Wild Times Newsletter

QUARTERS FOR CONSERVATION

Press Release
Date: August 10, 2011

This month we are officially launching our new program called "Quarters for Conservation". At the Greater Vancouver Zoo we are increasing our commitment to conservation, by stepping it up a notch to support exciting "field conservation" projects from around the globe.

To view the complete "Spring/Summer 2011 Wild Times eNewsletter" click on the attached file.

New Director at the Greater Vancouver Zoo

Christoph Steeger has joined the Greater Vancouver Zoo as a new Director. Born and raised in Germany with one year of academic studies at the Academy for Philosophy in Munich. Moved to British Columbia in 1981 and graduated from SFU (Simon Fraser University) with a Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Biology. Christoph did his master's research on reproductive strategies of Ospreys of the West Kootenay Region of southern British Columbia.

The Greater Vancouver Zoo held our very special 40th Anniversary Celebrations from August 20-22. There was a look back over the last 40 years, from the humble beginning in 1970 as the World Wide Game Farm Ltd., to the Greater Vancouver Zoo we know now. Our special guests included the Township of Langley Mayor, Councillors from the City and Township of Langley, one of the original owners of the zoo, and a few members of the Leq'a:mel First Nations. Thank you to all who attended. It was a very exciting, fun-filled weekend, and we wanted to share some memorable moments with you!

The Greater Vancouver Zoo is excited to officially open our new Eagle Habitat. This new habitat will be able to house eagles that have experienced a variety of injuries and have lost the ability to survive in the wild. There are many reasons for injured eagles in the wild, but primarily habitat loss as a result of humans developing the land to populate, road accidents, oil spills, power line injuries or other human related threats.

Back in June I was approached by a special grandmother about a unique concept for teaching her grandchildren how to appreciate animals and to learn about conservation. Marlene has 6 grandchildren that live in Canada and the U.S., luckily they would all be together in BC for the summer.

Marlene asked for each child to chose an animal to adopt and then she planned an experience both "Behind the Scenes" plus an educational program to further enhance their knowledge of animals. 

ACCESS DAY - JUNE 22

Our annual fun-filled day for groups of 5 or more people with disabilities. The cost is only $5 per person and $2 for the train tour. Special needs assistants get in for free. 

To view the complete "What Happened at the GVZoo this summer - Special Edition of The Wild Times", click on the attached PDF file. 

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 the ability to survive in the wild.

Over the past year at the zoo, we have been developing an arctic themed area as a major part of our North American section.

When looking for a new home for the arctic wolves in 2002, it was decided that the best place for them in the North American area would be near another resident of the arctic at the zoo, the reindeer. The arctic wolves moved into their home in 2003 and were followed in 2004 by the snow geese and emperor geese. 

May 7 2008 will be a date forever remembered by everyone who knew our dear friends Jocko and Mia (our spider monkeys). It was the day their enclosure was broken into and Jocko was murdered and Mia was kidnapped.

'Twas five days before Christmas and all through the Zoo, not a creature was stirring...except maybe two! Proud parents Eleah and Jafari (adult giraffes) were expecting a 145 lb, six foot tall baby boy.

It was a very smooth delivery taking about four hours. It's a long way down, but baby giraffes are designed for it and it all looked quite promising.

To view the complete Spring 2008 Wild Times eNewsletter, click on the attached PDF file.