WHAT'S NEW

Beloved Mama Lion is sadly no longer with us

March 4 2010 - Staff and volunteers are grieving the loss of a wonderful friend - Mama...an African Lion who was approximately 20 years old. 

Mama was in excellent condition until about a week ago when she developed a very mild limp in her right hind leg. The Animal Care Staff notified the Zoo's veterinarian Dr. Bruce Burton right away and she was prescribed medication, but then her appetite began to decline and she was examined again by Dr. Burton and taken to the veterinary clinic. 

"Under general anaesthetic it was found that it was a malignant tumor and that the tumor had in fact spread, not only to the abdominal wall, but to the liver and lungs. There was no possibility of her recovering so she was euthanized yesterday. Outwardly, she was in excellent body shape. Lions in the wild almost never get to be even 15 or 16 years of age and certainly don't remain in such good health if they do." said Dr. Bruce Burton, Greater Vancouver Zoo's Veterinarian.

Mama was captive born and arrived at the Zoo back in 1998 from the Okanagan Game Farm. She has been long time mate of Nagee, her male partner in life. Mama will be dearly missed by all...

We thank you for your words of support, any questions about Mama can be directed to Jody Henderson - Media Contact - Greater Vancouver Zoo 604.856.6825 ext 33 or jhenderson@gvzoo.com.

 HELP BALD EAGLES

Lying on the ground, injured and helpless Meredith was struck by a large truck on the highway and left for dead...luckily someone came by and brought her to the Greater Vancouver Zoo. The zoo veterinarian treated Meredith's injuries. But even after extensive rehabilitation, unfortunately it was determined that she would never be able to fly properly again. A home was then built at the zoo for Meredith to live with other injured eagles that have lost their ability to survive in the wild. 

Meredith has been with us for the last 23 years, then the winter storm of December 2008 hit! With the largest amount of snow in the last 40 years, Meredith's enclosure couldn't withstand the weight of it and caved in; but luckily she is a survivor. Now Meredith is without a proper home and she is looking for your help. 

There are a few sights more majestic that that of a Bald Eagle soaring effortlessly on outstretched wings. Unfortunately, the constant development of land for human population means that some eagles fall victim to road accidents (like Meredith), injuries on power lines or injuries fighting with other eagles over food. A great number of these disabled eagles would be euthanized as there are very few facilities to house them. 

We can help these injured eagles, but only with your help!
Our goal is to raise $40,000 for a new home at the zoo for Meredith and other injured eagles. 

No donation is too small and will make a difference, give today...the race is on!

To donate contact Jody Henderson at 604.856.6825 ext 33, via jhenderson@gvzoo.com or by using your Paypal account click on the link below.

Or if you have items to donate, we are looking for wire mesh fencing, glass, telephone poles, gravel and landscaping assistance.

NEW TRAIN ROOF FOR TRAIN STATION

After a crazy winter weather season, we had our train station roof collapse and had to rebuild a new roof. It has been completely rebuilt and we are 100% operational once again - we thank you for your patience during our reconstruction time.

 ZOO IS MOURNING THE SUDDEN PASSING OF ALBUS

Sunday January 18th Zoo Staff are saddened by the sudden passing of "Albus" our rare Albino Black Bear. We believe Albus had complications during the hibernation period. All of the black bears at the zoo hibernate during the colder weather in the winter. They have a large natural enclosure where they dig their own dens and sleep when the weather is colder. When Albus chose a den to rest a month ago, he was content and had packed on his usual weight for the season; all ready for the colder days in the winter.

On Saturday he was discovered in distress, and despite the relentless efforts of our animal care staff and our veterinarian he passed away. A full necropsy is being performed, in hope that we can learn more about his death. All zoo staff and volunteers are extremely sad about the loss of our dear friend, but cherish the wonderful memories that he gave to us and many others.

Albus was 18 years old and was rescued by the Greater Vancouver Zoo as an orphan from the wild, when he was just a baby.

ALDERGROVE FAIR DAYS PARADE

The Greater Vancouver Zoo participated in the the Aldergrove Fair Days Parade through the main streets of Aldergrove. And the Zoo was thrilled to receive 1st Place in the category of Commercial Float, Home Built. Here are some of the photos from the day....

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SUPPORTERS and a special thanks to all the participants on the float which included members, volunteers, friends of members and volunteers; and some staff! It was a fun day for everyone!

GREEN WAY OF APPLYING SEED & FERTILIZER

Recently at the Zoo we had a very generous offer come our way from a new partner called Quality Seeds West. They kindly offered to provide us with a new green alternative natural way of adding and applying seed, and fertilizer to some of our animal enclosures. The seeds and fertilizer were applied with a hydroseeder, which allows the seeds to germinate and establish a much better growing cycle.

Hari is applying the seeds with the hydroseeder at the amphitheatre.

Since the hippos love their grass we requested a mixture of tall fescue and perennial ryegrass that provides a combination of fast growing and stress tolerant qualities, along with 100% Natural Alfalfa Fertilizer.

The next enclosure to receive some new seeds was the Arctic Foxes, their enclosure area included hard fescue, sheep fescue, dwarf turf type tall fescue and alsike clover and naturalised widlflowers, along with 100% Natural Alfalfa.

