Edmonton Valley Zoo

08/03/2024

Happy Birthday, Eugene! Our Goeldi's Monkey is celebrating his 4th birthday today!

Goeldi's monkeys are small primates found in the Amazon rainforest in southern Colombia, eastern Ecuador and Peru, western Brazil and northern Bolivia. They stand only 21-23 cm high (8 to 9 inches) with a long tail. Goeldi's mainly eat fruits, insects and small vertebrates, but in the wild are known to rely heavily on mushrooms during the dry season when fruit is scarce. They communicate through vocalizations, scent glands on the stomach, facial expressions and body language. They are classified as a vulnerable species, with their main threats being habitat loss, hunting, and the pet trade. Fortunately, efforts are being made to help Goeldi's monkey conservation - there are multiple protected habitat areas in South America and international coordination to limit their trade.

Did you know? Goeldi's monkeys can leap a horizontal distance of almost four metres without losing height!
Have a great birthday, Eugene!

08/02/2024

It's PANDA-monium here at the - our family has grown by two!
Along with proud parents Kiki and Tango, we are excited to announce the birth of two red panda cubs on July 7. The 3-week-old cubs are nursing well, steadily growing, and hitting all the expected developmental milestones for this stage. Kiki is an incredibly devoted and attentive first time mom.

Red pandas face many pre- and post-partum challenges. This is a particularly critical time for Kiki and her cubs, so during this important developmental stage they are not visible to the public. Their eyes are just opening and they are still learning how to walk in the safety of their nest box. However, we will be sharing photos and videos from the nest box as the cubs grow and develop. Stay tuned for more to come!

Fun Fact: the birth of these cubs means we have THREE generations of red pandas under our roof! They join dad Tango and Grandpa Kalden as part of our red panda family. This is the first set of red panda cubs born here at the Edmonton Valley Zoo since July 2017 when we welcomed Paprika and Pepper.

08/01/2024

Reminder: Join us tonight at the Wild Neighbours Cafe where we are Spilling the Beans on endangered animals at the zoo! ☕

This coffee chat is your chance to explore the world of endangered species. Learn about the IUCN Red List, endangered species like the red panda, and the incredible efforts being made right here at the to save the endangered Rocky Mountain Northern Leopard Frog. 🐸 Then, if weather and air quality cooperates, we will take interested attendees on an after hours endangered species walk through the zoo.

Our Spilling the Beans conservation coffee series occurs on the first Thursday of each month. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the talk starts at 5:30 p.m. Admission to the zoo is not required for this event, but seating and tour space is limited to 50 spots, so we ask that all attendees RSVP at the link below. We hope to see you there!

https://rb.gy/owm80j

07/30/2024

💔 We are heartbroken to share the sad news that our beloved Bactrian camel, Ambrosia, has died. She was three years old.

Ambrosia had been under veterinary care for the past several weeks for some serious medical issues. Unfortunately, her health took a turn for the worse late last week and our team made the difficult but humane decision to compassionately euthanize her.

She was born here at the Edmonton Valley Zoo on March 1, 2021 and was hand-reared by her dedicated animal care team due to her mother not caring for her. Her zookeepers devoted countless hours and extraordinary efforts in raising the baby camel. As is the case for many hand-reared animals, Ambrosia formed close bonds with her care team, even after successfully reintegrating with the camel herd as she matured. Ambrosia was known for her quirky and vocal individual personality, and enjoyed walking throughout the zoo to her favourite browse locations.

Ambrosia was an incredibly special animal to all of us here at the zoo. Please keep our animal care team in your thoughts during this difficult time as they grieve their loss. Thank you to all of Ambrosia’s caregivers, both past and present, for the incredible love you showed her.

07/30/2024

✨Happy Birthday, Tango! We’re celebrating our red panda’s 9th birthday today! 🥳

When he’s not exploring the panda yard - usually with his tongue out - you’re likely to find Tango snoozing in his hammock or in the tops of the trees. 🌳

Red pandas are native to the Eastern Himalayan Broadleaf forests, which span across Bhutan, India, and Nepal. They are classified as endangered, mainly due to habitat loss and illegal wildlife trafficking. At the , we are proud to be a part of the red panda Species Survival Plan. We have had many cubs born here - including Tango!!

