Greater Vancouver Zoo Greater Vancouver Zoo News

Proud Peacock said:
NOOOOO not Reggie he was absolutely one of my favorites. I'm going to miss him alot.
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One of mine as well, him and his big personality will be sorely missed :'(

Jefferson said:
Also your update of Arun's the red panda's birthday, reminded me that he is a dad with new cu bs born at Toronto Zoo this June to mom Sakura. She was bred by Arun prior to her departure to Toronto Zoo.
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Oh wow! I guess Sakura wasn't ready to retire from the breeding program just yet haha.
 
Proud Peacock said:
There are 3 new baby big horn sheep all born within the last 2 weeks. The moms are Olive, Bianca and Popcorn.

The 3 youngest males 1 yr old Indigo and 2 yr old Hemi and Dodge are over by the zebra now and will be transfered to a new zoo shortly.
( not sure which zoo they will be going to yet)
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The trio's names have officially been announced and they are "Maize", "Kona" (which is the Cree word for snow) and "Feta".

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(Photo sourced from the zoo's social media.)

Forgot to mention previously, however, that the herd also lost a member earlier this year, as 9-year old ram "Lutin" passed away.
 
Recent updates as we get into the month of August:
  • Arguably the most exciting news is the arrival of a new ring-tailed lemur. They're currently in the process of being introduced to the rest of the troop, with more information soon to come.
  • For a while now, a filming station has been set up to document the zoo's giraffes, though for what I'm not too sure.
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  • Work to renovate the former black bear enclosure for the ever-rambunctious grizzly siblings continues.
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A few more August updates:
  • The white-tailed deer herd has grown by one with the birth of baby "Reed", a male.
  • Hippopotamus "Habey" celebrated her 19th birthday on August 11th.
  • A new capybara was introduced to the public recently. Her name is "Zoey" and it appears she was being introduced to Nibs through the fence the other day.
  • The framework for new signage for the pumas has gone up. Though on a personal note, it seems a pity this must signify that that enclosure will remain their long-term home, as it's always seemed awfully small for two full-grown pumas.
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kermodei said:
One of mine as well, him and his big personality will be sorely missed :'(


Oh wow! I guess Sakura wasn't ready to retire from the breeding program just yet haha.
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Former animal news:

On August 22, 2024 Toronto zoo announced the death of 10 year old female red panda named Sakura. The zoo believed that Sakura had a cardiac arrest but they are uncertain. Although her baby, nicknamed Biggie remains healthy and doing well.
The Toronto Zoo
 
This was all caused by the Greater Vancouver Zoo's interest in event promotion. Paprika was kept in the giraffe barn a month past her quarantine just so they could do a big family day unveiling event. This caused to retired Sakura to be sent to Toronto pregnant and at the same time, missing Paprika's fertility window. I'm sure SSP is not thrilled about these kinds of decisions coming the zoo.
 
Martin Soberg said:
This was all caused by the Greater Vancouver Zoo's interest in event promotion. Paprika was kept in the giraffe barn a month past her quarantine just so they could do a big family day unveiling event. This caused to retired Sakura to be sent to Toronto pregnant and at the same time, missing Paprika's fertility window. I'm sure SSP is not thrilled about these kinds of decisions coming the zoo.
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It's definitely not an ideal situation, but the Greater Vancouver Zoo isn't part of the SSP program. There are only a handful of zoos in Canada that meet the standards for AZA accreditation necessary to be in the program. We do have some SSP animals, but they are not on the programs radar. For instance the notes on Paprika's SSP file:
Location: Out of SSP
Breeding Rec: No Rec
 
Do we know anything about the future of the former vivarium at this point? I make a point to attempt to peek through the glass door each visit and the previous several times the window has been blocked. Never remember to ask staff.
 
RIPPompadour said:
Do we know anything about the future of the former vivarium at this point? I make a point to attempt to peek through the glass door each visit and the previous several times the window has been blocked. Never remember to ask staff.
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I've heard conflicting things on this. As far as I know there are no immediate plans for it but it also wouldn't surprise me if it gets remodeled and opened within the next few years.
 
RIPPompadour said:
Do we know anything about the future of the former vivarium at this point? I make a point to attempt to peek through the glass door each visit and the previous several times the window has been blocked. Never remember to ask staff.
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For sometime I was under the impression that the Vivarium was simply closed for COVID and subsequently under construction, but unfortunately the entirety of it has been gutted and turned into a mechanics/woodworking building. Although such an area is a necessity for a zoo, why the Vivarium in particular was chosen for it, as opposed to being reopened post-COVID as it was one of the biggest draws of the zoo, is beyond me.

I wouldn't be surprised if, as a long term goal, a similar area is on the drawing table, but I wouldn't expect to see such a thing any time soon, sadly. :(
 
Updates from the South American enclosure. "Howard" the snow goose has been off-exhibit for a little while now for medical treatment, and this week saw the introduction of new capybara "Zoe" to not only the main yard but to male "Nibs" as well. I was lucky enough to catch the introduction as it happened and sparks definitely flew!
 
kermodei said:
Updates from the South American enclosure. "Howard" the snow goose has been off-exhibit for a little while now for medical treatment, and this week saw the introduction of new capybara "Zoe" to not only the main yard but to male "Nibs" as well. I was lucky enough to catch the introduction as it happened and sparks definitely flew!
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A further update. Although Zoe showed initial curiosity in Nibs, the younger of the two male capybaras, the actual introductory period didn't seem to go all that well. She's since been introduced to Snickers and things seem to be much more peaceful. I'd credit that to Snickers having previously bred at the zoo, and thus knowing how to behave around a lady ;)

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As for Howard, he's back on exhibit. His now-permanent limp is caused by arthritis, a condition not all that unexpected at his age. Luckily, it doesn't seem to hamper him much.
 
