Art in the Wild
Learn more about Art in the Wild.
Building The Valley Zoo
"Building Canada's cold climate zoo with a Tropical Heart"
The Valley Zoo Development Society (VZDS) is a registered charity and non-for-profit organization committed to raising funds and awareness for the Valley Zoo. Since 1988, the VZDS has acted in partnership with the City of Edmonton to ensure the continued development of this treasured local facility.
Owned and operated by the City of Edmonton, the Valley Zoo is currently home to over 300 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 through its participation in the Species Survival Program (SSP).
The VZDS has contributed to many improvements to the Valley Zoo including the Elephant house, the Red Panda exhibit and the Lemur habitat. In addition to annual fundraising events, the VZDS administers the Adopt-an-Animal Program. This popular and successful fundraising effort invites members of the community to support the zoo through annual donations.
In 2005, the City of Edmonton approved a Master Plan to revitalize the Valley Zoo. The Master Plan proposes continuing developments to the zoo over the next ten years. The projected costs for realization of the Master Plan were valued at approximately $30 million in 2005.
The VZDS is committed to raising $8 million in support of the Master Plan for the Valley Zoo. We are confident that donations from individuals, corporations, government and private foundations, we will enable us to reach this goal.
Ultimately, The Valley Zoo Development Society recognizes the Valley Zoo as a unique and vital resource within the city of Edmonton. The Valley Zoo Development Society will continue to grow this resource in partnership with donors, visitors, staff members, volunteers and other community members who share vested interest in the Valley Zoo.
