About Us
ENSURING THE CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT OF THE EDMONTON VALLEY ZOO
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Valley Zoo Development Society
The Valley Zoo Development Society (VZDS) is a registered charity and friend of the Edmonton Valley Zoo (EVZ). The VZDS is proud to take a lead role in the EVZ’s stunning transformation into a special place that inspires love and learning of the natural world.
Impact of Your Support
Children are fascinated by the natural world, especially by animals. By providing them with a fun setting where they can learn about animals & nature, we can create life-long ambassadors for the long-term health of our planet.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR DONATION!
The Valley Zoo Development Society (VZDS) is a registered charity and not-for-profit that was started in 1988. The VZDS acts in partnership with the City of Edmonton to ensure the continued development of the beloved Edmonton Valley Zoo.
Owned and operated by the City of Edmonton, the Valley Zoo is currently home to over 350 animals and more than 100 species. The Valley Zoo has grown significantly since it opened in 1959, as The Storyland Valley Zoo, in its current location in Laurier Park. Once a 5-acre petting zoo, the Valley Zoo is now an educational facility, which contributes to the conservation of global biodiversity.
Charitable Registration Number: 88639 7595 RR0001
ANNUAL IMPACT REPORTS
IMPACT REPORT 2022 – Download PDF
IMPACT REPORT 2023 – Download PDF
IMPACT REPORT 2024 – Download PDF
What We Do
Projects
Each year, the Valley Zoo Development Society undertakes or supports numerous development and improvement projects at the Edmonton Valley Zoo.
Events
Popular annual events, such as Zoobrew and Zoominescence, help raise funds and promote awareness to support the continued development of the Zoo.
Cafe
The Valley Zoo Development Society operates the Wild Neighbours Cafe, located in the Entry Plaza of the Edmonton Valley Zoo.
Zootique
Operated by the Valley Zoo Development Society, the Zootique gift shop offers a wide variety of animal-themed plush, clothing, souvenirs, and more!
The Valley Zoo Development Society’s (VZDS) mandate is to raise funds and promote awareness for the continued development of the Edmonton Valley Zoo, including its education and conservation initiatives. This is achieved through the events and various programs that the VZDS runs throughout the year, such as Zoobrew, Zoominescence, and the Parent Appreciation Tea Party. Programs that the Valley Zoo Development Society runs include the Adopt an Animal Program, Adopt An Exhibit, Pay It Forward for the Planet, and Zoobuilders.
Each year, the Valley Zoo Development Society donates thousands to the Edmonton Valley Zoo for development and continual improvement. Past projects that the VZDS has contributed to include the elephant house, the red panda exhibit, the lemur habitat, upgrades to the Zoo Veterinary Clinic, and upgrades to the big horned sheep exhibit. The VZDS also donates money to various conservation organizations, including the Red Panda Network, International Elephant Foundation and Snow Leopard Trust. Recently the VZDS contributed $2-million dollars to build the R. Mollot Arctic Wolf Habitat, and $500,000 for the construction of the Conservation Carousel Building.
Current projects the Valley Zoo Delvelopment Society is undertaking includes Project Carnivora, the Red Panda Yard Refresh, and the Aspen Parkland Restoration Project.
President
Mike Walker
Vice President
Brittany Conradi
Past President
Leigh Wilson
Secretary
Teresa Melton
TREASURER
Rebecca Flynn
Executive Director
Tammy Weibe
City of Edmonton Liaison
Gary Dewar
Members at Large
Riphay Al-Hussein
Sunita Coloma
Gary Dewar (ex-officio)
Mike Dowler
Jen Panteluk
Preksha Lukhoo
Tammy Wiebe (ex-officio)
Your Donations make a Huge Impact
2022
Donations Raised: $792,206
- Events 40.7%
- Capital 36.2%
- Education 12.7%
- Other 10.4%
2023
Total Funds Raised: $2,750,036
- Donations 17.9%
- EVENTS 18.3%
- Operations 25.9%
- Grants 37.9%
2024
Total Funds Raised: $2,606,982
- Donations 26.6%
- EVENTS 16.7%
- Operations 37.8%
- Grants 18.9%
Interested in joining the board of directors? The nominating committee will consider current directors whose term is expiring and who wish to stand for election or re-election in the same manner as other candidates, taking under consideration the Director’s performance during his or her term, including consideration of the following factors:
- Understanding and support of the VZDS objects and goals;
- Ability and willingness to attend all Board meetings, and to actively support the organization through continuous and voluntary efforts during the director term;
- Effective communication, including contribution at Board and committee meetings and on behalf of the VZDS as requested;
- Preparation for and participation at Board and committee meetings;
- Support of Board decisions and actions, regardless of how the director voted;
- An open mind to the views of others and the ability to change or adjust positions after hearing them;
- Represent and promote the organization in public: serve as a bridge between the organization and the wider community
- Set policies and mitigate risks.
- Understand financial integrity: fulfill non-profit charitable requirements; ensure fiscal policies are in place and followed; develop and adopt budgets; ensure effective use of funds
- Compliance with governing legislation and by-laws, particularly conflict of interest, confidentiality and duty of care provisions.
For the 2025/26 YEAR
• A proven leader in the community with expertise in the area of fundraising.
• Familiar with annual and major gift fundraising and capital campaigns.
• Raise funds through personal networks, and/or participate in indirect fundraising activity.
• Experience developing and implementing fundraising plans in the $8-10M range.
• Skilled in “big picture” and strategic thinking.
• Board experience an asset.
Contact the Society
General Inquiries: vzds@buildingourzoo.com
Zoostore: zoostore@buildingourzoo.com
Adopt An Animal: adoptananimal@buildingourzoo.com
Marketing: marketing@buildingourzoo.com
Wild Neighbours Cafe: cafe@buildingourzoo.com
Events: events@buildingourzoo.com
Sponsorships/Donations: donate@buildingourzoo.com