Community Appreciation Day
- Saturday September 23
The sun was shining as over
1200 people entered the Greater Vancouver Zoo on Saturday
to participate in our Community Appreciation Day. It was
a day of thanks...as the Zoo wanted to express our appreciation
to all of our supporters throughout the year.
Local community organizations
and service groups participated in the day by offering the
public a chance to learn a little bit more about what they
do. Thanks to the Aldergrove Army Cadets, Aldergrove Sea
Cadets, Aldergrove Fire Department, Aldergrove Neighborhood
Services, Langley Animal Protection, Langley Chiefs Hockey
& Mascot Chief Wannawin, Liandra's Photography, Little
Gym and the Super 8 Motel that shared the good things they
do in our community!
The children got a chance to
receive some fun tattoos, have their face painted or just
learn more about the animals at the Zoo through our educational
tables.
Greater Vancouver Zoo loses
their baby Giraffe despite round-the-clock efforts
Aldergrove - It is with great
sadness that the Greater Vancouver Zoo has to report on
the loss of our baby giraffe. Our female giraffe, Eleah,
began to give birth early in the morning of Wednesday June
21 and after much deliberation; it was decided to intervene
since it was clear she would not be able to deliver without
assistance.
Because of a very difficult
birth, vigorous attempts were made by the keepers and our
Veterinary, Dr. Burton, to revive the calf. After many hours
of intensive care and against all odds the calf began to
respond. From being completely unable to stand or even hold
her head up, with help she was able to stand and soon walk
on her own. A round-the-clock watch was set-up to care and
observe for the baby giraffe, keepers took turns watching
and getting minimal sleep. For a couple of days she got
stronger then she leveled out, but was never able to nurse
normally and had to be force fed. She continued to hold
her own for the first week and then Thursday June 29th,
she took a turn for the worse. She became less and less
responsive and was rushed to the Veterinary Hospital...sadly,
she passed away quietly in the arms of those of cared and
loved her dearly.
The post mortem results indicated
several rib fractures and pneumonia. "How she lived
eight days, let alone improved during that time, was unimaginable,
given the trauma she experienced at birth and can only be
attributed to the continuous support and dedicated care
provided by the keepers and staff at the Greater Vancouver
Zoo", Dr. Burton (Veterinary for the Zoo).
It is difficult to adequately
describe, and even possibly understand, the profound sense
of loss experienced by those who had a part in trying to
save her. The emotional highs and lows that such a loss
causes to those of us who shared her brief time on earth
may soften over time, but they will never, and should never,
be forgotten.
Greater Vancouver Zoo
One of the Largest Hippo Enclosures in Canada
Aldergrove - Saturday, June
24th, 2006, the Greater Vancouver Zoo the door (9
am) to all members of the community to celebrate theng
Ceremony for our new Hippo Enclosure (called Hippo Haven).
In celebration guests will receive welcome gifts upon arrival
(as supplies last); in addition there was hippo fact tables,
face painting and fun hippo games. Country 107.1 FM is broadcasting
live as well.
The Greater Vancouver Zoo is
pleased to announce one of our key sponsors, Mr. Darren
McClellan, BC Regional Manager of Impark, to help officiate
the event and present their cheque of $50,000 to Mr. D.
W. Park, owner of the Greater Vancouver Zoo commencing at
12 pm (noon). Following the cheque presentation and ribbon
cutting, there will be the cutting of the hippo cake for
everyone.
Details regarding Hazina &
Hippo Haven:
Hazina was born December 28,
2003 at the Granby Zoo in Quebec. October 2004 she moved
to the Greater Vancouver Zoo. The Greater Vancouver Zoo's
Hippo Haven has both an indoor and outdoor enclosure that
is approximately 0.5 hectare (1.2 acres - roughly the size
of a football field), is one of the largest hippo enclosures
in Canada. The indoor facility can accommodate up to 4 hippopotamus,
but at this time the Zoo will only be pursuing a friend
for Hazina (our female hippo); once she is completely comfortable
in her new home. The heated indoor facility will be used
primarily for extremely cold days in the winter and as well
for medical check-ups; it also includes a heated pond. The
outdoor facility is a wonderful area that provides a large
lake for Hazina to lie around and some fun in. The cost
to build the complete enclosure is in excess of $500,000.
For more information, go to
our website www.gvzoo.com.
Greater Vancouver Zoo Giraffe delivers her
first baby yesterday
Aldergrove - On Wednesday, June 21st, 2006,
the Greater Vancouver Zoo female Giraffe (Eleah) delivered
her first baby to the world.
