Assiniboine Park & Zoo Redevelopment

The Assiniboine Park Zoo of tomorrow will keep what is good from the old Zoo and create something dramatically new and exciting. While the uncluttered, park-like atmosphere of the Zoo will remain, the visiting public will be treated to natural habitats focusing on distinct geographical areas including the boreal forest, the arctic, our prairie home, and the vast area of Asia.

The orientation of the Zoo will change so that public entry will be through an inviting new complex off of Roblin Avenue, with a themed restaurant that will be available to the public even when the Zoo is closed for the night. This will make the Zoo more easily accessible and reduce vehicular traffic in the centre of the Park.

The Kinsmen Discovery Centre will form a part of this education campus and host a walk-through animal contact area.

Also bordering the education campus will be the International Polar Bear Conservation Centre (IPBCC), which houses research, education, and interpretive programs about the arctic environment and polar bear conservation. The Centre will actively participate in and help coordinate a rescue program for orphaned polar bears, insuring that these precious animals are conditioned to our care and that their final home is committed to their long-term well-being.

The acclaimed Journey to Churchill exhibit will form the other boundary to the education campus with muskox and caribou, arctic fox, and snowy owls that surround a world class polar bear exhibit including inside, underwater viewing and a range of other viewing opportunities.

Our primates and some new species will be housed in an expansive and very comfortable and entertaining new home that will feature many rare and endangered species from Asia, including leopards, red pandas, otters, reptiles, and birds.

New to the Zoo will be a heavy horse barn and paddocks. These large draft horses will be harness trained and will be used to draw wagons and sleighs for alternate transportation within the park and for special events. The barns will be open to the public and people will have the opportunity to watch as the animals are cared-for, trained, and worked.

A newly constructed Conservatory will be a signature piece of architecture for the city. It will house a world of plants that tell the story of how living ecosystems sustain our health and well-being. There will be four distinct areas in the Conservatory.

The Rainforest of tropical plants will feature rocks and waterfalls, and will allow visitors to experience the areas from the ground, as well as an elevated level. The Mediterranean will tell the story of plant adaptation, housing warm temperate and desert and dry region plants and crops.

The Floral Display Glass House will be used for changing exhibits that highlight a geographic region, ethnic or regional event, holiday or celebration, and seasonal displays of flowering plants. A small teahouse will be integrated into this area. A unique event space designed to accommodate up to 400 people and serve multiple purposes such as wedding ceremonies, company Christmas parties, business meetings, conferences, and workshops will also be integrated in the Conservatory.