British Columbia Wildlife Park facts for kids
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| Date opened | August 16, 1966 |
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| Location | Kamloops, British Columbia, CAN |
| Land area | 106 acres (43 ha) |
| Coordinates | 50°39′14.41″N 120°4′49.69″W / 50.6540028°N 120.0804694°W |
| No. of species | 65 |
| Memberships | CAZA |
The British Columbia Wildlife Park is a large zoo in Kamloops, British Columbia. It covers about 106 acres (43 hectares) and is home to many different animals. This park is a special place because it helps protect wildlife and teaches people about nature.
The British Columbia Wildlife Park is a proud member of the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA). This means it meets high standards for animal care and conservation.
History of the Park
How the Idea Started
Back in 1965, people in Kamloops wanted more things for tourists to do. They hoped visitors would stay longer and spend more money in town. A man named John Moelaert, who loved animals, suggested building a zoo. He thought it would be a great way to attract both visitors and local families.
First Public Meeting
A month later, a meeting was held to talk about Moelaert's idea. He explained that he wanted to create a non-profit group to run the park. He also wanted a large piece of land for big, open animal exhibits. Some people at the meeting were not sure about the idea. They worried about animals being in cages. Moelaert promised that the animals' well-being was very important. He said the park would be a place for fun, learning, and helping animals.
People asked how he would find land and pay for everything. Moelaert admitted he didn't have all the answers yet. He just wanted to start a group to figure things out. A few people gave small donations to help get the idea going.
Forming the Zoological Society
After the meeting, the Greater Kamloops Zoological Society was officially formed on April 6, 1965. Local lawyers helped set up the group for free. Soon, the society started asking people to join. For just two dollars a year, members got four free visits to the future zoo. Many people joined, including important leaders and the founder of the Vancouver Aquarium.
Finding a Home for the Park
The next big step was finding land. The society talked with Molson Breweries, which owned a huge, unused farm nearby. Molson was interested but wanted to make sure the zoo would be successful. They worried it might become an "eyesore" if it didn't have enough money.
The society didn't have much money at first. So, John Moelaert convinced local builders, engineers, and other businesses to offer their services and materials for free. This showed Molson that the park was a serious project. Finally, on February 11, 1966, Molson Breweries donated 106 acres of land to the society.
Building and Opening the Park
Building the park happened very quickly! With donated materials and help from many people, construction began in June 1966. John Moelaert became the first park manager. They drilled for water, set up electricity, and built roads.
The park officially opened on August 16, 1966, just two months after construction started. The first animals included two moose, deer, and Canada geese. At first, it was called the "Kamloops Zoo." But on November 1, 1966, they changed the name to the British Columbia Wildlife Park. This was to thank all the people from across the province who had helped. In its first 80 days, 7,000 people visited!
A year later, on May 20, 1967, a children's zoo opened. The park became very popular, with school buses and tour groups coming from far away. The first animal born at the park was a white-tail deer fawn on June 8, 1967. The park even received three buffalo calves as a gift from a government minister. Many businesses and people sponsored exhibits to help the park.
Tough Times and a New Start
The park faced money problems for about five years. In 1970, fewer people visited, and donations dropped. The park needed help from the city and provincial government, but they didn't get financial aid.
The park even tried to get the local government to take over, but voters said no. The park directors had to take out personal loans to keep it open. Local groups held fundraisers, but it wasn't enough. John Moelaert, the park's founder, sadly resigned in 1971.
However, in 1972, Kamloops combined with other towns. The park then became part of the city's responsibility. This helped save the BC Wildlife Park from closing!
The Park Today
Since 1972, the BC Wildlife Park has grown and improved a lot. Many volunteers and businesses have helped. In 1987, it became nationally recognized by CAZA. Today, a group of 14 volunteers leads the Kamloops Wildlife Park Society. They are elected by over 8,000 members who support the park.
Conservation and Education
TD Canada Trust Nature Exchange
The BC Wildlife Park has a cool place called the Nature Exchange. It teaches people about nature by letting them trade natural items. If you find something interesting, like a cool rock or a feather, you can bring it in. Staff will talk with you about what it is and where it came from.
You earn points based on how much you know about your item and its condition. These points can be used to "buy" other items from the Nature Exchange's collection. This encourages you to explore nature, ask questions, and learn new things. The park also teaches about ethical collecting, like why you shouldn't take bird nests or animal bones from the wild.
Helping Our Environment
The BC Wildlife Park is dedicated to being environmentally friendly. When they build new things, they use materials that are good for the planet. They also try to save energy and recycle as much as possible.
In the future, the park wants to show off new ways to be sustainable. This includes using solar and wind power, cleaning water naturally, and composting. They want to be an example for everyone!
Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
The park has the only licensed Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in the Kamloops area. Here, staff and volunteers help injured, sick, or orphaned animals. They care for mammals, birds of prey, amphibians, and reptiles. The goal is always to get these animals healthy enough to return to their natural homes.
The centre also works with Thompson Rivers University. Students learning to be Animal Health Technicians get hands-on experience helping animals at the park. In 2006, they helped 139 animals! They've rescued rattlesnakes and many deer fawns, releasing most of them back into the wild.
Burrowing Owl Breeding Program
Since 1991, the BC Wildlife Park has released over 500 young burrowing owls back into their natural grassland homes in British Columbia. They are a key part of the Burrowing Owl Conservation Society. The park has the biggest burrowing owl breeding center in North America!
Before 1980, burrowing owls were almost gone from British Columbia. To save them, the park started its breeding program in 1990. The main goal is to help the owl population grow, improve their habitats, and teach people about them.
Each year, about 100 owls are born and raised at the park. After a year, they are released into the grasslands. The park also teaches schools and community groups about these owls. They even have a special "burrowing owl ambassador" to spread the word. This program is a team effort involving park staff, volunteers, landowners, and the Ministry of Education.
In 2002, a new Burrowing Owl Recovery Centre was built at the park. It can produce over 100 young owls each year. Other places in North America are now copying its design because it's so successful! In 2004, the park won an award for its amazing work with burrowing owls.
Fun Attractions
- Highland Valley Copper Amphitheatre
- Home Hardware Corral
- Wildlife Express - a fun narrow gauge railway ride
- Zippity Zoo Zone Playground & Splash Park
