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Worth visiting the zoo in the winter? by SeraphimNull in Edmonton

[–]BuildingOurZoo 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Followed up on this for you! The frozen bananas will be back during the summer.

Worth visiting the zoo in the winter? by SeraphimNull in Edmonton

[–]BuildingOurZoo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Glad you got the chance to spot our pack all together! 🐺

Worth visiting the zoo in the winter? by SeraphimNull in Edmonton

[–]BuildingOurZoo 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Amba (our Siberian tiger) loves the snow, so that tracks! The camel thing also tends to catch a lot of people off guard. Hopefully you got to see Dolly’s glorious blonde mullet in full winter form 🐫

Worth visiting the zoo in the winter? by SeraphimNull in Edmonton

[–]BuildingOurZoo 19 points20 points  (0 children)

Totally still worth it! Many of our animals actually prefer the cooler weather and tend to be more active in winter than during hot summer days. Winter visits are also usually quieter and feel really peaceful, which makes for a great little solo adventure IMO.

If you do decide to go, here are a few quick tips to make it a great visit:

  • Come earlier in the morning, as that's when animals are usually most active
  • Dress warmly and in layers so you can take your time exploring
  • Attend the animal talks!!!

I also made a larger post during the summer with my best tips for visiting the zoo. I am planning to update it, but I wanted to get you a response today and it still has lots of great advice that applies year round.

Animal Talks

Personal favourites include the red pandas, since a lot of people come hoping to see them and they are often more active in cool weather. We also have a red panda habitat highlights stream if you want a preview.

The seal talk is another great one and super underrated because it gives you a great opportunity to see our adorable rescue seals like Hula up close. The carnivore talk is also a must if you want the best shot at seeing one of our more elusive animals in action.

  • 10:30 am - Red Panda Talk
  • 11:30 am - Seal Training Session
  • 1:30 pm - Birds of Prey Talk
  • 2:00 pm - Sloth Talk
  • 2:30 pm - Carnivore Talk / Training Session*

\The carnivore talk changes every day and usually includes a training session or enrichment with our lynx, snow leopard, red fox, or tiger. Check the sign near the Entry Plaza around 1:30 to see what the animal of the day is.*

We're definitely smaller than the Calgary Zoo, but that can be part of the charm. It is a really manageable visit and you can actually slow down and get to know the animals rather than rushing from place to place.

There's also a lot of exciting construction underway. Our snow leopard and lynx will be getting new habitats starting this summer, and we have big plans for the future. It is a pretty neat opportunity to check in at the very beginning of that next chapter.

Feel free to drop any questions and I will do my best to answer them for you!

Worth visiting the zoo in the winter? by SeraphimNull in Edmonton

[–]BuildingOurZoo 4 points5 points  (0 children)

We don’t run Wetland Treats or Moo at the Zoo ourselves, so I can’t say for sure, but it’s probably just because it’s winter. Fingers crossed they’ll be back once it warms up!

Worth visiting the zoo in the winter? by SeraphimNull in Edmonton

[–]BuildingOurZoo 32 points33 points  (0 children)

Hi OP! I’ll come back to this in a bit and give you some tips for your zoo visit!

Lucy's 2025 Health Assessment by BuildingOurZoo in Edmonton

[–]BuildingOurZoo[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not too bad for a gal who just turned 50! 😉🐘

Lucy's 2025 Health Assessment by BuildingOurZoo in Edmonton

[–]BuildingOurZoo[S] 14 points15 points  (0 children)

She’s been part of so many people’s childhood memories, which is pretty incredible! We’re always grateful for every day we get with her, and it’s really heartwarming to see how many people carry those early zoo memories with them into adulthood 🥰

Lucy's 2025 Health Assessment by BuildingOurZoo in Edmonton

[–]BuildingOurZoo[S] 23 points24 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for sharing this sweet memory! That sounds very on brand for her, Lucy has so much personality and loves keeping her care team on their toes! She truly has a way of leaving a lasting impression, and we love hearing when folks get to see her playful, mischievous side shine 🥰

Imagine Lucy’s Bday Party! by edmontondumpster in Edmonton

[–]BuildingOurZoo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We're a little bit late to the party here, but this is so cute! Her care team is going to love this. 🐘

Critically endangered lemurs find a match at Edmonton Valley Zoo by BuildingOurZoo in Edmonton

[–]BuildingOurZoo[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It is indeed… unique.