Eleah is an 18 year old female who was born
at a Zoo in Missouri and has called the Greater Vancouver
Zoo home since she was approximately 1 year old in 1989.
Her mate Jafari is 5 years old and was born at the Granby
Zoo in Quebec, he arrived at the Greater Vancouver Zoo when
he was 6 months old in late 2001. Eleah has never bred and
had a baby of her own, so this was an extremely exciting
time for everyone involved! She has lived with other males,
but never a breeding male until recently.
"We were prepared for this baby and expected
it to happen sometime late spring/early summer." said Jamie
Dorgan, Animal Care Manager. Eleah went into active labour
very early in the morning of June 21. At 7 am she had the
2 front legs pushed out, and after 4 hours of making very
little progress. The Zoo veterinarian Dr. Bruce Burton decided
she would need help for the safety of the mom and the baby.
After a successful medical intervention the baby was cleaned
up and examined. After multiple attempts at reintroduction
it was determined that Eleah would not or could not care
for the baby. It was mutually decided through the animal
care team and the veterinarian, that the baby would be bottle
fed with continued attempts at reintroductions with Eleah.
We are still in the very early stages of
this baby's life and the animal care staff at the Zoo,
are doing everything we can for the mom and baby. Even though
they both are doing well, this is still a very sensitive
time for any newborn.
Greater Vancouver Zoo
One of the Largest Hippo Enclosures in Canada
Aldergrove - On, Saturday,
June 24th, 2006, the Greater Vancouver Zoo will be celebrating
theng Ceremony for our new Hippo Enclosure (called
Hippo Haven). All members of the community
in the Lower Mainland are invited to theng Ceremony
and upon arrival guests will receive welcome gifts (as supplies
last), in addition there will be hippo fact tables, face
painting and fun hippo games. Country 107.1 FM will be broadcasting
live as well.
What:
Greater Vancouver Zoong Ceremony Hippo Enclosure When: Saturday, June 24, 2006 Time: Doorsat 9 am Ceremony Starts: 12:00 pm (noon) Where: th Street Aldergrove,
BC
Hippo enclosure - Hippo Haven
Details regarding Hippo Haven:
The Greater Vancouver
Zoo's Hippo Haven has both an indoor and outdoor
enclosure that is approximately 0.5 hectare (1.2 acres -
roughly the size of a football field), is one of the largest
hippo enclosures in Canada. The indoor facility can accommodate
up to 4 hippopotamus, but at this time the Zoo will only
be pursuing a friend for Hazina (our female hippo); once
she is completely comfortable in her new home. The heated
indoor facility will be used primarily for extremely cold
days in the winter and as well for medical check-ups; it
also includes a heated pond. The outdoor facility is a wonderful
area that provides a large lake for Hazina to lie around
and some fun in. The cost to build the complete enclosure
is in EXCESS of $500,000.
"Dr. Bruce Burton, Veterinary
on contract with the Greater Vancouver Zoo, wrote to the
Vancouver Sun on June 2nd and a portion
of his email was published on June 19th (click
here to read the article). If you are interested in
reading the complete article it is listed below. (click
here to read the article).
Zoo vet says Hazina the hippo
is well taken care of
Letter
Published: Monday, June 19, 2006
Re: Zoo faces charges of cruelty
to hippo, May 31
As the veterinarian who oversees
the medical care of the animals at the Greater Vancouver
Zoo, I feel it is important that the allegations in this
article not be accepted simply as reported.
In this article, I was dismissed
as being "unavailable for comment." This is true,
technically. However, when the carefully staged, televised
press conference by the B.C. SPCA was being held, I was
in the middle of performing orthopedic surgery on a dog's
knee. Reporter Nicholas Read was told I would speak to him
the following morning, when I would not be jeopardizing
my patient.
Marcie Moriarty, general manager
of cruelty investigations for the B.C. SPCA, reportedly
stated Hazina is in a "small pool inside a wooden shed."
Actually, it is a heated, concrete building. Although unappealing
to look at, concrete is the best material in which to house
most exotic animals. It is the only surface that can be
thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, and that can stand up
to the wear and tear large animals can inflict on a building.
The reason all zoos have concrete buildings is because the
animals are safer and healthier in them.
Hazina's only form of stimulus
is not just an old tire and a red ball, as was suggested.
She has a dedicated caretaker who interacts with her every
day. The SPCA can't demand the zoo acquire a hippo for companionship
for Hazina and then do everything in its power to prevent
that from happening.
I agree wholeheartedly that
the zoo should not have acquired Hazina unless it had adequate
facilities. However, the building she is in satisfies that
requirement. There is a difference between optimum, adequate
and inadequate. We all agree she does not have an optimum
facility. That is why the zoo has constructed the new hippo
facility, scheduled tolater this month.
