NATURE’S WILD BACKYARD
NATURE’S WILD BACKYARD- PHASE 2
PROJECT TIMELINE: CANCELED INDEFINITELY
BUDGET: $50 million
As a friend and partner of the Edmonton Valley Zoo since 1988, the Valley Zoo Development Society is a registered charity and supports the Edmonton Valley Zoo in their education, conservation and sustainability efforts in our community. The Valley Zoo Development Society is proud to take a lead role in the stunning and sustainable transformation of our Zoo.
Click on the image above for a downloadable brochure detailing the phases of Nature’s Wild Backyard and what you can do to help!
Our next showcase project is a nine million dollar capital campaign in support of the next phase of the Zoo’s revitalization: Nature’s Wild Backyard.
- OUR NATURE’S WILD BACKYARD FUNDRAISING GOAL 42%
THE PROJECT
Children are naturally fascinated by the natural world, especially by animals. By providing them with a fun setting in which they can learn about global biodiversity, we can create lifelong ambassadors for the long term health of all species on our planet. The zones of Nature’s Wild Backyard will allow children, and adults alike, to experience the world in the same manner as the animals that inhabit it: Above, Between, On, and Under.
THE “ABOVE” ZONE – A BIRDS EYE VIEW… This complex zone will be completed in several phases and will be a highlight of Nature’s Wild Backyard. The Above Zone lifts visitors into the realm of one the Edmonton Valley Zoo’s most prominent life forms – trees. An elevated boardwalk provides views into mesh enclosed aviaries featuring gibbons, tamarins, anteaters, and a variety of birds. The boardwalk also connects visitors to both the holding building and the observation tower.
Highlights: Suspension bridge; Observation tower
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN TWO WORLDS IN THE “BETWEEN” ZONE… The Between Zone immerses visitors in a riparian zone that celebrates the unique adaptations of animals who live both on land and in the water: capybaras, agoutis, beavers and a variety of waterfowl. The central feature of this zone focuses on submerging visitors in aquatic environments.
Highlights: Brazil nut cracker; Active wetland
EXPLORE THE DEPTHS IN THE “UNDER” ZONE… The Under Zone focuses on the relationship between the animals that live below the earth and the predators that prowl above. The visitor experience will be shaped by a gradual descent into an underground space that offers eye to eye views with prairie dogs, burrowing owls, red foxes, naked mole rats, swift foxes and meerkats.
Highlights: Soil profile/core sample; Underground climbing structure
GET GROUNDED IN THE “ON” ZONE… An exciting, hands on adventure with the animals who live on ground level. Wallabies, emu and fallow deer roam these spaces. The deer and wallaby exhibits will have walk-through access for our guests, while the emu exhibit will feature parallel play opportunities that demonstrate the raw speed of these impressive birds.
Highlights: Grass maze
Highlights: Water play area; Original 1950’s carousel; Warming shelters
Thanks to our generous nature’s wild backard Phase 2 supporters
Gregg Distributors Sunshine Fund
HELP BUILD OUR ZOO!
It is through today’s zoos that future generations will come to a greater understanding of the human impact on the natural world and be motivated to preserve it and reverse the damage already done. Every donation, big or small, helps us revitalize our beloved Edmonton Valley Zoo! Thank you for caring for the animals, our children’s future and the planet!