Ecomuseum Zoo facts for kids
Ecomuseum Zoo
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| Date opened | 1988 |
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| Location | Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, Canada |
| Land area | 11.3 hectares (28 acres) |
| No. of species | 115 |
| Memberships | CAZA |
The Ecomuseum Zoo (or Zoo Ecomuseum in French) is a special kind of zoo in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, Canada. It opened its doors in 1988. This zoo is unique because it's an ecomuseum. This means it focuses on the natural environment and animals of its local area.
The Ecomuseum Zoo is home to 115 different kinds of animals. All these animals are native to the Saint Lawrence Valley in southwestern Quebec. This means you'll see animals that naturally live in this part of Canada. The zoo is run by the Saint-Lawrence Valley Natural History Society. It is also approved by the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA). The zoo covers about 11.3 hectares (28 acres) of land. This area is located on the western tip of the Island of Montreal.
Discovering the Ecomuseum Zoo's History
The Ecomuseum Zoo has an interesting past. It all started with Dr. John Roger Bider. He founded the St. Lawrence Valley Natural History Society in 1981. His main goal was to teach children about the environment. He wanted them to learn how important nature is.
In 1988, the society opened the Ecomuseum. It was built on 11.3 hectares of land. This land used to be a wetland, which is a type of marshy area. In the 1960s, it was used as a landfill. This means it was a place where trash was buried. The zoo transformed this land into a home for animals.
The first educational programs at the zoo began in 1989. These programs helped visitors learn about nature. A special building for administration and education opened in 1992. This made it easier to teach people about ecology. In 1996, the Ecomuseum started opening in the winter for the first time. This allowed visitors to enjoy the zoo all year round.
Images for kids
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A snowy owl at the Ecomuseum Zoo
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A lynx resting in its habitat
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River otters playing in the water
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A majestic golden eagle
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A boardwalk through the zoo's natural areas
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Another view of a snowy owl
