purchase by the City under foreseeing Mayor Thomas Swann (1809-1883), and was later designed by famed nationally-known landscaper Frederick Law Olmsted (1822-1903).
The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is located in Bridgeland, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, just east of the city's downtown and adjacent to the Inglewood and East Village neighborhoods. It is accessible via Calgary's C-Train light rail system, by car via Memorial Drive, and by bicycle and footpath via the Bow River pathway. A large portion of the zoo is located on St. George's Island in the Bow River.
The San Francisco Zoo is a 100-acre (40 ha) zoo located in the southwestern corner of San Francisco, California, between Lake Merced and the Pacific Ocean along the Great Highway. In October 2024, A SF city report described the zoo as ‘unsafe for visitors and animals,’ The zoo's main entrance is to the west, on the ocean side. The SF Zoo is owned by the San Francisco Recreation & Parks Department, and managed by the San Francisco Zoological Society, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. under a public-private partnership since 1993, receives $4.2 million annually from the city. As of 2016, the zoo housed more than one thousand individual animals, representing more than 250 species. It is noted as the birthplace of Koko the gorilla, and, from 1974 to 2016, the home of Elly, the oldest black rhinoceros in North America.
The Zoo Zurich is a zoo located in Zurich, Switzerland. It is considered one of the best zoos in Europe. Opened in 1929, it is the third oldest zoo in Switzerland and it accumulated a collection of 2,200 specimens of 300 species by its seventy-fifth year. It is located on Zürichbergstrasse, on the lower reaches of the Zürichberg in the Fluntern quarter.
Auckland Zoo is a 16.35-hectare (40-acre) zoological garden in Auckland, New Zealand, situated next to Western Springs Park not far from Auckland's central business district. It is run by Auckland Council with the Zoological Society of Auckland as a supporting organisation.
Zoo Knoxville, formerly known as the Knoxville Zoo or Knoxville Zoological Gardens, is a 53-acre (21 ha) zoo located just east of downtown Knoxville, Tennessee, United States, near exit 392 off Interstate 40. The zoo is home to about 1,200 animals and welcomes over 585,000 visitors each year.
The Edmonton Valley Zoo is a zoo located in Edmonton, Alberta's river valley. The Edmonton Valley Zoo is owned and operated by the City of Edmonton and is open 364 days a year, closing only on Christmas. The zoo is currently accredited by Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums and is one of three accredited zoos in Alberta.
The Potawatomi Zoo is a 23-acre (9.3 ha) zoological park located in South Bend, Indiana, United States. The zoo is nestled in Potawatomi Park between the St. Joseph River and the Grand Trunk railroad in the east side neighborhood of River Park. Founded in 1921, it is Indiana's oldest zoo. It features over 400 animals and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The zoo has over 200,000 visitors each year.
Blank Park Zoo is a 49-acre zoological park on the south side of Des Moines, Iowa, United States, near historic Fort Des Moines. The zoo is a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), and is the only accredited zoo in Iowa.
Woburn Safari Park is a safari park located in Woburn, Bedfordshire, England. Visitors to the park can drive through exhibits, which contain species such as southern white rhino, elephants, tigers and black bears. It is part of the estates of the Duke of Bedford that also includes Woburn Abbey and its 3,000-acre (1,200 ha) deer park. The Safari Park itself covers 360 acres (150 ha).
Located at the mouth of Salt Lake City's Emigration Canyon, Utah's Hogle Zoo is a 42-acre (17 ha) Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) accredited facility. Hogle Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the Intermountain West, and houses over 800 animals representing 250 species.
Shanghai Zoological Park, or commonly Shanghai Zoo in short, is the one of the two main zoos in Shanghai. It is located near the township of Hongqiao and is administratively in Changning District. Shanghai Zoo was formerly known as " Xijiao Park", which is still a common name used locally for the zoo.
The Yorkshire Wildlife Park is a zoo, wildlife conservation and rehabilition centre and tourist attraction located in Branton, south-east of Doncaster, South Yorkshire, England. It opened in 2009 on the site of Brockholes Farm, a former riding school and petting zoo, and features 500 animals of 100 species. Yorkshire Wildlife Park is an official member of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) and the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA).
The Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo, situated to the north of Saundersfoot and Tenby in Pembrokeshire, is a visitor attraction in Wales with around 500,000 visits each year. Initially a farm attraction, the park is now also home to an indoor vintage funfair, a zoo with over 200 different species of animal and extensive indoor and outdoor adventure play areas.
Peshawar Zoo is one of the largest zoos in Pakistan and the first ever zoo in Peshawar. It opened on 12 February 2018. It is managed by the Forests, Environment and Wildlife department of the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.