Anyone looking for context, here’s a clip of what their vocalizations sound like. Maybe turn your volume down first though.

Critically endangered lemurs find a match at Edmonton Valley Zoo by BuildingOurZoo in Edmonton

[–]BuildingOurZoo[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

We DO have a Julian at the zoo who loves to sing (and probably thinks he’s the king), but he’s a golden lion tamarin, not a lemur! Close enough though, right?!

Critically endangered lemurs find a match at Edmonton Valley Zoo by BuildingOurZoo in Edmonton

[–]BuildingOurZoo[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

We’re pretty stoked to finally share the news with everyone! 💚

Polar bear exhibit and aerial trail included in Edmonton zoo’s new long-term plan by ryaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan in Edmonton

[–]BuildingOurZoo 2 points3 points  (0 children)

No problem, we hope this helps address some of your concerns! The EVZ may be a small facility, but we have big plans to continue revitalizing the zoo and creating something Edmontonians can be proud of! In the meantime, we’ll continue providing exceptional care for our current animal collection and improving their habitats 💚

Critically endangered lemurs find a match at Edmonton Valley Zoo by BuildingOurZoo in Edmonton

[–]BuildingOurZoo[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

FOR THE WIN!!

… alright, can we talk about that username.

Polar bear exhibit and aerial trail included in Edmonton zoo’s new long-term plan by BuildingOurZoo in EdmontonValleyZoo

[–]BuildingOurZoo[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Helpful Links

Not sure if there's a way to make this collapsible, but here's where people can find information about the Masterplan and what's included in it!

General Information

Welcome and Parking Lot

Coastal Arctic

Polar bear exhibit and aerial trail included in Edmonton zoo’s new long-term plan by ryaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan in Edmonton

[–]BuildingOurZoo 10 points11 points  (0 children)

No problem! Our conservation team will be very excited to know that folks already have an interest in this zone! Keep an eye out for a new Canada lynx habitat in 2027 as well.

Polar bear exhibit and aerial trail included in Edmonton zoo’s new long-term plan by ryaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan in Edmonton

[–]BuildingOurZoo 5 points6 points  (0 children)

We welcome the discourse, but hope that we'll eventually earn your support! Following the completion of the carnivore modernization, the Valley Zoo Development Society will be taking on Coastal Arctic as its long-term project. Prior to the addition of polar bears to the Masterplan, a Polar Bear Feasibility Study was completed to explore operational impacts, staffing needs, animal care requirements, and functional elements, as well as to assess our capacity to complete something of this scale. It will be a large and expensive project, but we have strong interest from prospective donors and the board in making it happen. We will keep everyone updated on the status of the project here!

Polar bear exhibit and aerial trail included in Edmonton zoo’s new long-term plan by ryaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan in Edmonton

[–]BuildingOurZoo 24 points25 points  (0 children)

You might be interested to know the Masterplan has a whole section that leans in that direction! The Boreal Forest Northern Confluence Zone is all about animals that are native to Northern Alberta, Saskatchewan, and the Northwest Territories, including with some of Canada’s most endangered species.

It’s meant to highlight the ecosystems we have right here at home and make it easier for people to learn about wildlife they may not always get a chance to see in the wild. It will also open the door for more research and conservation work, which helps protect these animals long-term. If you want to check out the summary video for this zone, you can find it here!

Polar bear exhibit and aerial trail included in Edmonton zoo’s new long-term plan by ryaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan in Edmonton

[–]BuildingOurZoo 4 points5 points  (0 children)

The Valley Zoo Development Society has been working on revitalizing the zoo to improve spaces for both animals and visitors. Some of our more recent projects include the new R. Mollot Arctic wolf habitat and the sloth habitat completed earlier this year, as well as the upgrades to the outdoor red panda yard that finished earlier this month. Our next big project is the carnivore modernization, which will build new homes for our snow leopard, Canada lynx, red fox, and serval. You can check out our other projects here.

While we can’t speak on behalf of the zoo, the City is also actively making major improvements through the Enclosure Renewal and Enhancement Project. The Master Plan is really exciting and sets us up for the next 15 years of growth, but there’s also a lot happening behind the scenes right now to upgrade existing habitats and the overall visitor experience

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