Quality Seeds West is accredited by the Canadian Seed Institute and is a Registered Seed Establishment and Authorized Importer under the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR JOCKO - MAY 11 AT 1:30 PM

A memorial service has been planned for Jocko our male spider monkey who was killed earlier this week at 1:30 pm on May 11th at their enclosure. In lieu of flowers, donations are being accepted for the continued enhancement of the lives of our other primates at the Zoo or Spider Monkey Conservation efforts in the wild.

REWARD BEING OFFERED FOR KIDNAPPED MONKEY

As of May 9, 2008 the Zoo has set up a reward "in trust" fund for the information leading to the safe return of Mia, our much loved female spider monkey. In addition to the public offering donations to this cause, the Zoo has also agreed to match the reward fund up to $3,000. You may donate to her safe return by going to any Vancity branch and making a donation to:

• branch #23 and account #251132

We are urging the public not to reach out to touch Mia if found, as we are sure she is traumatized and might react, but instead call the RCMP at 604.532.3200 or the Zoo at 604.856.6825 immediately. If you know anything at all, we are begging you to call.

SPIDER MONKEY HAS BEEN KILLED & ANOTHER IS MISSING

Today in the early morning of May 7 2008, we were devastated to find that someone had broken into the Zoo and cut into the Spider Monkey enclosure killing our beloved male (Jocko) and our wonderful female (Mia) is missing. Both Jocko and Mia had been a couple at the Zoo for the last 15 years and all staff, volunteers and valued guests are shocked and saddened by this act to our dear members of our Zoo family.

We are pleading to the public to keep their eyes and ears open, and if you spot our beautiful Mia anywhere to contact the RCMP at 604.532.3200 or the Zoo immediately at 604.856.6825. Please do not approach her as we are sure she is traumatized and will possibly react by injuring you.

For further details, please click on our Press Release that was issued today.

MIA - missing as of May 7/08

PLEASE HELP US FIND OUR DEAR MIA!

WELCOME DUMA

Duma (his name means cheetah in Swahili) came to the Zoo in March 2008. Duma was hand raised at the De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Trust in Harbeespoort, South Africa and brought to our Zoo to assist their organization, and as well to emphasize the overall focus on raising awareness about the plight of the African Cheetah.

The De Wildt Cheetah Centre was established in 1971 with the aim of breeding endangered species. Over the years many changes have taken place at the centre, but the commitment and compassion for saving the native wildlife has not changed. The centre breeds many cheetahs and has been instrumental in assisting with the conservation efforts of saving the cheetahs from extinction. Some of the cheetahs that are raised are released back into the wild and others are sent to Zoological Centres around the world, to be used to introduce the public by means of educational talks about this wonderful animal; and in hope that the efforts and message of the De Wildt Cheetah Centre will continue world wide.

"Over the last two years approximately 150 cheetahs have either been shot by ranchers and thrown into rivers or buried illiegally or unethically traded."

To learn more about the conservation efforts at the De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Trust or to help with the "Race against Extinction", please visit them by clicking on their link below.

AMRYN IS HERE WAITING TO MEET YOU!

Our baby giraffe born on December 20, 2007 at approximately 3:10 pm is now waiting for you to come see him! Amryn who weighed 144 lbs at birth and was 6'1" in height, is now 242 lbs and over 7' tall (as of February 20, 2008). Proud parents are Eleah (mother) and Jafari (father) are getting to know Amryn better through some safety barriers in the heated giraffe barn.

With the nice weather recently, Amryn also enjoyed his first day outside and was found gleefully jumping around along with snifting and licking everything he came across. As the days hopefully get warmer you will see him outdoors more, but if the weather is cold he will be waiting for you to come see him in the heated giraffe barn so he doesn't catch a cold!

ZOO RECEIVES CAZA ACCREDITATION!

Greater Vancouver Zoo is pleased to announce that as of February 1, 2008 we have officially received our CAZA Accreditation. For more details from our Press Release please click here and if you want to learn more about the Canadian Association of Zoos & Aquariums click on their logo below.

RABBI AMONG THE LIONS

The Greater Vancouver Zoo is pleased to announce our new partnership with the Jewish Museum and Archives of BC for the duration of the "Rabbi Among the Lions" exhibit at the museum. This photographic exhibition captures, Rabbi Nathan Asmoucha, serving the small and aging Bulawayo Jewish community in Zimbabwe. It runs from January 17 to June 12 2008 at the Jewish Museum and Archives of BC.

During this time, Jewish Historical Society of BC members will receive 2 for 1 admission at the Zoo.

UNIQUE GIFT IDEAS FOR CHRISTMAS

Ho, Ho, Ho....still looking for just that right gift for that special friend or loved one. Well if they love animals or you just want to help out a good cause, look no further we have the following great gifts to choose from:

The Greater Vancouver Zoo would like to thank all our supporters which include our friends in the community, wonderful partners and media for attending our recent Opening Ceremony in Celebration of our new "Hippo Haven" for our fantastic hippo Hazina! Without you - it wouldn't be possible.

Here are just a few of the highlights from the day!

THANK YOU!!!