"Let's go to the Zoo, Mom!"

The Saskatoon Zoo Foundation is an organization of volunteers dedicated to raising funds for capital improvements within the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo.

The long term goal is to provide diversified recreational and educational programming to citizens of Saskatchewan via a zoological, horticultural, and Heritage Park. The Saskatoon Zoo and Forestry Farm Park is a living museum dedicated to education and conservation of indigenous plants and animals, with the opportunity to exhibit exotic animals from similar climates. The Saskatoon Zoo is Saskatchewan's only Zoo and is accredited by the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The Zoo and Forestry Farm Park site also has historical significance as it is designated a National Historic Site. Over 200,000 people visit the zoo and Park on an annual basis.

 

Zoogala…The Adventure Continues!

ZOOGALA 2009 set a fundraising record for the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation – $41,000! Proceeds went toward ongoing improvements to the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo.

With AREVA Resources Canada Inc. once again on board as our event title sponsor, ZOOGALA 2010 hopes to meet or exceed our fundraising record.

ZOOGALA 2010 features fabulous foods prepared by Saskatoon Chefs of the Canadian Culinary Federation, entertainment by Houndstooth Trio plus an enticing selection of door prizes, raffle tickets and silent and live auctions.

Don’t miss ZOOGALA’s Safari Adventure, Friday, June 11th under the Gala Tent.
Tickets sell out fast! Get yours early.
Call the Zoo Foundation office at 975-2250

 

New Exhibits, Community Support Boost Zoo Attendance!

If we build it, they will come.

For the past several years, the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation has raised money to make improvements to Saskatchewan’s one and only zoo.

The community has responded with generous support. Businesses, organizations and individuals have all invested in the Zoo – and we’re seeing the benefits! Snow leopards, Bengal tigers, white tigers, grizzly bears, cougars … the Saskatoon Zoo has provided both a temporary haven and a permanent home to many remarkable animals in the past few years.

As a result, Zoo attendance has risen dramatically, jumping to an all-time high of 132,730 visitors between April 15 and October 31, 2008.

Birth of Tiger Cubs Proves Zoo’s Value in Breeding

The Saskatoon Zoo’s value as a breeding location was proven in the spring of 2008 with the birth of two rare white tigers, named Jasmine and Jafar. The cubs were born to Rajah and Rani, who were loaned to us by an Ontario zoo in hopes they would breed. The tigers, adults and cubs, returned to Ontario in the fall.

What’s next for the PotashCorp Ark? Look for the official unveiling in the spring of 2009!

Grizzly Bears a Big Hit with Visitors

Koda and Mistaya, the orphaned grizzly bears brought to the Zoo this past spring, have quickly become star attractions. Visitors of every age are fascinated by the bears, and continue to come out in large numbers to get a close up look at the awe-inspiring animals. The bear exhibit is an innovative repurposing of the old lion house and use of existing landscaping to create a suitable home. The exhibit features two areas where the bears can dig, a 1.5 meter deep pool, rocks for scratching and sunning, and trees to climb. The exhibit was made possible by the generous contributions of the Saskatoon Kinsmen Club, Ministry of Environment Green Initiatives Fund, Ministry of Tourism, Parks, Culture & Sport Building Communities Fund, City of Saskatoon, Saskatoon Zoo Foundation, Edwards Edwards McEwen Architects, Cameco Corporation, Supreme Steel and Catterall & Wright Consulting Engineers.

The Lights are on at 10th Annual Enchanted Forest

To celebrate its 10th anniversary, the SIGA Enchanted Forest has added a spectacular new Noah’s Ark display. Crafted by Rick Steffen, the Forest’s general manager, the huge new display brings to light endangered species from around the world. Thanks to the commitment of light display sponsors, media partners and title sponsor Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority, the Enchanted Forest continues to attract more than 60,000 visitors a year. Last year’s event raised $75,000 for the Zoo Foundation. Proceeds were used to help build the new bear exhibit.
Admission: $6 per person or $20 per car at the gate. $16 Advance Car Pass available at Saskatoon Safeway, Canadian Tire, Shopper’s Drug Mart and TCU Place Box Office.

Affinity Learning Centre Scheduled for Spring Opening

Construction on the long-awaited $1.38 million Education Centre, officially named the Affinity Learning Centre, got underway this fall. The new facility will have two classrooms, a Resource Room, Discovery Room and outdoor enclosures...more...

Zoos are Important!

It is incumbent upon all of us to teach our children the value of respecting and conserving our natural heritage. In an increasingly urban society, fi rst-hand experience of the natural world is becoming more…virtual. Many children’s only up-close look at animals is on television.

Educational programs on television can offer an amazing window on the world, however, there is no substitute for the reality of seeing an animal and being amazed by the life in its eyes, its size, its brilliant colour, its feathers or fur. With shrinking wildlife habitats around the world, zoos have become sanctuaries for threatened and endangered species. They are a vital link between humans and the natural world.

Supporting Saskatchewan's Only Zoo!

Saskatchewan has one zoo accredited by the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums – one facility where children and adults can see native animals like bison, elk, moose, lynx, fox, owls and hawks, as well as more exotic visiting animals. The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo is home to some 80 different species, approximately 300 animals in all. Each has something to teach us about the kind of future we want for tomorrow’s generations.

The Saskatoon Zoo Foundation is dedicated to supporting Saskatchewan’s only zoo. In raising funds for capital improvements, we work to support diversified recreational and educational programming in a zoological, horticultural and heritage park. The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo is a place where people of all ages can learn to respect and value the world around them – plants, animals and ecosystems. The Foundation’s planned giving program is designed to help donors leave the legacy of a lifetime to the Zoo… and it is easier than you may think. ...more...