Valley Zoo Development Society

26/10/2024

Jack-o’-lantern? More like snack-o’-lantern! 🐟🎃 Hula’s here to show us how the harbour seals are doing National Pumpkin Day right. ✨

📸: Zookeeper Karyn!

19/10/2024

It’s International Sloth Day, and here at Edmonton Valley Zoo we have some incredible news for sloth lovers! 🦥 This year we’re celebrating Luna and BB Cop in a BIG way—our two-toed sloths are getting a serious upgrade!

Their new, purpose-built habitat located in the Saito Centre is underway, and it’s not just a change in scenery—it’s a complete transformation! Moving from their current nocturnal setup, they’ll soon be soaking up the sun in a new day-active environment where you’ll get to see them like never before—literally and figuratively!

This new habitat is designed with sloth luxury in mind. 🌿 Equipped with solar tubes and UV lighting to replicate sunlight, a built-in misting system to keep things cool and humid (perfect for our rainforest friends), and live plants to mimic their native habitat, it’s the ultimate sloth sanctuary.

But that’s not all—Luna and BB Cop will be sharing this space with a few new species, creating a more immersive experience for both them and you! 👀 As we continue to build this dream space for our sloths, feel free to stop by the Saito Centre over the coming months to check out the habitat's progress. It’s an exciting journey, and we can’t wait for you to see them in their new home! 🌞

04/10/2024

The perfect day doesn’t exist… oh wait, it’s International Zookeeper Day! 🎉 Today, we celebrate the heart and soul of the Edmonton Valley Zoo—our incredible zookeepers!

These dedicated individuals are the backbone of the zoo, doing so much more than just care for our animals. They are passionate advocates for the creatures they love, and it’s their commitment and expertise that enable us to do such amazing work. From early morning rounds to late-night care, our zookeepers are always hard at work ensuring that every furry, feathery, and scaly resident at the thrives.

Today, let’s honor these extraordinary individuals who dedicate their lives to animal care and conservation! 🌍 Your appreciation is just one reminder of how vital their work is—not just to the animals, but to all of us who benefit from the wonder they create. 💚✨

01/10/2024

Coffee with a cause? Yes, please! 🌍 Canada’s coffee obsession is real (we average 6.3 kg per person per year!) but did you know your cup can help protect wildlife? 💚

In fact, 40% of Canada’s nesting birds migrate to coffee-growing regions like Central and South America every winter, relying on those ecosystems to survive. 🌳✨

At the Wild Neighbours Cafe, our bird friendly-certified coffee isn’t just delicious—it’s making a difference!🌿☕Developed by the Smithsonian, this certification ensures that our coffee is shade-grown and organic, as well as providing rich, diverse habitats for our feathered friends. 🦜

Join us this Thursday from 5:30-7:00 pm for our monthly Spilling the Beans coffee chat, with special guest Dr. Geoff Holroyd, retired Canadian Wildlife Service researcher and chair of the Beaverhill Bird Observatory. He’ll be discussing his decades of research on peregrine falcons, swallows, and the role birds play as environmental sentinels. Let’s sip and save the birds together!

Each time you grab a cup, you’re helping fight climate change, preserve biodiversity, and support farmers who get premium prices for their eco-conscious efforts. 🌍💧 Now that’s something worth raising your mug to! ☕🙌

01/10/2024

We’re going cuckoo for birds this October! Join us this Thursday on October 3rd from from 5:30-7:00 at the Wild Neighbours Cafe where we are Spilling the Beans on Migratory birds! ☕️

Guest speaker Dr. Geoff Holroyd retired in 2012 after 36 years with the Canadian Wildlife Service. He is now chair of the Beaverhill Bird Observatory and co-author of the book ‘Wildlife of the North.’ He will put his research on peregrine falcons and swallows into the context of current declines of most birds in North America, and the history of birds as environmental sentinels.

