A major revamp is planned for The Greater Vancouver Zoo. The redevelopment of the attraction includes a safari-style park, as concerns over the animal’s welfare continue to grow. Recent reports suggest that the zoo’s enclosures are lacking in space, and the animals are in need of stimulation.
General manager Serge Lussier says the zoo plans to move away from small enclosures and will convert half its space into a safari-style park for animals from across the world.
“I want this to be a piece of Africa in the heart of B.C.,” Lussier told CBC News, pointing toward the area of his proposed savannah at the facility in Langley, B.C. “I’m going to open this up, to have all the land open for African animals.” Lussier says he also wants to renovate several of the remaining enclosures and boost “enrichment” to keep animals from getting bored.
The redevelopment of the attraction will cost between $10-20 million over the next four or five years, in an effort to become one of the best zoos in the world. The proposed redevelopment follows years of criticism over the conditions that animals are kept in.
The project will see half of the zoo become a safari-style park, focusing on species that are native to Canada. Another section will see the introduction of an African Savannah zone, including species such as zebra, giraffe and wildebeest living together without fences. The big cat habitats will also be improved, with plans to do away with chain-link fences and introduce more natural barriers. There will also be a two-storey restaurant added, giving guests the opportunity to have a unique night-time dining experience, overlooking the animals.
Last year the wildlife protection non-profit Zoocheck released a report in which it called on the zoo to make several improvements. Peter Fricker, from The Vancouver Humane Society, who commissioned the report, has expressed concerns with the new project. “We need to see exactly what the plan is and see how it’s going to be rolled out. Our concern would be that too much investment might be just to enhance the visitor experience, rather than improve conditions for the animals.”
Peter has encouraged the zoo to transition into a sanctuary for native species, rather than going ahead with the planned savannah exhibit, “People need to remember the savannah is a very hot, dry place and B.C. is not a hot, dry place for most of the year.”
There are many zoos and aquariums that have reported concerns over how they will stay open and continue to care for the animals, following the COVID-19 outbreak.