There is no question in my
mind that the current facility is certainly adequate for
a young, growing hippo. If it were not, there would have
been signs of distress, illness or injury. In my bi-weekly
assessment of Hazina, I have never seen her show any signs
of illness or injury.
I suggest that the usually
appropriate approach to concerns about animal welfare taken
by the SPCA was derailed by the need to be seen to be doing
something. The Vancouver Humane Society and other more rabid
animal rights groups have never accepted that exotic animals,
or in some cases any animals, should be kept in captivity.
The SPCA, I believe, has been bullied by these more extreme
groups.
I am not a hippo expert and
have never claimed to be. But I do have 25 years of veterinary
experience with a wide range of domestic and wild animals.
I have degrees in wildlife management and in agriculture.
I have been asked by the B.C. SPCA to examine and report
on other cases of animal abuse, as recently as four weeks
ago.
Since the SPCA has several
vets on staff, I wonder why they have not been involved
in this assessment and prosecution. These criminal charges
of animal cruelty are very, very serious. Those making the
allegations should have some verifiable expertise.
Certainly, improvements can
always be made. But surely working with the zoo would have
accomplished much more for the animals than this expensive,
wasteful, vexatious and, in my opinion, malicious exercise.
Greater Vancouver
Zoo welcomes Juvenile Diabetes for the Walk to Cure Diabetes
Over 2000 people entered the
Greater Vancouver Zoo yesterday to participate in the annual
"Walk to Cure Diabetes". The Zoo was thrilled to host the
walk for the fifth year in a row that provided complimentary
admission to all who participated, and our congratulations
goes out to all those who took part and helped raise over
$230,000 in the fight against diabetes.
The walk attracted people of
all ages and teams of all sizes, from friends to families
and as well as many corporate teams. Beautiful weather (until
late in the day) was on the agenda for the day filled with
lots of fun, food and prizes were experienced by all...
Courtney's Crew was one of
the many teams with roughly 40 people who got together to
form the team that was made up of many family members and
friends in support of the cure for diabetes. Courtney's
mom (Teri Wright) says "Courtney was diagnosed with diabetes
1 1/2 years ago, she is 5 years old now...anything to help
get the word out and support diabetes would be great...
COURTNEY'S CREW
JDRF's mission is to find
a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support
of research. Many people underestimate the seriousness of
diabetes. Yet, with its complications, diabetes is one of
the leading causes of death by disease in North America.
JDRF's commitment to funding is a symbol of hope - with
a strong, continued effort - a cure will be found. Please
visit www.jdrf.ca for more information on how you can help.
The Greater Vancouver Zoo
commends the Juvenile Diabetes on the great work that they
are doing and thanks everyone who came out in support of
finding a cure!
Greater Vancouver Zoo hosts
a Press Conference today at 12:30 pm PST
Yesterday we were made aware verbally
from a reporter of The Vancouver Sun that charges were
being laid regarding cruelty to animals. As of today's
date at 12:15 pm neither our lawyers nor The Greater
Vancouver Zoo have been served with any "charges"; and
of course we will defend should any be laid. At this
time we cannot comment on the charges laid until we
receive them and then review the documents in detail.
What we will comment on today is the
status of Hazina's condition, her new enclosure, article
in today's Vancouver Sun and our relationship with the
SPCA.
The Greater Vancouver Zoo is in the
final stages of completing Hazina's (our baby hippo)
new home and is planning a celebrationng ceremony
for June 24. The Greater Vancouver Zoo is committed
and dedicated to ensuring that not only Hazina, but
all animals of the Zoo are taken care of in the highest
possible standards.
Our hippo is seen twice a week by our
vet Dr. Burton and has complete confidence in our ability
to care for our hippo. Dr. Burton commented today in
our Press Conference that the temporary enclosure is
not windowless, as claimed. Nor is Hazina left without
adequate water to support her body. Dr. Burton can attest
to the fact that she is thriving, not stressed and is
well cared for. The Greater Vancouver Zoo has never
hidden where Hazina is currently residing and if you
were a regular visitor to the Zoo, you would see that
Hazina has 3 windows in her temporary enclosure; as
well as a large door that isduring the day. Hazina's
temporary enclosure is primarily concrete, but is fitted
with rubber matting on the floor for her comfort.
We would like to make the public aware
of the fact that we have been completelywith the
temporary enclosure that Hazina is currently residing
in. The Staff, Management and the Owner of the Zoo are
all animal lovers, and have no desire for her to remain
in her temporary enclosure any longer; but at the same
time we want to ensure that her new facility is built
in the proper way for a hippo to reside in.