Sad news, 8-year-old giraffe Jenga passed away yesterday.
Greater Vancouver Zoo on Instagram: "It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Jenga, our beloved eight-year-old giraffe, who was an iconic member of the Greater Vancouver Zoo family. Jenga was found at approximately 3:15 p.m. on Wednesday, peacefully resting in his barn stall, just moments after he was seen enjoying his afternoon meal in the giraffe yard. Jenga has left us far too soon. Jenga was known for his bold, curious personality, always eager to interact with staff and explore his surroundings. His presence brought joy to our staff and visitors alike, and his loss is being deeply felt across our zoo community. As we await the results of his necropsy, our priority remains the well-being of our remaining giraffes, who continue to display normal, healthy behaviour. This is an incredibly difficult time for our dedicated Animal Care team, who form strong emotional bonds with each of the animals in their care. We encourage the public to share messages of support and condolences as we grieve the loss of Jenga. These heartfelt messages will help support our team as they continue their work in protecting and preserving species like giraffes, whose populations in the wild face significant threats. Read the full statement gvzoo.com/news."
 
Nile Hippo Expert said:
Sad news, 8-year-old giraffe Jenga passed away yesterday.
Greater Vancouver Zoo on Instagram: "It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Jenga, our beloved eight-year-old giraffe, who was an iconic member of the Greater Vancouver Zoo family. Jenga was found at approximately 3:15 p.m. on Wednesday, peacefully resting in his barn stall, just moments after he was seen enjoying his afternoon meal in the giraffe yard. Jenga has left us far too soon. Jenga was known for his bold, curious personality, always eager to interact with staff and explore his surroundings. His presence brought joy to our staff and visitors alike, and his loss is being deeply felt across our zoo community. As we await the results of his necropsy, our priority remains the well-being of our remaining giraffes, who continue to display normal, healthy behaviour. This is an incredibly difficult time for our dedicated Animal Care team, who form strong emotional bonds with each of the animals in their care. We encourage the public to share messages of support and condolences as we grieve the loss of Jenga. These heartfelt messages will help support our team as they continue their work in protecting and preserving species like giraffes, whose populations in the wild face significant threats. Read the full statement gvzoo.com/news."
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Considering how many of the zoo's animals have passed away this year, I'm surprised to see an actual social media post regarding a death. Will be interesting to see if they continue this transparency and release anything relating to his actual cause of death.

Regardless, rest in peace Jenga :'( 8 is so young for a giraffe.
 
kermodei said:
Considering how many of the zoo's animals have passed away this year, I'm surprised to see an actual social media post regarding a death. Will be interesting to see if they continue this transparency and release anything relating to his actual cause of death.

Regardless, rest in peace Jenga :'( 8 is so young for a giraffe.
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I would welcome if they would report a few things about what zoo futures and new exhibits or species they are looking at into the next 5-10 years.
 
Nile Hippo Expert said:
Sad news, 8-year-old giraffe Jenga passed away yesterday.
Greater Vancouver Zoo on Instagram: "It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Jenga, our beloved eight-year-old giraffe, who was an iconic member of the Greater Vancouver Zoo family. Jenga was found at approximately 3:15 p.m. on Wednesday, peacefully resting in his barn stall, just moments after he was seen enjoying his afternoon meal in the giraffe yard. Jenga has left us far too soon. Jenga was known for his bold, curious personality, always eager to interact with staff and explore his surroundings. His presence brought joy to our staff and visitors alike, and his loss is being deeply felt across our zoo community. As we await the results of his necropsy, our priority remains the well-being of our remaining giraffes, who continue to display normal, healthy behaviour. This is an incredibly difficult time for our dedicated Animal Care team, who form strong emotional bonds with each of the animals in their care. We encourage the public to share messages of support and condolences as we grieve the loss of Jenga. These heartfelt messages will help support our team as they continue their work in protecting and preserving species like giraffes, whose populations in the wild face significant threats. Read the full statement gvzoo.com/news."
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The official cause of death given is Hemorrhagic Bowel Syndrome, a seemingly poorly understood (in the sense that the exact causes are still unclear) acute bowel disease, most commonly seen in dairy cattle. Would be interesting to know if this has been previously reported in the deaths of other captive giraffes.

On a lighter note, the zoo has two new Indian peacocks, accepted as donations. Their names are "Goose" and "Pigeon". Work on the former-black bear enclosure also continues, though one must wonder how long it'll last with that trio ;) Not the best photos but for anyone curious:
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Just a few recent notes:
  • Daisy, the Vietnamese pot-bellied pig, has been moved off exhibit for the winter season. I would expect some of the birds will be as well shortly.
  • The addax are together again! :]
  • Oscar, the Persian onager, has been moved from his shared enclosure with Gemma the Bactrian camel, to a solo enclosure in the same complex.
 
Some news on the zoo's wolf pack. Zephyr, one of the 4-year-olds, has been missing from the zoo's website since early February. As there has been no announcement about him being transferred, it's safe to assume he is deceased. This is upsetting on its own, of course, but coincides with another wolf, 5-year-old Raiden, becoming the new lowest-ranking pack member, with some pretty gnarly wounds to match.

One has to wonder if there's any correlation between these two events. Is there any consensus on enclosure size for a pack of this size?
 
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