New Veterinary Hospital Enhances Animal Care at Zoo
September 27, 2010
One of many new projects transforming the zoo
A new veterinary hospital at the Edmonton Valley Zoo will enhance the care provided to the more than 350 animals living at the zoo.
An existing building has been renovated to include a surgery, laboratory, quarantine area and space for animals needing longer-term care. The new facility, along with advanced medical equipment, will allow the zoo’s veterinarian, animal health technologists and zookeepers to more effectively and efficiently care for the animals, including snow leopards, red pandas, zebras and Siberian tigers.
“We will be able to perform all types of surgery at the zoo instead of transporting animals to another location, which can be more stressful for the animal,” said Dr. Milton Ness, the Edmonton Valley Zoo Veterinarian. “With a lab on site, we can get the results of diagnostic tests more quickly to determine the best treatment faster.”
The new veterinary hospital is expected to be ready for patients by the end of September. The Edmonton Valley Zoo Development Society contributed $150,000 to the $1 million project.
While the veterinary hospital nears completion, repairs to the roof of the elephant building are getting underway. Since workers need to access the area of the roof located under the heating and ventilation unit, a crane will be used to lower the equipment to the ground. As Lucy spends so little time inside her enclosure, she will not be affected by the construction. Temporary heat will be provided as part of the project, which will cost approximately $40,000 for the roof work and $23,000 for mechanical equipment maintenance. As recommended by an independent elephant expert, the zoo has already installed new rubber flooring in the building.
Construction is also continuing on the new Arctic Shores exhibit, which will recreate an Arctic shoreline, incorporate unique landscapes, such as the pingo, and be the new home for the Arctic foxes and the seals and sea lion currently living at the zoo.
To learn more about the construction projects transforming the Edmonton Valley Zoo, visit www.valleyzoo.ca/construction.
For more information:
Mary Lou Reeleder
| Title | Communications, Community Services |
|---|---|
| Telephone | 780-442-0970 |
| marylou.reeleder@edmonton.ca |
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