The new enclosure for Hazina has definitely
taken much longer to build than all of us had expected,
but again we can't emphasize enough that we have taken
the extra time and care to provide the best facility
for our hippo's needs. The costs to date on building
her new enclosure is in excess of $500,000. In addition
to the actual enclosure, the Zoo had to install a new
power source (for all the additional electrical needs
of an indoor hippo enclosure), drill a well for all
the needed water for her indoor pond (as all water on
the Zoo property is well water) and build a service
road with access to her facility for various reasons.
It is our understanding that her complete hippo facility
(both indoor and outdoor) will be the one of the largest
of its kind in North America.
We read, with a measure of dismay,
the article in today's Vancouver Sun regarding alleged
mistreatment of our hippo (Hazina). You will know that
there is some pressure on Zoo's worldwide from groups
who feel vehemently that no animals should be kept in
captivity. We respect those views. There are strongly
held views on the other side as well. However, this
is not a suitable forum for such a debate. Another aspect
of the article in question which is disturbing (other
than its factual errors), is that it leaves the reader
with the distinct impression that our Zoo is a profit
driven enterprise that mistreats and exploits the animals
in their enclosures. Nothing could be further from the
truth. Almost all of the gate receipts these past years
from the Zoo poured back into improving our facility
for the benefit of the animals in its trust and the
public.
The SPCA fulfills an important function
in our community and the Zoo has had a long term good
relationship with them. We are transparent in our operations.
Over the last several years we have even taken in several
animals from the SPCA's shelter into our care, such
as a Reindeer, Common Marmosets and a Peacock. In addition
we have provided our advice and expertise where needed
on exotic animals. We would like to point out that we
are quiteto suggestions for improvement from the
SPCA and from the public at large. In the fact, in response
to a recent suggestion by an SPCA official, we placed
the rubber flooring in the temporary hippo enclosure.
Anyone who is concerned about the welfare
of our animals should come in person and judge for themselves.
In addition we are extending an invitation to all the
public and media to attend ourng Ceremony for
Hazina our baby hippo on June 24, in her brand new enclosure.
Our Mission at the Greater Vancouver
Zoo is dedicated to preserving and protecting endangered
species, and creating an educational environment that
inspires appreciation and concern about wildlife and
wild places, while providing a pleasant recreational
setting for our visitors.
Greater Vancouver Zoo attends
"Miracle Day" at Abbotsford Costco
On Saturday May 27th the Greater Vancouver
Zoo stepped out with partner Abbotsford Costco, to help
them with their Miracle Day in support of BC Children's
Hospitals. It was a huge success with more than 2,600
people attending and raising over $2,000 at the Carnival,
which had everything from face painting, Constable Cuff
and Ishda Fish the Clown.
Families stopped by the various booths
set up from Costco partners to raise awareness and funding
for BC Children's Hospital by providing raffles, discount
coupons and prize giveaways. The Greater Vancouver Zoo
gave away numerous coupons and had a raffle draw for
a stuffed baby hippo (Hazina is her name), along with
a Telus Hippo Hurray Activity book and the winner went
to Justin Bae of Abbotsford.
The Zoo also brought along expert Vivarium
ZooKeeper, Menita Prasad, with some of her friends from
the Zoo; who dazzled children with a Water Dragon, African
Spurred Tortoise and 3 active Chinchilla's. Menita also
provided some brief educational material to take home
on having exotic animals as pets and how the Greater
Vancouver Zoo strongly urges careful consideration be
given, before deciding to purchase an exotic animal
as a pet. Some basic questions to ask would be: "How
long is this animal going to live? Do you have the time?
How big will they grow?...Just to name a few."
Here is young Matthias Eden who is experiencing
what it is like to feel the tail and skin of a real
life Water Dragon (on Menita's shoulder)!
And speaking of children and babies,
please come by and see our new arrivals at the Greater
Vancouver Zoo which include: 2 bighorn sheep, 4 Nene
Geese, 2 Bison, 2 Sandhill Cranes, 1 Yak, 1 Addax, 2
Ring-tailed Lemurs, 3 Egyptian Geese and many to come
soon.
The Zood 36 years ago and is home
to over 600 different animals and over 135 species situated
on 120 acres in Aldergrove, BC. The Zoo offers a "unique
nature" experience to all people interested with wildlife
education, protecting and preserving endangered species,
ensuring habitat conservation, and many other world
programs. To learn more go to: www.gvzoo.com
The Greater Vancouver Zoo thanks Abbotsford
Costco for our wonderful partnership and was honored
to be a part of such a special day to help with the
great things that BC Children's Hospital does for the
children.
