Edmonton Valley Zoo facts for kids
One of the 8 variations of the logo.
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| Date opened | July 1, 1959 |
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| Location | Edmonton, Alberta, Canada |
| Land area | 0.18 km2 (0.069 sq mi) |
| Coordinates | 53°30′41″N 113°33′14″W / 53.51139°N 113.55389°W |
| No. of animals | >350 (2020) |
| No. of species | 100 |
| Memberships | CAZA |
The Edmonton Valley Zoo, often called the Valley Zoo, is a fun place to visit in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. It's located right in Edmonton's beautiful river valley. The City of Edmonton owns and runs this zoo, and it's open almost every day of the year, closing only on Christmas Day.
This zoo is special because it's officially recognized by Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA). This means it meets high standards for animal care and conservation. It's one of only three zoos in Alberta with this important accreditation.
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History of the Valley Zoo
The Valley Zoo first opened its doors on July 1, 1959. It was built to replace an older zoo in Edmonton called the Borden Park Zoo. That old zoo was taken down to make space for the expansion of Northlands Park.
Today, the Valley Zoo is home to more than 350 animals. These animals belong to over 100 different species, including both exotic and native creatures.
Helping Endangered Animals
In 2007, the Edmonton Valley Zoo started an important project called the Makira Conservation Fund Initiative. This was done to celebrate their new home for lemurs, which they named the Makira Outpost. The name comes from the Makira forest region in Madagascar, where lemurs naturally live.
The zoo also works hard to protect other endangered animals. For example, they raise money and awareness for red pandas through a group called the Red Panda Network. They are part of many other efforts to help animals.
Species Survival Plan
The zoo also helps animal conservation through the Species Survival Plan. This is an international program led by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Its main goal is to help endangered animal populations grow. Then, if possible, these animals can be returned to their natural homes in the wild. The Edmonton Valley Zoo has been very successful with this plan. They have helped raise six red panda cubs since 2007!
Zoo Improvements and Future Plans
In 2005, the Edmonton City Council approved a big plan for the Valley Zoo. They set aside $50 million to make the zoo even better. The first part of this plan was called Arctic Shores, and it was completed. The second big project, named The Wander Trail, opened in 2013. These plans help the zoo continue to grow and improve for both animals and visitors.
Exhibits to Explore
The Edmonton Valley Zoo has different areas where you can see animals from all over the world. Each area is designed to feel like the animals' natural habitat. You can learn about different ecosystems and the amazing creatures that live there.
Images for kids
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Sichuan Takin
