Edmonton Valley Zoo Edmonton Valley Zoo

Everything looks great, for their Master plan to me, and I’m hopeful that Edmonton Valley Zoo can do it.

Polar bears are an interesting choice, as I don’t know if there is enough of a population within Canada to transfer some over. As Calgary also was supposed to have belugas (but plans fell through) , I could possibly see EVZ them pivoting to belugas to differentiate from Calgary (and providing some ML whales a permanent home) , but that’s a less than 10% chance of happening . Their ongoing transparency and commitment to Lucy, and also prior experience with pinnipeds, is why I’d suggest this.

With regards to Lucy, CAZA has previously given them a variance due to being a lone animal, and the facility has stood by her throughout everything. If the AZA is equally as understanding they’d issue a variance as well; if she hasn’t passed away by then.
Lucy the Elephant | City of Edmonton
 
It's been exciting to delve deep into the Edmonton Valley Zoo's Master Plan, but I'm also quite wary as to how the funding will develop. Several news articles state that the zoo is not seeking funding in the 2027-2030 budget cycle, but when looking at the 7 major projects in the Master Plan, it's obvious that the zoo needs a massive influx of cash.

The biggest and most expensive proposed addition is the Coastal Arctic complex, which is due to be completed in 2035, but the budget is listed as $100,000,000+ and that's a whopping total for a zoo that currently has a gravel parking lot and only 400,000 annual visitors. Where will the $100 million come from? The feasibility that the entire Master Plan, with all of its various named species, is finished in 2040 is almost zero, but nevertheless I really hope that the two Polar Bear exhibits are built as that could be a game changer for the zoo. This was my hometown zoo when I was a kid and so I have a soft spot for it.
 
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