Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Why did the Edmonton Valley Zoo need a new logo?
  2. What animals do the logos represent?
  3. The Edmonton Valley Zoo's previous logo was a stylized elephant. Did the current focus around Lucy, the elephant, factor into the decision to have a new logo?
  4. What is the Edmonton Valley Zoo's brand?


 

1. Why did the Edmonton Valley Zoo need a new logo?

Our goal is to showcase the important changes underway at the zoo. The logo does not stand alone, but is symbolic, highlighting the dramatic reshaping of the zoo – a valuable revitalization thanks to the efforts of Edmonton City Council.

Over the past decade, views about zoos have changed dramatically. The changing role of zoos inspired staff at the Edmonton Valley Zoo to begin planning to evolve our zoo.

This thinking was realized in a Master Plan for the Zoo that was approved by Edmonton City Council in 2005, and through an increased focus in the areas of education, research and conservation. Capital investment followed with a funding infusion of over $50 million approved in recent years. Construction is now underway.

The time was right to revisit the zoo's brand, including the characteristics that distinguish the Edmonton Valley Zoo; the role the zoo plays in our city and in our world and the visitor experience.

Staff involved with animal care, education, special events, operations and communications came together with partners such as the Edmonton Valley Zoo Development Society to discuss these themes, create a new vision for the zoo and clearly state the values embodied by the facility and all the staff who work there.

A new visual identity for the zoo, including a new logo, font selection and colour palate, was one outcome of that discussion. More importantly, a business plan to help us achieve the zoo's vision is being finalized.

You are invited to learn more about the zoo's bold new direction.

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2. What animals do the logos represent?

The logos can be any animal your imagination would like them to be. We did, of course, have some specific animals in mind for each and we encourage you to come to the zoo to see if you can match the logo with one of the 350 animals that live at the Edmonton Valley Zoo.

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3. The Edmonton Valley Zoo's previous logo was a stylized elephant. Did the current focus around Lucy, the elephant, factor into the decision to have a new logo?

We decided to create a new logo because we wanted to better reflect what people will experience when they visit the Edmonton Valley Zoo. We also wanted to visually signal the changes underway and planned for the zoo.

Since the zoo has many faces, we decided to have a series of logos rather than focus on just one animal. Some animal's faces worked better in the design than others. Over the long-term, elephants will not be part of the Edmonton Valley Zoo's collection. That decision announced in 2009, was another factor that influenced the decision on the new logos.

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4. What is the Edmonton Valley Zoo's brand?

It's about the vision, the experience, and about the values.

Vision: A special place that inspires love and learning of animals and nature.

Experience:

  • Intimate
    Warm and welcoming, the zoo sparks emotional connections and inspires guests to care about the animals and the natural world.
  • Natural
    Nestled in the City's spectacular river valley, the zoo provides an intimate setting to interact closely with animals, connect with nature and learn how to conserve the planet for future generations.
  • Nurturing
    This natural setting is complemented by a thoughtfully cultivated nurturing environment. It starts with the animal caregivers  –  true stewards, they continually demonstrate their dedication to providing a high quality of life for the animals living at the zoo – and flows out to other staff, volunteers and guests.
  • Inspiring
    Every visit to the zoo is rich with animal interactions. From wolves to snowy owls, to meerkats and armadillos, animals with their caregivers are regularly out and about meeting and engaging with guests. It's in these delightful moments of getting close to wildlife that learning becomes accessible and stimulating.
  • Cool
    Of course not all the animals can roam the grounds of the zoo. That's why cool new changes are underway to better showcase animals in natural habitats.

Values: In the case of the Edmonton Valley Zoo our values are at the core of the experience and the vision.

  • Stewardship
    True stewards, staff at the zoo provide the highest quality of care at home and support conservation efforts worldwide.
  • Conservation
    Construction currently underway is focused on recreating natural habitats and promoting environmental responsibility. Along with providing a better life for the animals, guests are given a deeper understanding of the natural world.
  • Education
    At the Edmonton Valley Zoo, we encourage and inspire learning through engaging and memorable events and activities.
  • Engagement
    A visit to the zoo should be fun. And that's a focus at the Edmonton Valley Zoo. We centre fun around animal experiences and learning through play.

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For more information:

Edmonton Valley Zoo

13315 Buena Vista Road (87th Avenue)
PO Box 2359
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2R7

Telephone In Edmonton: 311
Outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311
Email attractions@edmonton.ca
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Copyright © 2012, City of Edmonton.