Ecomuseum Zoo facts for kids
Ecomuseum Zoo
|
|
| Date opened | 1988 |
|---|---|
| Location | Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, Canada |
| Land area | 11.3 hectares (28 acres) |
| No. of species | 115 |
| Memberships | CAZA |
The Ecomuseum Zoo (also known as Zoo Ecomuseum in French) is a special kind of animal park located in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, Canada. It first opened its doors in 1988. This zoo is unique because it is an ecomuseum, which means it focuses on the natural environment and animals of a specific region.
The Ecomuseum Zoo is officially recognized by the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA). This accreditation shows that the zoo meets high standards for animal care and conservation. The zoo covers about 11.3 hectares (that's about 28 acres) of land. You can find it on the western tip of the Island of Montreal.
At the Ecomuseum, you can see 115 different kinds of animals. All these animals are native to the Saint Lawrence Valley in southwestern Quebec. This means they naturally live in this part of Canada. The Saint-Lawrence Valley Natural History Society runs the Ecomuseum.
Contents
Discovering the Ecomuseum Zoo
The Ecomuseum Zoo is a great place to learn about animals that live in Quebec. It's not just a place to see animals; it's also about understanding their natural homes. The zoo helps people connect with nature and learn how to protect it.
What is an Ecomuseum?
An ecomuseum is different from a regular museum or zoo. It focuses on the natural environment and culture of a specific area. The Ecomuseum Zoo shows you animals and plants from the Saint Lawrence Valley. It teaches you about the local ecosystem and why it's important to keep it healthy.
Animals of the Saint Lawrence Valley
The zoo is home to many fascinating creatures. You can observe animals like otters, owls, and foxes. Each animal at the Ecomuseum has a story about its life in Quebec. The zoo helps protect these animals and teaches visitors about their habitats.
History of the Ecomuseum Zoo
The idea for the Ecomuseum Zoo 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 and how to care for it.
Opening the Zoo
In 1988, the society opened the Ecomuseum Zoo. It was built on 11.3 hectares of land. This land had an interesting past. It was once a wetland, which is a type of land covered by water. Later, in the 1960s, it was used as a landfill (a place where trash is buried). The society transformed this land into the beautiful zoo you see today.
Early Programs and Growth
The first educational programs at the Ecomuseum began in 1989. These programs helped visitors learn more about nature. In 1992, the zoo opened its first building. This building was used for managing the zoo and for more educational activities. A few years later, in 1996, the Ecomuseum started staying open during the winter months for the first time. This allowed visitors to see how the animals adapt to the cold Canadian winter.
Gallery
