Greater Vancouver Zoo facts for kids
| Date opened | August 20, 1970 (originally named Vancouver Game Farm) |
|---|---|
| Location | Aldergrove, British Columbia, Canada |
| Land area | 120 acres (49 ha) |
| Coordinates | 49°05′32″N 122°29′13″W / 49.092344°N 122.487028°W |
| No. of animals | 600 |
| No. of species | 135 |
| Memberships | CAZA |
| Website | www.gvzoo.com |
The Greater Vancouver Zoo is a fun place to visit in Aldergrove, British Columbia, Canada. It's a big zoo, covering about 49 hectares (that's like 120 acres!). Here, you can discover many amazing animals from all over the world. The zoo is home to over 600 animals, representing 135 different kinds of species. It's a great spot to learn about wildlife and how we can help protect them.
History of the Zoo
The Greater Vancouver Zoo started in the late 1960s. A businessman named Pat Hines bought a large piece of land in Aldergrove. He wanted to create a place for animals. The zoo first opened its doors to visitors on August 20, 1970. Back then, it was called the Vancouver Game Farm.
The very first animal to arrive at the zoo was a llama named Dennis. Dennis traveled all the way from Mount Vernon, Washington. In 1991, the zoo was sold to new owners. They changed its name to the Greater Vancouver Zoological Centre in 1995.
The new owners made many improvements. They built new homes for the animals. They also added a fun miniature train ride and a picnic area. The entrance was updated, and more parking spaces were created. The zoo also started offering more educational programs and activities for visitors.
In 1999, the zoo changed owners again and became the Greater Vancouver Zoo. The new owners were very interested in protecting animals and their habitats. They also worked hard to make the zoo's educational programs even better.
Amazing Animals to See
The Greater Vancouver Zoo is home to many different kinds of animals. You can see animals from various parts of the world. The zoo helps visitors learn about these creatures.
Some of the animals you might spot include big cats, bears, and various birds. There are also hoofed animals like zebras and deer. Each animal has a special habitat designed for it.
Learning and Conservation
The zoo is not just a place to see animals. It's also a center for learning and conservation. Conservation means protecting animals and their natural homes. The zoo teaches people about different species. It also explains why it's important to keep them safe.
They offer programs that help people understand wildlife. These programs teach about animal behavior and how humans can help protect endangered species. The zoo works to educate visitors of all ages.
Images for kids
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A Vancouver Island Wolf at the Greater Vancouver Zoo.
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A Bald Eagle at the Greater Vancouver Zoo.
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A Muskox at the Greater Vancouver Zoo.
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A zebra at the Greater Vancouver Zoo.
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A herd of deer at the Greater Vancouver Zoo.
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