If you want to learn more about red pandas and some of the other endangered species the cares for, join us this Thursday at 5 p.m. for our Spilling the Beans Series! More information can be found here: https://rb.gy/owm80j

Have a great day, Tango! 🤩

07/29/2024

We’re ROARing with excitement! It’s International Tiger Day! 🐯

International Tiger Day was first observed in 2010 with the goal of protecting natural tiger habitats and raising public awareness of tiger conservation issues.

As of the last assessment in late 2021, there are an estimated 3,100 tigers remaining in the wild as they face unrelenting pressures from poaching and habitat loss. 🌏Fortunately, there are a number of international organizations working to help protect these majestic animals and their habitats. By protecting large, biologically diverse landscapes, we allow tigers to roam and preserve the many other endangered species that live there. In the Siberian region of Russia, for example, there’s hope that these big cats are making a comeback.

Did you know? Tiger stripes are unique to each individual! 🐅

📸: EVZ Debi

07/29/2024

Do you want to win tickets to visit the ? Check out CAZA's new contest! ⬇️

07/29/2024

Join us Thursday, August 1 at the Wild Neighbours Cafe where we are Spilling the Beans on Endangered Animals at the Zoo!

This coffee chat is your chance to dive deep into the world of endangered species. Learn about the IUCN Red List, endangered species like the red panda, and the incredible efforts being made right here at the Edmonton Valley Zoo to save the endangered Rocky Mountain Northern Leopard Frog. Hear all of this from one of our very own animal care professionals and the 's conservation coordinator!

Our Spilling the Beans conservation coffee series occurs on the first Thursday of each month. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the talk starts at 5:30 p.m.

Admission to the zoo is not required for this event, but seating is limited in the cafe, so we ask that all attendees register ahead of time at the link below. See you there!

https://rb.gy/owm80j

07/27/2024

Happy Caturday from the beautiful Indira!

07/26/2024

Did you know? 🦥 Two-toed sloths only come down to the forest floor to change trees 🌳 or defecate! Luckily for these slowpokes, sloths have a very slow metabolism so they only have to make this journey once per week!

07/25/2024

Contrary to proper etiquette and table manners, the is a place where you can play with your food!
Juliana pig Hamlet definitely thinks veggies taste better when he has to find them in a ball pit!

07/24/2024

The final Wildlife Rescue sculpture featured at the tells the story of the Leatherback Sea Turtle, a vulnerable species found in oceans around the world. 🌊

This large turtle measures 1.8 - 2.2 metres (6-7 feet) long. Its numbers have declined dramatically due to habitat degradation, egg hunting, and climate change. They also often become bycatch, which means they are unintentionally caught in fishing nets.

Scientists at aquariums around the world are working with many conservation organizations in order to help save the leatherback sea turtle. This work includes enforcing legal protections against the trade of leatherback turtles and their products, monitoring and studying turtle activities and populations, establishing
parks and preserves that protect nesting sites, mandating Turtle Excluder Devices on fishing nets, and increasing public awareness of this species.

Did you know? Leatherback sea turtles can swim more than 16,000 km (10,000 miles)
a year and dive to a depth of nearly 1.5 km (4,000 feet).

07/23/2024

🎉 Happy Birthday, Tufani! Our Grevy’s zebra is celebrating his first birthday today! 🎂

Tufani was born here at the Edmonton Valley Zoo to mom Zuri and dad Cody. 🦓 The name Tufani is Swahili for “storm” which is fitting as he was born during a wild evening thunderstorm last year! ⚡️

Tufani’s birth was extremely important, as the Grevy's zebra is listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with about 2,500 adults in the wild. 🌍 We are proud that the plays an active role in the Grevy’s zebra Species Survival Plan (SSP), a coordinated breeding program to ensure genetic diversity of endangered species. 🦓

Happy first birthday, Tufani! ✨

07/22/2024

07/22/2024

Today’s Wildlife Rescue profile might seem a little creepy (and crawly), but the Mexican red knee tarantula helps share an important conservation message. 🕷

This arachnid species has seen its population decline in the wild due to a high mortality rate for juveniles, over-collection for the pet industry, and habitat loss from urbanization, agriculture, and climate change. They are classified as Near Threatened but work is ongoing to protect them in their natural habitat - including banning trade across borders. Mexican red knee tarantulas are protected by CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), which is a treaty between participating governments to ban the trade of certain vulnerable species. 🌎

Mexican red knee tarantulas are identified by their dramatic coloring and gentle personalities. They are also well known for their long lives! Males live to be around 10 years old but the average life expectancy for a female is 30 years! 🕷

The Wildlife Rescue exhibit is on display at the until Sept. 15!

