Greater Vancouver Zoo

11/08/2024

Majestic, mysterious, and oh-so-magnificent. We love our grey wolves. Drop by and get closer to one of nature’s most beautiful creatures. 🐺🌲

11/05/2024

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for this year’s Pro-D Day! ✨

From exciting workshops and animal talks to tours, we loved having teachers dive into a fun and educational day at the zoo.

We can’t wait to welcome you back next year! 🦁 💚

11/02/2024

Happy International Bison Day! 🌾💚

Today, we celebrate the magnificent bison, a symbol of the American West and a vital part of our ecosystem. These powerful creatures play a key role in maintaining grassland health and supporting biodiversity.

Unfortunately, bison faced near extinction in the 19th century due to overhunting and habitat loss. Today, we honour their resilience and the ongoing efforts to restore their populations.

Join us in raising awareness about bison conservation and the importance of protecting their habitats!

11/01/2024

❄️ This holiday season journey through the beautiful northern landscape with us and encounter enchanting illuminated animal silhouettes, while we venture through a magical winter story that is sure to warm your heart 💚 🚂

Visit gvzoo.com/arcticnights for more… 👀

10/31/2024

Happy Halloween! 🎃

Today, we’re celebrating with the animals and treating them to some festive pumpkin enrichment—including our fall star, Pumpkin, enjoying her very own pumpkin! 🦁🍂

Come join the Halloween fun with a scavenger hunt around the zoo! Complete it, turn it in at Oasis Kitchen, and get a delicious hot chocolate or a special popcorn treat! 🍿

We can’t wait to see you there! 👻

10/30/2024

The Greater Vancouver Zoo has achieved two prestigious awards from the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) in recognition of its groundbreaking conservation work: the Peter Karsten Award for the Taylor’s Checkerspot Butterfly Recovery Project and the Colonel G.D. Dailley Award for Western Painted Turtle conservation. These awards celebrate not only GVZoo’s impactful work but also highlight the dedication of Wildlife Preservation Canada’s Lead Biologist, Andrea Gielens, whose efforts are inspiring similar conservation programs worldwide.

A major milestone this year included the use of groundbreaking medical treatments to reduce Cryptosporidium infection mortality rates from 36% to just 2%, accelerating growth rates in young turtles and increasing their survival rates. This medical breakthrough was discovered at the Greater Vancouver Zoo and impacts not only critically endangered Western Painted Turtles, but also provides a new way to treat this deadly and infectious disease for turtles of all species.

These awards are a humbling and inspiring recognition of GVZoo’s dedication to species conservation, celebrating the tireless efforts of all involved in these programs. They reflect a milestone in wildlife preservation—one built on decades of innovation, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to ensuring that species like the Taylor’s Checkerspot Butterfly and Western Painted Turtle continue to thrive in Canada and beyond.

Read more below.
https://bit.ly/4e8ph4d

Spooktacular Zoo Howl-O-Ween! Happening on October 26th & 27th. Join us for a fang-tastic weekend at the Greater Vancouver Zoo! Come dressed in your favourite costume and enjoy some ghoulish fun with our furry friends.

10/28/2024

Get into the fall spirit with our specialty pumpkin spice treats at Oasis Kitchen! 🎃

Indulge in our pumpkin spice mini donuts and churros, or make your drink extra cozy with a shot of pumpkin spice syrup. You can even top it off with pumpkin spice cold foam for that extra seasonal touch! ☕✨🧡

10/25/2024

Happy International Lemur Day! 🌍💚

Today, we shine a spotlight on these incredible and unique primates. With their expressive eyes and playful nature, lemurs are not only adorable but also vital to their ecosystem 🌿

Sadly, many lemur species are endangered due to habitat loss and climate change. Let’s celebrate and protect these fascinating creatures by raising awareness and supporting conservation efforts! 💚

What’s your favourite lemur fact? Share it with us in the comments!

10/24/2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Jenga, our beloved eight-year-old giraffe, who was an iconic member of the Greater Vancouver Zoo family. Jenga was found at approximately 3:15 p.m. on Wednesday, peacefully resting in his barn stall, just moments after he was seen enjoying his afternoon meal in the giraffe yard. Jenga has left us far too soon.

Jenga was known for his bold, curious personality, always eager to interact with staff and explore his surroundings. His presence brought joy to our staff and visitors alike, and his loss is being deeply felt across our zoo community. As we await the results of his necropsy, our priority remains the well-being of our remaining giraffes, who continue to display normal, healthy behaviour.