RSVP and save yourself a spot at: https://buildingourzoo.ticketspice.com/wild-neighbours-cafe-is-spilling-the-beans-on-migratory-birds

30/09/2024

Today we recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, acknowledging the harm done by residential schools and the strength of the survivors who continue to share their stories.

As we observe this day, we also recognize that the Edmonton Valley Zoo stands on Treaty Six Territory, the traditional lands of the nêhiyaw, Dene, Anishinaabe, Nakota Isga, and Niitsitapi peoples. We also acknowledge this as the Métis’ homeland and the home of one of the largest communities of Inuit south of the 60th parallel. We commit to respecting and uplifting their cultures and histories—not just today, but every day—through continued learning, action, and reflection.

We encourage everyone to reflect on the history of the land we share and the responsibility we all carry in advancing reconciliation. 🧡

To learn more about the history, languages, cultures, and experiences of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, you can find resources at: https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1621447127773/1621447157184

25/09/2024

16 has never looked so fierce! 💥🎉 Today we’re celebrating our incredible Amur tiger Amba’s sweet 16, and her zookeepers treated her to the coolest birthday “cake” ever—literally! 🧊

Made of ice, two frosty layers of goat's milk and pumpkin spice (her favourite), and topped off with a juicy "16" centerpiece made from meat, Amba's special treat was truly purr-fect! 🍰🥩

But Amba’s story runs deeper than her stripes, and her name carries an important legacy tied to the conservation of her species! She’s named after Operation Amba, the codename for a Russian initiative in the 90's that was key to saving the Siberian tiger population from near extinction. At the time, poaching had decimated their numbers, leaving fewer than 400 in the wild.

Thanks to the efforts of small anti-poaching teams and the support of local communities, Operation Amba helped stabilize the population of these endangered tigers. Its name came from the word "Amba"—used by the indigenous Udege and Nanai people of the area, who revere tigers as sacred beings. The program’s success is a reminder that conservation works—and highlights the power of targeted conservation strategies. 🐾🌱

Join us in wishing Amba a fierce year ahead, and the in working together to protect our planet's majestic creatures. 🌍💪

12/09/2024

It’s National Day of Encouragement, and we’re here to remind you that you’re capable of amazing things! Whether you’re soaring like a falcon or taking things one step at a time like a tortoise, your journey is uniquely yours—and it’s worth celebrating every step of the way! 🐾💖

10/09/2024

Just Kalden out for a stroll 🚶

05/09/2024

It’s International Day of Charity, and today we’re celebrating the power of community! 🌍✨ Today is all about giving back—and what better way to celebrate International Day of Charity than by helping out your favorite zoo? 🦦

The Valley Zoo Development Society is the registered charity dedicated to raising funds and promoting awareness to ensure the continued growth of the Edmonton Valley Zoo, along with its education and conservation programs. But we can’t do it alone—we need you to make it happen! 🐾

Ready to be part of something meaningful? Your donation, no matter the size, helps create new habitats, fund animal enrichment, and so much more. Give today and become a hero for our zoo and its incredible animals at: https://www.canadahelps.org/.../the.../campaign/enrichment

02/09/2024

🍂 Fall is in the air and our hours have changed! ⏰
From now until Thanksgiving, the will be open from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. on weekends and holidays. See you soon!

01/09/2024

Today is International Primate Day, and what better way to celebrate than by meeting some of the incredible primates that call the Valley Zoo home? 🐵✨

We’re proud to house seven unique species, each with its own fascinating traits and behaviours. From the cheeky Goeldi's who love to show off their acrobatic skills, to our melodious gibbon who can often be heard serenading the zoo, our primate family is as diverse as it is vibrant. 🌍

Our dedicated animal care team works tirelessly to provide our primates with the best care possible, going above and beyond every day! From crafting customized diets to constantly introducing a wide variety of enrichment activities that stimulate both mind and body, their commitment is unwavering. This holistic approach not only keeps our primates healthy and active but also nurtures their emotional and psychological well-being, allowing them to truly thrive in our care. 🌿💚

