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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.
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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.
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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.
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2008 Falconry & Birds of Prey Summer Camps & Courses
Join
Gary Worley, our master falconer, one of the world's most experienced
falconers and Birds of Prey handler; is offering you a chance of a
lifetime! Our hands-on courses are designed to be safe, fun and
educational!
Learn
about Birds of Prey and Falconry with these courses to choose from: a
half day "Flying Experience", 1 day "Birds of Prey Association Day", 1
full week "5 day Summer Child Camp" or "5 day Adult Course" plus NEW THIS YEAR - an "Eagle Encounter".
For this "Eagle Encounter" you will be greeted by a falconer at the front gates of the Zoo and after a short
introduction you will be escorted around the mews where you will be introduced
to our birds of prey. You will be taught how to handle and fly the birds to your
gloved hand (includes a Red-Tailed Hawk, Harris Hawk and/or Great Horned Owl),
as well as about their physical adaptations and their hunting abilities. The
highlight of the day will be spent with one of the world's largest raptors "Skye
our Golden Eagle" - a truly magnificent bird! Each participant will also receive
a free gift and DVD with photos from your exciting day.
Encounters are limited
to a maximum of four people, guaranteeing the utmost amount of hands-on
experience for our guests. From May 1st begins at 10 am - 4 pm and are available
every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Minimum age is 17 years. Cost is $200 +
GST
For more information on this course or the others that are offered please click on this link.
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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:
-
Adopt an Animal
- packages start at $40 and can be customized just how you like. The
program was introduced to support the Zoo's care and services for all
our animals by providing food, medical care, equipment, enrichment and
continual improvements to their enclosures. Go to www.gvzoo.com/node/8
for more details.
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Gift Certificates - simple and
always appreciated by the person receiving, include family day passes,
child day passes or a yearly family pass are just a few. For more info
call 604.856.6825 ext 0 or 33
-
Private Viewing -
see your favorite animal up close (select animals apply) with a keeper,
learn a little bit more about what they eat and what is their favorite
enrichment activity. Contact Jody at jhenderson@gvzoo.com or
604.856.6825 ext 33 for more details. Experience of a lifetime!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND THANK YOU FROM ALL THE ANIMALS AND THE STAFF AT THE ZOO!_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
INTRODUCING OUR NEW MOTHER'S WALKING CLUB
 Mom's
looking to get outside, enjoy the fresh air, meet some new
friends, connect and share some laughs; and all this while
strolling leisurely along through a wonderful park gazing
at the animals your child (in stroller) - close at hand.
Soooo - why not consider joining our Mother's Walking Club!
Meet weekly at the Greater Vancouver Zoo!
Tuesday's at 10:30 a.m. at the Zoo Map
at the front entrance
Walk time: 1.5 hours
Children, any age in strollers, are welcome
** Moms would benefit by purchasing a Yearly Membership
Pass. Our Yearly Membership Passes pay for themselves in
just over 2 visits! Our front booth attendants would be
happy to help you with this.
MEET THE OFFICIAL HOTEL
of the GREATER VANCOUVER ZOO
 Come
have some super family-friendly fun while staying at the
new SUPER 8 LANGLEY
located in Langley, British Columbia - just 5 minutes down
the road from the Greater Vancouver Zoo! Super
8 Langley and the Greater Vancouver Zoo
have partnered together to offer you and your family, a
deeply discounted super package deal that you don't want
to miss out on!
Their lovely family-friendly hotel (and yes that includes
your pets!) offers 81 brand new guest rooms on four
floors and includes a Super Start Plus Breakfast in the
morning.
And when you are all done hanging out with the monkeys
at the Zoo, come back to the hotel and splash around in
the indoor pool just like Hazina the hippo.
Or a trip or two down the 80 foot 2 storey waterslide -
WOW! Other super features include: a hot tub (for  the
adults to relax in), fitness center, in-room coffee (did
someone say coffee??) and hair dryers in all rooms. Family
Suites are available with a refrigerator and microwave as
well.
And let's not forget ..."kids under 18 stay for FREE"...
how SUPER is that???
Besides coming to visit us at the Greater Vancouver Zoo
to visit all of your favorite animal friends, we are both
close by a variety of golf courses, lots of local wineries
and if you are flying in we are 15 minutes from the Abbotsford
International Airport. If you have some extra time we also
have in our area naturally heated hot springs and spas to
whale watching. Langley is ideally located just off the
Trans-Canada Highway in Beautiful British Columbia Canada
- only 44 kms from Vancouver and 9.6 kms from the US Border.
The Super 8 Langley
is located right off Trans Canada Highway 1 (exit #73).
This great location provides direct access to the Aldergrove
US Border Crossing and is by far the perfect choice in the
Langley area.
 So what are you waiting for just ask Hagrid the Owl at the
Greater Vancouver Zoo, he will tell you that (wise people
stay at the Super 8 Langley).
Hagrid says, "Step into the Wild! Grab the kids and come
on out for a fun animal-filled night at the Super
8 Langley."
Milk and cookies for the kids upon check-in
Family Day Pass for 4 people at the Greater Vancouver Zoo
1 nights accommodation in a family suite at the Super
8 Langley (includes one Queen bed
along with a set of bunk beds or
2 queen beds in a standard room)
Super Start Plus Breakfast in the morning
Kids get to dip into the treasure chest for a surprise as
well
TOTAL SUPER ZOO PACKAGE is either:
To reserve your room or for more information about this special hotel and zoo package, visit http://www.super8langley.com
Step into the Wild at the Greater
Vancouver Zoo
and enjoy your stay at a Super Family-Friendly
place - Super 8 Langley!!
INTRODUCING THE ZOOOOOOOOOO TO YOU
- OUTREACH
PROGRAMS!
 Our
Outreach Programs are fun, full
of fascinating facts with a strong conservation message
and include live animals or birds, as part of the program.
The Zoo offers a variety of programs to different size
groups that discuss a variety of species and the roles that
they play in the environment.
Here at the Greater Vancouver Zoo we are
passionate about conservation and we want to satisfy your
thirst on animal knowledge!
To learn more contact Barbara Lafresnaye (Education
Manager) at blafresnaye@gvzoo.com or 604.856.6825 ext 26.
LOOKING FOR THAT
"UNIQUE" GIFT?
 Are
You An Animal Lover Or Know Someone Who Is?
Our "ADOPT AN ANIMAL" program allows you
to be unique and at the same time you help us continue caring
for our animals, protect the endangered species and also
supports our on-going conservation efforts!
Visit us at our SPONSOR section
for all the details of the packages to choose from. All
packages can be customized and start at $40. All you need
to do is choose your animal to adopt, select your package
and we'll do the rest!
"Make a Difference
and Step into the Wild at the Greater Vancouver Zoo!"
ANIMALASIUM - NEW INDOOR EDUCATIONAL TRAINING
CENTRE OPENS UP!
On Friday October 20th teachers were the first
to preview our new indoor "Animalasium - Indoor Education
Training Centre" at the Greater Vancouver Zoo!
Animalasium is the first indoor educational
area available to the public at the Zoo, located across from
the train station and the purpose of the centre is to teach
children of all ages and adults about conservation and education;
concerning animals and their environment.
The centre is also available to rent for various
events such as birthday parties, group sessions and guest
speakers. For more information please contact our Education
& Tours Assistant Missy Butler at 604.856.6825 ext. 28
or via email at mbutler@gvzoo.com
BEFORE
AFTER
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!
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