Bold, New Vision for Edmonton Valley Zoo

May 05, 2011

New logos symbolic of zoo’s transformation

The Edmonton Valley Zoo is moving forward to show how a small zoo can make a huge difference in our world through a focus on stewardship, conservation, education and engagement.

“The City of Edmonton is creating a vibrant new zoo where people will connect with animals in a natural, intimate setting in a way that inspires them to preserve our natural world,” said Rob Smyth, Manager, Community Facility Services. “We’ve established our vision, and more importantly, have developed strategies to help us achieve that vision.”

In response to the zoo’s new vision, the City has established a series of new Edmonton Valley Zoo logos, representing a variety of animals that live at the zoo. The new “get closer” tagline reflects the opportunity for visitors to the Edmonton Valley Zoo to connect with individual animals in a fun and engaging way.

“A series of construction projects now underway will improve habitats for animals, expand learning opportunities for visitors of all ages, and enhance amenities, making a visit to the zoo a more enjoyable and memorable experience,” said Denise Prefontaine, Director, Edmonton Valley Zoo. “The transformation of the Edmonton Valley Zoo helps advance the City’s overarching vision, particularly in the areas of livability and environment.”

Approximately $50 million has been committed to construction projects that will transform the 52-year old facility. Opening in 2012 Arctic Shores, is being built in an open area west of the zoo’s entrance. It will recreate an Arctic shoreline, incorporate Arctic landscapes, such as the pingo, and include a new aquatic home for the seals and sea lion currently living at the zoo.

The next phase of construction is about to get underway and will include a new otter habitat, a new education centre and entry plaza, and a central trail system called The Wander that will showcase the ecosystems created by the North Saskatchewan River as it winds its way through Alberta. This project is expected to be completed in 2013.

In the longer term, plans are being developed for a new family area to replace the former Storyland section of the zoo. Still at the concept stage, the area will focus on learning through play, allowing youngsters to make believe they are a vet or zookeeper and get closer to animals such as turtles and frogs.

To mark the launch of the Edmonton Valley Zoo’s new direction, City of Edmonton is holding a contest on The City of Edmonton’s Facebook page and at Connections 2011. Those who correctly match one of the zoo’s new logos with the animal it represents will have their name entered into a draw for a family pass to the zoo.

On May 5, visitors to Connections 2011 will have the opportunity to get up close to raptors such as a red-tailed hawk or a great horned owl, learn more about the zoo’s direction and be among the first to get a new Edmonton Valley Zoo tattoo.

As part of the Edmonton Valley Zoo’s celebration weekend on May 7 and 8, zoo visitors can take part in a special scavenger hunt to match some of our logo animals with their real life counterparts among the 350 animals living at the Edmonton Valley Zoo.

More information about the zoo’s direction is available on the Edmonton Valley Zoo’s new website: www.valleyzoo.ca

 

For more information:

Mary Lou Reeleder

Title	Communications, Community Services
Telephone	780-442-0970 780-619-6791 (cell)
Email	marylou.reeleder@edmonton.ca