These incredible animals aren’t just crowd favourites—they’re also vital to our mission of raising awareness about wildlife conservation and the essential role zoos play in protecting these amazing species. By visiting the zoo, you help support our efforts to educate and inspire others. Swing by today to celebrate International Primate Day with us and make a difference! 🎉

📸: Arden the ring-tailed lemur ( #3) & Kapok the mongoose lemur ( #5) courtesy of Zookeeper Rachael

25/08/2024

Win an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience with our adorable sloths at the Edmonton Valley Zoo and the ultimate sloth gift package with our For the Love of Sloths raffle running from now until September 29th! 🎟️✨

Join thousands of community organizations - big and small - who raise more funds for their worthy causes with Rafflebox.

21/08/2024

16/08/2024

We’ve been made aware of scams where individuals are claiming to be selling Zoobrew tickets. Please be cautious—the only official place to purchase tickets is through our TicketSpice webpage, which is fully sold out.

The Valley Zoo Development Society and Edmonton Valley Zoo will not be responsible if you purchase a ticket from someone else that has already been used. Once a ticket has been scanned, it is considered used.

The event is fully sold out and there will be no tickets available for purchase tomorrow. Tickets are considered non-transferrable, and there are no refunds on the event. We appreciate your understanding and support!

Stay safe, and we can't wait to see you tomorrow! 🍻

14/08/2024

We’re thrilled to announce that Zoobrew Vol. 3 is officially SOLD OUT! 🍻

Thank you to everyone who snagged a spot for this weekend's wild adventure at the Edmonton Valley Zoo! 🐾 Please note that there will be no tickets will be available at the gate.

Missed out this time? No worries—you can be the first to know when Zoobrew 2025 tickets go on sale and take advantage of our early bird pricing by signing up for our newsletter! ➡https://www.buildingourzoo.com/newsletter-signup/

If you’re coming on Saturday, don’t forget to tag us in your photos at on Facebook and Instagram! 🐺✨

12/08/2024

Happy World Elephant Day from Lucy and all of your friends here at the ! 🐘

Lucy has been spending her summer taking walks around the zoo where she chooses the path and sets the pace. Although you may not always see her during your visits, as she spends a lot of time in the non-public areas of the zoo, she particularly enjoys taking her team up to the top of the zoo near the Conservation Carousel. Up there she likes spending time in the meadow where she can snack on tall grass, dust herself with the dirt to keep the bugs away, or take a mud bath on a hot day.

Thank you to our exceptional elephant team who go above and beyond every day to provide Lucy with the best care possible. We ❤️ you, and we ❤️ Lucy!

From our entire Edmonton Valley Zoo team, this is an 🐘 elephant-sized thank you to all of our zoo members, guests, supporters, and friends for creating memories here. Happy World Elephant Day!

03/08/2024

Get ready for absolute PANDAmonium! 🎉 The Edmonton Valley Zoo’s red panda family has grown by two!

Kiki is an amazing first-time mom, and her 3-week-old cubs are thriving. While they’re not yet visible to the public, you can still catch all their adorable moments on our panda cam stream on Twitch: http://twitch.tv/streamingourzoo

02/08/2024

02/08/2024

https://m.twitch.tv/streamingourzoo

01/08/2024

Attention artists! Tonight's the night – the deadline for submitting your installations for Zoominescence! Don't miss your chance to be part of this magical event. 🎨

⏰ Submit your artwork before midnight to [email protected]

Submission Guidelines & Information: https://www.buildingourzoo.com/call-to-artists/

30/07/2024

🚨 Attention artists! Just four days left to finalize and submit your designs for Zoominescence: A Festival of Light.

