OFRENDA
Honouring the animals who have touched our lives.
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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.
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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.
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Beloved Animal Ofrenda
Honouring the animals who have touched our lives.
PUBLIC VIEWING: October 29 – 31 • Public CONTRIBUTIONS: November 1, 2026
In recognition of Día de Muertos, the Edmonton Valley Zoo, in partnership with the Mexican Society of Edmonton, is creating our first-ever Beloved Animals Ofrenda.
From October 29 to November 1, we invite our community to come together to remember the animals who have passed away and the place they continue to hold in our hearts. This includes the animals who have called the Edmonton Valley Zoo home, as well as the pets and other animals that have touched our lives.
VISIT THE OFRENDA
The Beloved Animals Ofrenda will be on public display in the Saito Centre at the Edmonton Valley Zoo from October 29 to November 1, 2026.
OCTOBER 29–31: VIEW THE OFRENDA
During these three days, guests are invited to visit the Ofrenda, read the memories shared, reflect quietly, and connect with the stories and experiences of our community. Physical contributions will not be accepted during this time.
NOVEMBER 1: SHARE A TRIBUTE
On November 1, guests will have the opportunity to contribute a 4 x 6 inch photo of an animal who has passed away to the physical Ofrenda. Please see below for important guidelines and details about contributing to the Ofrenda.
Then, join us for a special day of learning, music, celebration, and connection. Representatives from the Mexican Society of Edmonton will be at the zoo to share the meaning and traditions behind Día de Muertos and the Ofrenda, including the different ways the tradition is celebrated across regions and families. Family-friendly activities and traditional violin music will also be part of the celebration.
ADD A TRIBUTE
On November 1, guests are invited to contribute a 4 x 6 inch photograph of an animal who has passed away to the physical Ofrenda. This could be an Edmonton Valley Zoo animal, a beloved pet, or another animal who held a special place in your life.
Contributions can be made during zoo hours. Admission or membership is required, and we are unable to accept drop-offs outside of the event.
** Please keep in mind that items placed on the Ofrenda will become part of the display and will not be returned. **
Unable to visit in person?
Digital submissions of photos, drawings, and written memories will be featured in a slideshow playing on a screen at the display to give our community an opportunity to share their stories and remember their beloved animals together, even from afar.
Online submissions will be accepted until October 22, 2026
FAQ’S
What is an Ofrenda?
An Ofrenda is an altar created as part of Día de Muertos to remember and honour loved ones who have passed away. During the celebration, families may leave offerings as a way of welcoming their loved ones home. Traditions and practices vary between families, communities, and regions, so no two Ofrendas are exactly alike. Many of the traditional elements found on Ofrendas have roots in Indigenous traditions of Mexico and Central America.
Why is the Edmonton Valley Zoo creating an animal-focused Ofrenda?
Animals are an important part of many of our lives, and they become part of our stories in so many ways. When they pass away, the memories and connections we shared with them can stay with us for years.
This is something we understand deeply at the zoo. Over the years, our staff, volunteers, and community have formed meaningful bonds with the many animals who have called the EVZ home. When an animal passes away, there is real grief and a sense of loss, along with gratitude for the time we were able to share with them. The Beloved Animals Ofrenda gives us a chance to honour and remember those animals, while making space for our community to remember the animals they have loved, too.
The loss of a beloved pet is a feeling many of us can understand, whether our family member was finned, feathered, furry, scaly, or something in between. Those personal connections can also inspire a deeper empathy and appreciation for the wildlife and animals we share our planet with. Sometimes, caring about the natural world can begin with the animals we know best.
Created in partnership with the Mexican Society of Edmonton, the Ofrenda is also an opportunity to learn more about Día de Muertos and the traditions surrounding it, while coming together to remember the animals who have brought joy, companionship, wonder, and connection into our lives.
Is the Beloved Animals Ofrenda open to everyone?
Everyone is welcome to visit, learn and participate respectfully. The Ofrenda is an invitation to come together, remember the animals who have touched our lives and learn more about Día de Muertos. Guests are welcome to simply experience the display or, if they wish, contribute a tribute.
As Día de Muertos is a meaningful cultural tradition, we encourage guests to approach the Ofrenda with curiosity, care and respect, and to take the opportunity to learn about its history and significance. The Mexican Society of Edmonton is partnering with us to help share that knowledge and guide the setup and presentation of the Ofrenda.
Who can I remember on the Ofrenda?
You are welcome to remember any animal who has passed away and holds a special place in your heart. This could be an Edmonton Valley Zoo animal, a beloved pet, or another animal who left a lasting impression on your life.
What can I contribute to the on-site Ofrenda?
Guests can contribute a 4 x 6 inch photograph, drawing, or written memory to a beloved animal on November 1 during zoo hours. Admission or membership is required, and no drop-offs will be accepted.
If you are contributing an item in person, please remember that it will become part of the display and will not be returned.
Can I submit something online if I can't visit the zoo?
Yes. Digital submissions are welcome. Photos, drawings, and written memories submitted online will be featured in a slideshow playing on a screen near the Ofrenda.
Online submissions will be accepted until October 22, 2026.
Can I submit more than one animal?
Yes. You are welcome to submit a tribute for multiple animals. Please complete a separate submission for each animal so we can properly organize the memories and photographs.
Will my submission be displayed publicly?
Submissions selected for the Ofrenda or digital slideshow may be viewed by members of the public. Please only submit photographs and information that you are comfortable sharing publicly.
What happens to physical items afterwards?
The Ofrenda is a temporary display. Because of the nature of the installation, physical items contributed to the Ofrenda will not be returned.
MILES DE GRACIAS.
We extend our sincere thanks to the Mexican Society of Edmonton for their partnership and guidance in helping us create the Beloved Animals Ofrenda. We are grateful for the knowledge they have shared with us and for helping our community learn more about the meaning and traditions of Día de Muertos as we come together to honour the animals we have loved.