07/21/2024

*IMPORTANT UPDATE*
Due to the power outage, the Edmonton Valley Zoo will remain closed for today and will reopen tomorrow morning at 9am.

We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you again for your understanding.

07/21/2024

✨It’s National Zookeeper Week!✨

We’re so proud at the to have such an amazing group of professional, dedicated, and caring zookeepers. We know we have the best of the best right here!

It doesn’t matter if it's +30C or -30C, our team is out in the zoo every day, providing exceptional care to all of the animals who call the Edmonton Valley Zoo home.

Thank you for all you do! 🥳

07/21/2024

*IMPORTANT UPDATE*
Due to power outage, the Edmonton Valley Zoo is closed until further notice. We apologize for the inconvenience, thank you for your understanding.

07/20/2024

Happy Birthday, Nika! Our northern fur seal is 12 years old today! 🥳

Nika was born right here at the ! 🦭

Northern fur seals live in a wide geographic range throughout the northern Pacific Ocean between Japan and the west coast of North America. Females typically weigh around 50 kg while male fur seals are significantly larger. They have up to 300,000 hairs per square inch and have very large eyes 👀 that enable them to see in murky water.

Nika is one of four northern fur seals here at the Edmonton Valley Zoo, sharing the Arctic Shores exhibit with our three harbour seals.

Make sure to stop by today to wish Nika a happy birthday! 🎉

07/19/2024

Did you know? Cane toads are among the top most invasive species in the world!

They were introduced to Australia, Hawaii, and Florida in the 1930s in an attempt to control destructive sugar cane beetles. However, the poisonous cane toads reproduce rapidly and wreak havoc on an ecosystem. In affected areas, several native predator species are on the decline due to eating cane toads, and small prey animal populations are at risk of being eaten by the toads themselves.

Scientists work to keep cane toads from spreading further by educating people on how to prevent invasive species from thriving. Cane toad exhibits in zoos are an important part of this education effort. We think that's toadally cool!

Although we don’t have cane toads here at the , you can learn more about this species by visiting the Wildlife Rescue exhibit, on display for a limited engagement!

07/18/2024

In recent years, progress has been made in restoring Atlantic sturgeon populations. However, there are five distinct populations of this ancient fish in the US, and all five are classified as Endangered or Threatened.

This Wildlife Rescue statue, located at the top of the Wander Trail, tells the story of a once-abundant species that has declined due to overfishing, vessel strikes, habitat loss, or barriers. Fortunately, conservation groups are working to protect critical habitat areas and monitor activities that might affect the habitats where sturgeons lay eggs. In addition to that, public education and captive breeding programs are helping to bring this fish back from the brink.

You can visit the Wildlife Rescue exhibit daily from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. until Sept. 15.

07/17/2024

You’d better bee-lieve we wouldn’t miss a chance to talk about the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee in our Wildlife Rescue series here at the ! 🐝

Disease, pesticides, habitat loss, and climate change have all contributed to the decline of rusty patched bumble bee populations. Once widespread across southern Quebec and Ontario, as well as the eastern and midwestern United States, this bee was an important pollinator of crops like cranberries, plums, apples, and alfalfa. However, it is now only found in small areas and is classified as endangered.

So what’s the buzz 🐝 on helping save this species? Scientists are working to protect the bee’s habitats and are asking the public to help monitor remaining bee populations.
How can you BEE a hero for all bumble bees? Plant pollinator friendly flowers 🪻🌻 and landscapes that help provide food and shelter!

07/16/2024

Today we are celebrating World Sssssssnake Day! 🐍

Today is an opportunity to celebrate snakes and raise awareness about their preservation. Snakes aren’t that different from other wildlife - they are threatened by many of the same issues, including habitat loss, climate change, and disease.

There are more than 3,000 species of snakes on the planet and the majority are nonvenomous. Although snakes may be scary to some people, they are ssssssuper for the environment! Snakes are important in the food chain as they are both predators and prey. They are an incredibly effective form of natural pest control, too!

The is home to eight different species of snakes.

Did you know? Snakes are NOT slimy! Snake scales are smooth, and typically dry.

07/15/2024

The Arctic is warming three times as fast as the rest of the planet, causing the sea ice to melt. Sea ice is the Earth’s air conditioner. We all depend on sea ice to keep our planet cool. Join us today, on , to share why you care.

07/15/2024

is a day when we call attention to sea ice melt in the Arctic from climate warming. 🐻‍❄️ Polar bears rely on sea ice to hunt, breed, roam, and sometimes den. Arctic sea ice matters to people too: It helps keep our planet cool. 🌬 Let’s to build momentum for climate action!

Did you know? The Edmonton Valley Zoo has been a Polar Bears International Arctic Ambassador Centre since 2011! That means we work collaboratively with PBI and other ambassador centres on research, education, and action programs that address the challenges polar bears face in a warming Arctic. We also participate in the Climate Alliance Program to help direct policy, build partnerships, and engage in public outreach.

07/14/2024

Burrowing owls 🦉 may be numerous overall in North America, but their numbers are sharply declining in certain areas. In Canada, they are one of the most endangered birds of the grassland prairie. 🌾 With its inclusion in the Wildlife Rescue exhibit, the is able to tell the story of this magnificent bird!

The burrowing owl 🦉 is at risk due to habitat loss from agricultural practices, low rates of return to Canada during spring migration, and low rates of reproduction. However, there are conservation groups hard at work head-starting these birds, which means they capture young hatchlings from nests, care for them over the winter until they’re strong, and then release them in male-female pairs in the spring. This helps give vulnerable hatchlings the best chance at survival!

Did you know? Unlike most owls, burrowing owls are active during the day! ☀️

07/14/2024

🥳Happy Birthday, Mokey! Our bush hyrax is celebrating her double digit birthday today! 🔟

Ten-year-old Mokey was hand-raised by a team of zookeepers. She loves exploring the outdoors and eating greens. 🌿🌱

Hyraxes are small mammals found in rocky areas from southeastern Egypt to central Angola and northern South Africa. Because they spend most of their time 🪨 rock climbing, they have adapted to have hairless foot pads that are kept moist by glandular secretions, allowing their feet to act like suction cups.

They are definitely unique animals! Did you know? A hyrax’s closest genetic relative is an elephant! 🐘

If you’re at the today, please visit Saito Centre to wish Mokey a happy birthday! 🎂

07/13/2024

Today’s the day - we’re excited to bring you the second installment of Zoobrew!🍺

As a reminder, the will be closing early today in order to prepare. The last admission is 3:15 p.m. and the zoo will be cleared and closed by 4:15 p.m. Our team will do a quick change in order to be ready for the gates to reopen for Zoobrew at 5 p.m.!

We look forward to seeing you! Cheers to Conservation! 🍻

07/13/2024

When the Little Ray’s Wildlife Rescue exhibit was first unveiled here at the , we had 12 sculptures. However, the recent addition of a new one brings us to lucky 13! We’re excited to show you the Bornean orangutan! 🦧

The Bornean orangutan is a species of orangutan endemic to the island of Borneo and is the largest of the three species of orangutans. It is classified as critically endangered, as its population has declined by more than 50% since the 1960s. This is due to hunting and black market trade, but is mainly due to the logging industry’s direct implant on habitat loss. 🌳

Fortunately, there are organizations working to rehabilitate orangutans, and relocate them from areas of conflict to protected lands. These groups also work to conserve the ecosystem and educate local communities.

Zoos across North America play an important role in Bornean orangutan conservation by contributing to research about these exceptionally intelligent animals.

07/12/2024

Have you visited the to see Wildlife Rescue yet this summer? The crested gecko, tucked up by Saito Centre, has an amazing conservation history!

The crested gecko was first discovered in the wild in 1866, but by 1967 it was thought to be extinct. However, it was rediscovered almost 30 years later! Biologists established breeding colonies in the US and Europe, and crested geckos subsequently became popular pets and are now abundant in human care.

Crested geckos are listed as being vulnerable in the wild, as habitat loss and invasive species threaten their survival. Scientists continue to work to protect these geckos in their natural habitat.

Did you know? Crested geckos’ toe pads are covered with tiny hair-like structures that allow them to grip and climb all surfaces - including glass!