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of an inspiring event that celebrates art and conservation! 🌱

Submit your masterpiece today: https://www.buildingourzoo.com/call-to-artists/

28/07/2024

Say hello to Victoria, the final star of our Zookeeper Appreciation Week spotlights! 🌟With 2 years of experience as an Urban Farm attendant and 3 years as a zookeeper, Victoria's zoo journey began with a volunteer assistant role during university. Inspired by her fantastic colleagues, she found her calling as a zookeeper! 🙌

Now, Victoria is a dynamic force on both our carnivore and Arctic teams. She loves the daily challenge and joy of working with various animals, especially her favourites: Steve the North American River otter, and Taiga! She says that their big personalities never fail to make her day!

Her dedication to the animals goes beyond her hours spent at work, and Victoria is always thinking of new ways to improve their care through creative enrichment activities and training. In fact, Victoria has played a pivotal role in some of our most popular enrichments that we have shared on our social media over the past year, including our Oilers and holiday-themed ones! 🎨🐾

Victoria is proud to be a zookeeper because it allows her to actively participate in conservation efforts and educate the public. She believes in the importance of genetically diverse animal populations and the role zoos play in preventing extinction. She hopes that every guest who visits the leaves with a greater appreciation for wildlife and a desire to protect it.

Let’s give a big round of applause to Victoria and the rest of our team as we close out this year's Zookeeper Appreciation Week! Thanks to zookeepers like Victoria, the Edmonton Valley Zoo is a place of learning, conservation, and unforgettable experiences! 🌍💪

27/07/2024

Zookeeper Appreciation Week continues! Today, meet Amanda, one of our zookeeper extraordinaries who works with the Hoofstock, Arctic, and Primate teams! 🌿

Amanda began her journey at the Edmonton Valley Zoo in the Urban Farm, where she spent 4 years as an attendant. This hands-on experience laid the foundation for her passion for working with animals. She then transitioned to the role of zookeeper, a position she’s thrived in for the past 3 years! 🌟

Amanda says that one of the most rewarding parts of her job is getting to be a part of the animals lives and forming connections with them. Her favourite memory is of being onsite to meet our Grevy's zebra, Tufani, just an hour after he was born. 🦓 She also has a special connection with Scarp the armadillo, and the pigs!

For Amanda, being a zookeeper is all about animal advocacy and conservation. But it's not just about passion; it also takes hard work, and she’s got the muscles to prove it—lifting 80-pound alfalfa bales to make sure our hoofed friends are fed! 💪💖

Whether she's working with hoofstock, seals, or even armadillos, Amanda brings her energy and dedication to every corner of the zoo. Her dedication to the animals and her ability to make every day fun make her a true gem of the zookeeping team.

We’re so lucky to have her and can’t wait for you to see the incredible impact she has on our zoo. Don’t forget to give her a wave next time you visit! Happy Zookeeper Appreciation Week! 👋

26/07/2024

It's time to meet Heather, another one of our extraordinary zookeepers, as we continue celebrating Zookeeper Appreciation Week! Heather has been a zookeeper for just over 2 years, but her journey at the Edmonton Valley Zoo actually started much earlier as a volunteer and member of the education staff! 🌿

Working with the Arctic and hoofstock teams, Heather finds joy in training animals through positive reinforcement! Some of her favorite memories as a keeper include training Najoua the North American river otter for ultrasounds, participating in seal research, and caring for baby otters and camels.

Heather's dedication and innovative approach to animal care are truly inspiring. Her favourite part of her job is developing individualized training plans for the animals, and she says that she loves the challenge of figuring out how each animal learns best and the pride that comes with seeing them voluntarily engage in their care routines.

While she is particularly connected to the seals, reindeer, otters, Northern Leopard frogs, and camels, she genuinely appreciate each of the critters here at the zoo and is true advocate for conservation, research, and education. Heather strives to inspire guests to support wildlife conservation and her passion for her work is evident in all that she does.

We are so lucky to have Heather as part of our team, and we’re thrilled to share the amazing work she does every day. Please join us in celebrating Heather and the fantastic contributions of all our zookeepers during Zookeeper Appreciation Week! 🌟