Greater Vancouver Zoo facts for kids

The Greater Vancouver Zoo is a zoo in Aldergrove, British Columbia, Canada. It has 49 hectares (120 acres).

History

They first started in the late 1960s after businessman Pat Hines bought 120 acres (49 ha) in Aldergrove, British Columbia to start a game farm. They opened to the public on August 20, 1970 and were originally known as Vancouver Game Farm. The first animal to arrive there was a llama named "Dennis", who came from Mount Vernon, Washington. The facility was sold in 1991 and was renamed the Greater Vancouver Zoological Centre in 1995. After the sale, they built new animal enclosures, a miniature train ride, a picnic park, more landscaping, a remodeled entrance, more parking spaces, informational and educational programs and activities. Ownership changed in 1999 and the zoo was renamed Greater Vancouver Zoo. The new owners focused on conservation and improving their educational programs.

On May 31, 2006, formal charges were laid against the zoo by the Crown Counsel of British Columbia, in accordance with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act because they failed to provide acceptable facilities for a baby hippo named "Hazina" that they acquired in October 2004. It was they first time that a major Canadian zoo was charged with cruelty to animals. The case was stayed in January 2007 when crown counsel believed that with the opening of a new habitat for hippos, that it was no longer in the public interest. The zoo lost its Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums accreditation for two years before regaining it back in 2012.

Gallery

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  Vancouver Island Wolf at the Greater Vancouver Zoo.

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  Bald Eagle at the Greater Vancouver Zoo

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  Muskox at the Greater Vancouver Zoo

Images for kids

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  A zebra at the Greater Vancouver Zoo

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  A herd of deer at the Greater Vancouver Zoo

See also

In Spanish: Zoológico de la Gran Vancouver para niños