This is an incredibly difficult time for our dedicated Animal Care team, who form strong emotional bonds with each of the animals in their care. We encourage the public to share messages of support and condolences as we grieve the loss of Jenga. These heartfelt messages will help support our team as they continue their work in protecting and preserving species like giraffes, whose populations in the wild face significant threats.

Read the full statement below.
https://bit.ly/40nTAAq

10/23/2024

Happy International Snow Leopard Day! 💙❄️

Today, we celebrate the majestic snow leopard, a symbol of the beauty and fragility of high-altitude ecosystems. With their stunning coat and elusive nature, these big cats remind us of the importance of protecting their habitats in the mountains of Central and South Asia 🌏

Let’s raise awareness about the threats they face, including habitat loss and climate change. Together, we can help ensure a future for these incredible animals!

Share your favourite snow leopard facts or photos in the comments below! 🐾✨

10/22/2024

Join us for a spooktacular Howl-O-Ween weekend this Saturday and Sunday, October 26th and 27th 🧡

Come enjoy some ghoulish fun with our furry friends…

👻 Ghosts of the Animal Kingdom display
🐢 Animal Encounters with our Education team
🎃 Pumpkin enrichment for the animals
🖌️ Face Painting
🧟 Come in costume! Kids can wear their favorite family-friendly outfit.

Get ready for a fang-tastic time! Bring your family and friends for a weekend full of fun! 🎉🦇

And don’t forget—tag us in your fall photo-op pics for a chance to win a family membership! 📸

10/21/2024

Happy National Reptile Day! 🐢🦎💚

At the Greater Vancouver Zoo, we’re dedicated to educating our visitors about reptiles and the importance of their conservation. Did you know that the Western Painted Turtle program recently won an award!

The Canadian Herpetological Society’s prestigious Silver Salamander Award was presented at the society’s annual conference, recognizing the project’s significant contributions to the recovery of the western painted turtle population in British Columbia.

Andrea Gielens, Lead Biologist for WPC’s B.C. Recovery Programs, accepted the award on behalf of the entire Coastal Painted Turtle team which includes the Metro Vancouver Regional Parks, the Greater Vancouver Zoo, the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, and the Leq’á:mel, Kwantlen, Skowkale, Aitchelitz and Yakweakwioose First Nations.

10/18/2024

🎃👻 Spooktacular Zoo Howl-O-Ween! 🐾🦇
Happening on October 26th & 27th 🧡

Join us for a fang-tastic weekend at the Greater Vancouver Zoo! Come dressed in your favourite costume and enjoy some ghoulish fun with our furry friends 👀

🕷️ Event Highlights:
👻 Ghosts of the Animal Kingdom Stations: Discover 13 displays of extinct species, highlighting human impact, and inspiring change.
🐢 Animal Encounters: Meet some of our critters up close and learn about their halloween habits with our education team.
🎃 Pumpkin Enrichment: Don't miss this spectacular animal experience with our zookeepers.
🖌️ Face Painting: Roam the zoo as your favourite animal.
🧟 Come in costume! From October 25th to October 31st peruse the zoo in your family friendly costume.

Don’t miss out on the festive fun—grab your family and friends and let’s make this a Hallo-weekend to remember! 🎉👻

Don't forget to tag us in your fall photo-op photos to win a family membership! 📸 🎃

10/15/2024

Happy Birthday to Snickers! 🎉One of the beloved capybara here at the Greater Vancouver Zoo 💚

As an added surprise we are SO excited to announce that we have a new partner for Snickers and her name is Zoe! 😊 Be sure to keep an eye out for her on your next visit 👀

10/14/2024

🍂 Happy Thanksgiving from the Greater Vancouver Zoo! 🍁💚
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As we gather to celebrate this season of gratitude, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of you—our wonderful visitors, passionate staff, and the incredible animals that inspire us every day. Your support makes a difference in our mission to protect wildlife and promote conservation!
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Wishing you a day filled with love, joy, and plenty of delicious food! 🥰✨

10/11/2024

Pelican fact! 🤗 💚

Contrary to popular animated portrayals and common misconceptions, pelicans never actually carry food in their bill pouches!

They use them to scoop up food and swallow their catch 🐟

10/04/2024

🌍 Happy World Animal Day! 🐾
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Today, we celebrate the incredible creatures that share our planet and remind ourselves of the importance of protecting their habitats. From the tallest to the smallest, every animal plays a vital and important role in our ecosystem 💚
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Join us in celebrating wildlife. Together, we can make a difference! 🌿🐾

10/03/2024

A huge thank you to for creating the perfect atmosphere during our Brew at the Zoo event! 🎶✨
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Sitting by the fire, enjoying great music with a delicious brew was truly a magical experience 🔥🍻
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What was your favourite moment from the event? Share with us in the comments! ⬇️