CALGARY, AB – Some big changes are coming to one area at the Calgary Zoo.
The Zoo is undertaking a massive project to redevelop the Canadian Wilds zone and deepen its focus on Canadian Arctic species, including providing sanctuary to polar bears.
Over $31 million is being spent on this project, with half coming from the Alberta government.
In an announcement this week, Calgary Zoo President, Dr. Clément Lanthier said this all possible thanks to the significant investment from the province and a generous donation from the Taylor Family Foundation. “The Calgary Zoo’s redeveloped Canadian Wilds zone will become one of the most comprehensive and engaging experiences of iconic Canadian wildlife and habitats anywhere in North America.”
The redeveloped Canadian Wilds aims to offer more engaging experiences for visitors and proactively use storytelling to inspire and educate people about the importance of biodiversity and the complex survival challenges facing iconic Canadian wildlife, like polar bears.
In a news released issued Tuesday, the Zoo states climate change has created a “survival crisis” for polar bears with less sea ice for the animals to roam. That has meant the bears have been found more often resting on arctic coastlines which makes them likely to come into contact with people.
