Edmonton Valley Zoo Construction Starts On Rebirth of the Edmonton Valley Zoo

Here's a link to their master plan
http://www.valleyzoo.ca/Content_Files/Files/ValleyZoo_Files/Masterplanlowres.pdf


This document estimated the total cost for the redevelopment of the Zoo to be $60-70 million. Since then construction costs have increased dramatically. The budget for Part 1 of Arctic Shores, Nature's Wild Backyard, Entry Plaza, Education Centre, Otter Habitat and The Wander trail system total 86.7 million dollars! The original cost estimate for Nature's Wild Backyard was 6.4 million. The new estimate for this one exhibit complex is 35 million. The Valley Zoo will need to develop an amazing fundraising campaign if they hope to construct more of the designs in their master plan.
 
Last edited:
It seems as if once every few months another zoo announces an elaborate Arctic exhibit featuring polar bears. Just this year Brookfield, Columbus, Como and Kansas City have opened new exhibits, and next year there will be Edmonton and Louisville. Assiniboine Park Zoo will follow in 2012, plus Utah's Hogle Zoo and Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo in the near future. Talk about a trend!

The seal/sea lion exhibit at Edmonton's Valley Zoo in the Saito Center is one of the all-time worst pinniped enclosures on the planet, and so it is definitely about time that the zoo constructed a habitat for those animals.
 
@snowleapoard - it appears that these designs are from the same hand ass did Woodland Park's new penguin exhibit, so that is promising

The zoo should soon begin design for a new Entrance and public areas soon as well
 
Last edited:
snowleopard said:
The seal/sea lion exhibit at Edmonton's Valley Zoo in the Saito Center is one of the all-time worst pinniped enclosures on the planet, and so it is definitely about time that the zoo constructed a habitat for those animals.
Click to expand...

I've heard this before, can you please describe the current set-up?
 
The seals/sea lions are kept indoors for at least half of the year due to the frozen weather, in one of the tiniest pools imaginable. Even in the summer there is only a little bit of grass for them to bask in, otherwise they are confined in a shockingly small area. I don't have any photos as it has been a few years since my last visit, but I'm surprised that CAZA has never come down hard on the zoo for its pinniped enclosure. I suppose that there is too much fuss (totally justified!) in regards to the solitary Asian elephant named Lucy.
 
The Valley Zoo does not have any short term plans to build a polar bear exhibit. They have prioritized building new enclosures for their seals/sea lions (Phase 1 of Arctic Shores) and many of their small animals (Nature's Wild backyard), along with constructing an entry complex and orientation pathway (the Wander Trail System). Once these projects are completed they will likely move onto Phase 2 of Arctic Shores. This phase of construction will bring polar bears to the Zoo.

In a previous thread about the Valley Zoo I wrote that I thought it would be most appropriate for the Zoo to concentrate first on improving the conditions for the animals they currently hold before bringing in new species. Many of the exhibits in the traditional heart of the Zoo are in the greatest need of new homes, so I am pleased to see that many of these animals will get new homes in Nature's Wild Backyard.

The plans for the new seal/sea lion exhibit look great! Both the Humboldt penguin exhibit at the Woodland Park Zoo and this pinniped exhibit were designed by Studio Hanson/Roberts. Hopefully the construction at the Valley Zoo remains true to the designs and is as well detailed and constructed as the penguin exhibit at Woodland Park Zoo. The Valley Zoo has never made a spectacular exhibit (perhaps an understatement ;)), but I hope that trend dramatically reverses :).

Some features of the new exhibit that I am excited about are:
The underwater floor viewing and stylized ice patterns (might create a bit of a keeper blind-spot)
A wide and welcoming visitor viewing area
The panoramic view of the exhibit and the arctic fox enclosure beyond
The lack of obtrusive visual blights in that panoramic view, except for the staircase!
A complex underwater environment created by various gunnite formations
ground squirrels, arctic fox, and pingo formations to support the main exhibit
Environmentally sustainable features
 
I would like to point out some changes to the zoo's master plan. They are not looking into polar bears at this time. The elephant exhibit is going to be no longer on the map but changing it to an wild dog exhibit, think that is what they said at one of the fund raising event held by the valley zoo development society.

As for phase one of the polar extremes the water filtration system for the sea lion exhibit is to be some kind of water recycling system, this is going to be great for the environment as well as the cost of utility's for the zoo. Like to point out the valley zoo is being more environmental friendly with all future expansion for the new look.

There is a non-profit group trying to raise money for the future developments. The Valley Zoo Development Society Building our Zoo - Valley Zoo Development Society
 
The much-maligned Edmonton Valley Zoo (justifiably in my opinion) is set to unveil another master plan, which will replace the 2005 master plan. There is $50 million already dedicated in funding, including $16.7 million for Arctic Shores, an education centre and a new logo. Still no news on whether the zoo will come to its senses and move Lucy the Asian elephant:

Valley Zoo's new interactive vision bodes well for its future
 
I am glad a considerable portion of the pre-funding is already in place.
It is a much needed exercise for Edmonton.
 
The $16.7 million development "Arctic Shores" is now open to the public. Two harbour seals and a South American fur seal currently call the exhibit home, but Arctic foxes and squirrels will soon be added along with additional pinnipeds. I last visited the zoo in 2001 and the old sea lion exhibit was the most disgraceful I've ever seen in my life and thus I am thrilled to see the new habitat finally see the light of day.

Edmonton Valley Zoo unveils Arctic Shores (Video)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top