Assiniboine Park Zoo

About

Assiniboine Park Zoo is a zoo facility located in the west end of Assiniboine Park in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Established in 1904, Assiniboine Park Zoo is managed by the Assiniboine Park Conservancy. It holds accreditation from the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Covering 80 acres, there are currently over 160 species of animals living in the zoo.

In 1904, the City of Winnipeg Parks Board purchased native animals, including deer, bison, and elk to establish the zoo. A bear enclosure was built in 1908. In 1909, the zoo housed 116 animals, representing 19 different species. In 1935, it acquired its first lion ; a lioness. Four years later, a wild orphaned polar bear cub named Carmichael was added to the zoo. In February 1940, Carmichael was joined by a female named Clementine.

The 1960s saw significant additions, including a gibbon and monkey house, a snow leopard, and another orphaned polar bear cub. The polar bear enclosure was renovated in 1967, adding an upper story and two more orphaned cubs. In 1968 and 1969, the Tropical House, Native Animal Exhibit, and a new south gate were added.

In the 1980s, the Zoological Society of Manitoba began to provide money for new signage, exhibits, and infrastructure. The Zoological Society reconstructed the main entrance to include a new gift store and renovated the Carousel Restaurant.

As late as the 2000s, the zoo was open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. However, its hours have since been significantly reduced due to the behavioral changes in animals in evening. In July 2015, the zoo extended visiting hours every Wednesday until 8 p.m. due to visitor requests for later closing times to accommodate working schedules.

In 2000, the Zoological Society of Manitoba and the zoo started work on a new Master Plan Development Proposal for the zoo—the first since 1960. Initial proposals were for a redesign of the existing polar bear enclosure, but this eventually grew into a much larger Master Plan Development project. In 2008, the Assiniboine Park Conservancy was created to develop, govern, and manage Assiniboine Park, including the zoo. In June 2009, the Conservancy unveiled a comprehensive $200 million, 10-year redevelopment plan.

In 2004, thanks to collaboration with the University of Manitoba Architecture Department, substantial improvements were made to the Education Center.

In 2009, the Assiniboine Park Conservancy announced a redevelopment plan for both the Assiniboine Park and Zoo, to be completed in several phases. The revitalization of the zoo was involved in the plan's second phase, with its main attraction being the opening of the "Journey to Churchill" exhibit.

In September 2014, the Assiniboine Park Zoo became one of only five Canadian zoos to be accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums.

- In July 2014, the wolves and polar bears were temporarily removed from their display areas after one or more wolves dug their way into the polar bear enclosure. No one was hurt in the incident.

- Concerns about safety protocols increased in September 2014 when one Amur tiger gained access to another enclosure and killed another tiger.

- In January 2019, a five-year-old polar bear named Blizzard died due to fluid in its chest.

In 1904, the City of Winnipeg Parks Board purchased native animals, including deer, bison, and elk to establish the zoo. A bear enclosure was built in 1908. In 1909, the zoo housed 116 animals, representing 19 different species. In 1935, it acquired its first lion ; a lioness. Four years later, a wild orphaned polar bear cub named Carmichael was added to the zoo. In February 1940, Carmichael was joined by a female named Clementine.

The 1960s saw significant additions, including a gibbon and monkey house, a snow leopard, and another orphaned polar bear cub. The polar bear enclosure was renovated in 1967, adding an upper story and two more orphaned cubs. In 1968 and 1969, the Tropical House, Native Animal Exhibit, and a new south gate were added.

In the 1980s, the Zoological Society of Manitoba began to provide money for new signage, exhibits, and infrastructure. The Zoological Society reconstructed the main entrance to include a new gift store and renovated the Carousel Restaurant.

As late as the 2000s, the zoo was open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. However, its hours have since been significantly reduced due to the behavioral changes in animals in evening. In July 2015, the zoo extended visiting hours every Wednesday until 8 p.m. due to visitor requests for later closing times to accommodate working schedules.

In 2000, the Zoological Society of Manitoba and the zoo started work on a new Master Plan Development Proposal for the zoo—the first since 1960. Initial proposals were for a redesign of the existing polar bear enclosure, but this eventually grew into a much larger Master Plan Development project. In 2008, the Assiniboine Park Conservancy was created to develop, govern, and manage Assiniboine Park, including the zoo. In June 2009, the Conservancy unveiled a comprehensive $200 million, 10-year redevelopment plan.

In 2004, thanks to collaboration with the University of Manitoba Architecture Department, substantial improvements were made to the Education Center.

In 2009, the Assiniboine Park Conservancy announced a redevelopment plan for both the Assiniboine Park and Zoo, to be completed in several phases. The revitalization of the zoo was involved in the plan's second phase, with its main attraction being the opening of the "Journey to Churchill" exhibit.

In September 2014, the Assiniboine Park Zoo became one of only five Canadian zoos to be accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums.