Valley Zoo Development Society

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Valley Zoo Development Society Nonprofit organization supporting the continued development of the beloved Edmonton Valley Zoo.

The Valley Zoo Development Society (VZDS) is a registered charity and not-for-profit started in 1988 to raise funds and promote awareness to ensure the continued development of the Edmonton Valley Zoo and its education and conservation programs. The VZDS acts in partnership with the City of Edmonton to ensure the continued development of the beloved Edmonton Valley Zoo. Owned and operated by the C

ity of Edmonton, the Valley Zoo is home to over 350 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 contributing to global biodiversity conservation.

28/08/2025

We’re excited to welcome a new member to our family: Salju has swung into our hearts!

Salju is a 6-year-old Lar gibbon who came to Edmonton from the Assiniboine Park Zoo. She has been spending time behind the scenes while she becomes acquainted with her care team and familiarizes herself with both her new habitat and her new partner, Sulawe.

Salju is a quiet gibbon but is very engaged in her training sessions and loves to interact with enrichment items. Although she loves greens, carrots, and cucumbers, she definitely has a sweet tooth and enjoys the fruit portion of her diet the most!

She is currently exploring the exhibit and getting to know Sulawe. To ensure a comfortable transition for Salju and Sulawe, you may notice additional barricades near the gibbon exhibit; while you can still observe them, we kindly request you maintain a respectful distance during this introductory period. Thank you for gibbon them some space!

19/08/2025

We’ve been made aware of people claiming to resell Zoobrew tickets. Please do not purchase tickets from individuals as tickets for this event are non-transferable.

The only legitimate place to purchase Zoobrew tickets is through TicketSpice, and we are fully sold out.

Thank you for helping us keep this event safe and scam-free! 💚🍻

Send a message to learn more

We’re excited to announce that Zoobrew 2025 - A Beer Festival at the Edmonton Valley Zoo is officially SOLD OUT! Thank y...
19/08/2025

We’re excited to announce that Zoobrew 2025 - A Beer Festival at the Edmonton Valley Zoo is officially SOLD OUT! Thank you so much for your incredible support 💚

Please note that no additional tickets will be for sale at the gate or available online.

We can’t wait to see you all this Friday for an amazing evening at the zoo!

Slow is the new show
15/08/2025

Slow is the new show

While today is World Elephant Day, every day feels like Elephant Day at the Edmonton Valley Zoo... especially when you h...
12/08/2025

While today is World Elephant Day, every day feels like Elephant Day at the Edmonton Valley Zoo... especially when you have one as remarkable as Lucy! 🐘

Since retiring in 2020, Lucy has been enjoying a slower-paced lifestyle thoughtfully designed to meet her individual needs. With the support of her dedicated care team, she often spends her days exploring familiar pastures and forested trails around the Zoo — many of which are tucked away from public view. Whether she’s grazing on fresh grass and dandelions, knocking over trees, or choosing her own route each day, Lucy moves at her own pace and on her own terms.

While you may not always spot her during your visit, if you’re lucky, you might catch her enjoying one of her peaceful daily walks. If you do see Lucy out and about, please be sure to give her and her team plenty of space to enjoy her time comfortably. Lucy’s health, comfort, and well-being remain our highest priorities, and her routine is carefully tailored to support her as she continues to age gracefully. Happy World Elephant Day, Lucy! 💚

09/08/2025

Happy Owl Awareness Day!
To celebrate, we have a Creature Feature alert: Meet the Snowy Owl! ❄️🦉

With their striking white plumage 🤍and piercing yellow eyes, 💛 snowy owls are true icons of the Arctic and our very own Ukpik is a fan favourite here at the !

Did you know? These incredible birds can spot prey 👀 almost a kilometre away and are one of the few owl species active during the day!

Learn more about their amazing adaptations, migration patterns, and how climate change is affecting their snowy world in our latest Creature Feature at Wild Times: https://wildtimes.buildingourzoo.com/2025/08/01/snowy-owl/
Bundle up and dive into the wild world of the snowy owl!

This is Cortez. You’re now aware of him.That’s Owl Awareness Day checked off your list. ✅🦉
04/08/2025

This is Cortez. You’re now aware of him.
That’s Owl Awareness Day checked off your list. ✅🦉

Sundays are for Sushi 🦭✨(And yes, we mean both the snack AND the seal)📸: Big thanks to Zookeeper Heather for this seali...
03/08/2025

Sundays are for Sushi 🦭✨
(And yes, we mean both the snack AND the seal)

📸: Big thanks to Zookeeper Heather for this sealiously adorable shot!

The many faces of Caturday ✨Special thanks to Zookeeper Karyn for these paws-itively perfect photos! 💛
02/08/2025

The many faces of Caturday ✨

Special thanks to Zookeeper Karyn for these paws-itively perfect photos! 💛

She’s fiery, fabulous, and front and center! Valentina is the queen of Fire Skink Friday. 🔥
01/08/2025

She’s fiery, fabulous, and front and center! Valentina is the queen of Fire Skink Friday. 🔥

29/07/2025

Heads up, friends! Wild About Brunch has been cancelled due to low enrollment. We’re sorry for any disappointment and hope to bring you more amazing zoo experiences soon!

Send a message to learn more

Address

AB

Opening Hours

Monday 10:00 - 16:00
Tuesday 10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday 10:00 - 16:00
Thursday 10:00 - 16:00
Friday 10:00 - 16:00
Saturday 09:00 - 17:00
Sunday 09:00 - 17:00

Telephone

+17804966924

Website

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Our Story

As part of the Valley Zoo Revitalization Project, the current Story Land portion of the Zoo will be replaced with “Nature’s Wild Back Yard”. This new area will be a place where the zoo’s youngest guests will have the opportunity to get up close and personal to experience the delight of watching, interacting and bonding with animals. Focused on learning through play, Nature’s Wild Backyard will feature a make-believe veterinary hospital and underground tunnels that will allow guests to come face to face with Prairie dogs and Meerkats in their natural underground habitat. Along with a traditional petting zoo, Nature’s Wild Backyard will also feature other fun and fascinating animals including lemurs and red pandas. The zoo has started the revitalization project with Phase I: a new Arctic Shores Exhibit that is currently under construction and Phase II: a new Entry Way and Wander that will begin construction this year. Nature’s Wild Back Yard will be Phase III of the revitalization and the Valley Zoo Development Society has committed to raising $8 million for this Phase of construction that is likely to cost over $30 million dollars. The newly revitalized zoo will be a world-class facility and a leader in education and conservation... but we can’t get there without your help.