|
Exhale - Fall 2009 Newsletter - read more on Phase 1 development: Playground, Duck Pond, and Family Centre IN THE NEWS THIS MONTH Details Unveiled for Nature Playground, Duck Pond, and Family Centre Shipping Season at the Zoo What's Happening at the Conservatory Events Around the Park  AN UNUSUAL ENGAGEMENT AT THE ZOO $31-MILLION FOR POLAR BEARS AT ZOO (Winnipeg, Manitoba; October 8, 2009) – The Assiniboine Park Conservancy has unveiled details of its first phase of redevelopment for Assiniboine Park. Working with three of Winnipeg's leading architectural firms, the Conservancy now has comprehensive designs for the Nature Playground, expanded Duck Pond, and new Family Centre - three components of the larger future plan for Assiniboine Park, unveiled in June. PRESS RELEASE: POLAR BEARS, RAINFORESTS, AND TREE TOP ZIP LINES - ALL IN THE FUTURE FOR ASSINIBOINE PARK (Winnipeg, Manitoba; June 19, 2009) – Details of the future plan for Assiniboine Park will be released today, including the announcement of a transformed zoo with a world-class polar bear exhibit and conservation and rehabilitation centre. Other enhancements will include a rainforest experience in a newly built conservatory, a youth adventure area including a zip line, a children’s area with a nature playground and expanded duck pond, and enhanced paths and green space. Winter is animal-shipping time at the Zoo. This may seem a strange thing to say, but each summer over 100 young are produced by dozens of Zoo inhabitants. Breeding not only plays an essential conservation role in providing healthy and often at-risk animals to other zoos (lessening the need to take animals from their wild homes), but this activity contributes to animal health and enrichment of their lives by allowing them to follow this natural life cycle while in capitivity. Generally the Zoo must find room to house them here, and we don't wish to allow inbreeding or aggressive behaviour that may eventually occur in tight quarters. Just as with human families, there is a time when parents must liberate their offspring to pursue their own lives. On the line-up in the coming weeks are: a herd of 12 Markhor going to Ontario; Arctic Foxes and a Lynx to the Yukon; Arctic Foxes to Nova Scotia, Detroit and France; a Dromedary Camel, Bennett's Wallabies and Reindeer to Ontario; Goeldi's Muskox to North Dakota; Red Kangaroos to Ontario and Texas; Elk and Bison to Ontario; Crested Screamers (large birds) to Missouri; and Pronghorn to Quebec. All of these animals must be caught up, given a clean bill of health by Zoo Hospital staff, piles of documents must be applied for and compiled by Zoo Office staff, and travel arrangements made. Who knew that this many animals have travel plans? MANITOBA'S BIG CAT Recently, one of the Zoo's popular big cats, Ayla the female Cougar, had to be put down due to health complications of old age. Her long-time mate Max would be lonely without a companion, so the Curator is contacting sources to acquire a friend for Max. Eventually arriving by air or truck transport, the Cougar will be examined by our Veterinarian, and following a month-long quarantine, the formal introduction of the big cats will begin. Introductions and compatibility are extremely important for the Zoo's animal collection. Put two aggressive animals of the same species (such as Muskox or Tigers) together without special precautions and one or both animals will be injured for certain, and possibly killed. The staff is experienced in these procedures and in determining how long this process takes; it depends on how the animals are acting toward each other. Attempt at nose to nose, and later eventual full contact, are usually made when the females are in heat, which greatly improves the chances of the animals tolerating or even liking each other. Tigers may take six months, while our pair of Takin has been only nose-to-nose for more than a year, giving the smaller female a chance to gain full size and speed. On your next visit to the Zoo, observe how individuals of various species are interacting within the herd or a pair. Just as humans, there are dominance hierarchies, alliances, shunning and sometimes aggression. These insights make a Zoo visit extra special. For more information on events at the zoo visit www.zoosociety.com ASSINIBOINE PARK CONSERVATORY The shorter days of mid winter can be truly enhanced by a visit to the lush, humid atmosphere of Manitoba's only conservatory. Wrap yourself in the lush vegetation of the venerable Palm House or the many changing exhibitions. Spring bulbs are peeking through; vivid colours wash every day with new, exciting vistas. February 27th until March 28th is a world premiere for George Shannon's incredible glass works. This incredible exhibit celebrates the elements as well as the many artistic influences of this world class artist. The Conservatory's guaranteed weather plays a best supporting role to the headlining, picture perfect plants so iconic of spring. Wedding receptions, photographic sessions and corporate receptions enjoy the facility after hours. Plan on several visits over the next few months, and take a deep breath of spring. The Pavilion Gallery Museum is pleased to announce the opening of the following exhibitions: * * *
The Pavilion Gallery Museum presents "The Israel Asper Broadway Poster Collection" - Show and Sale. Posters are donated by Babs Asper to support the Pavilion Gallery Museum and future park programming. All posters are $50.00 each, framed. Many Broadway favourites including Neil Simon classics are available to choose from. Visit the Pavilion Gallery Museum second floor gallery to view the collection. For more information, please contact the Curator at 953-4516. Free gift with any purchase of your favourite poster! Visit www.assiniboinepark.ca for information on upcoming spring/summer exhibitions and Assiniboine Park events.
|
In order to view this page you need Flash Player 9+ support!
Sign up
for Exhale, Assiniboine Park's newsletter, to keep apprised of all
things related to the park's development.
