The Edmonton Valley Zoo is embarking on an exciting new chapter! Our 2025 Master Plan lays out a bold direction for the next 15 years, creating a comprehensive roadmap for our future development.
This plan will guide facility and site improvements, enhance the lives of our incredible animal residents, elevate the visitor experience, and support our dedicated staff. It also provides a strong framework for expanding our critical work in conservation, research, education, and special events.
Over the next decade and a half, we will build upon our rich history, continuing our transformation from our beloved Storyland roots into a world-class zoo truly committed to wildlife conservation, and delivering unparalleled visitor experiences.
Vision
A sustainable world where all living things thrive.
Mission
Leverage our unique role to connect people with animals, care about wildlife, and conserve the natural world.
Focus Areas
- Animal Wellbeing
- Conservation
- Education
- Exceptional Experience
- Organizational Excellence
Cultivating a Sustainable Future
This plan for the future actively cultivates an environment where conservation, sustainability, and climate resilience are deeply ingrained in every aspect of the Edmonton Valley Zoo.
Building on a Rich Legacy
We proudly recognize the rich history and continuous evolution of the Edmonton Valley Zoo. The zoo’s commitment to the highest standards in animal husbandry and wellbeing, excellence in education programming, and leadership in conservation stewardship has been foundational. In planning for the future, we are building on this powerful legacy.
Welcome to an exciting look at the Master Plan, your guide to an unforgettable visitor experience from beginning to end!
Our zone names are carefully chosen to reflect the conceptual strength of the animal species and habitat types, defining the unique visitor experience intended for each area.
Welcome and Parking
You are here: Our place in Edmonton's River Valley
Welcome to the Edmonton Valley Zoo, where your adventure begins even before you step inside. The vision for our new parking lot includes nature-based solutions to help protect our beautiful wetland. Trees and solar elements provide comfortable shade, and we’ll exceed accessibility requirements, making sure everyone's visit is welcoming.
Beyond the parking lot, a vibrant constructed wetland awaits. Screened by lush planting, this isn't just a stormwater management facility; it's a thriving habitat for local and native plant and animal species.
Nature Learn and Play
Engaging the next generation of conservationists
In the Nature Learn and Play zone at the Edmonton Valley Zoo, you’ll discover a brand-new area designed just for our youngest adventurers. From mischievous prairie dogs to prickly porcupines, wise burrowing owls, and busy badgers, you'll see animals in action, just steps away!
Splash, play, and learn in our outdoor wetlands, where fascinating amphibians and reptiles are waiting to say hello. Step into our Conservation Education Centre, where you'll discover how we're protecting amazing animals through breeding and conservation programs.
The Aerie
Up, up, up we all go!
In the Edmonton Valley Zoo’s Aerie zone, you’ll discover a world of incredible aerial and arboreal species! These amazing creatures are living their best lives among the branches and in the air.
We're keeping your favorites - our playful lemurs, the adorable red pandas, and the vibrant Urban Farm. But get ready for something new! We're building two incredible new spaces designed for year-round fun, no matter the weather. A brand-new Insect Pavilion will be a warm world of flutters, buzzers, and crawlers, and our walk-through Tamarin and Sloth habitat that will transport you straight into the lush rain forests of South America.
Waterways to the World
All beings are connected through water
Imagine a place where nature's wonders unfold with every step. Welcome to Waterways to the World – the heart of the Edmonton Valley Zoo's visitor journey. It’s more than just a path; it’s the central spine connecting you to every incredible area of the zoo.
As you journey along this captivating path, you'll discover nature-play-based learning and landscape immersion. Discover guest amenities, including a brand-new multi-use dining and program venue, complete with an outdoor plaza and breathtaking views of the River Valley.
Join us on a journey where every drop tells a story, and every step connects you to the vital importance of water.
Amur River Taiga
Journey to Asia's northern forests
The Amur River Taiga zone at the Edmonton Valley Zoo will bring a slice of Asia to our doorstep, featuring species unique to our zoo experience.
The wild habitats of the Taiga biome share a striking resemblance to Canada’s own boreal forests. Your experience in this zone will be truly immersive. Witness the majestic tigers traverse overhead transfers, observe husbandry demonstrations through specially designed training walls, and even view species in their cozy indoor winter spaces.
Boreal Forest Northern Confluence
Where the rivers meet
At the top of the Waterways to the World, you’ll discover the heart of the boreal forest, a place where hidden wonders await. From aquatic species like the beaver to the elusive predators of the north, barrier-free views are achieved with moats and viewing windows into habitats.
The wolf habitat is the anchor of this region, which will feature new species like the wolverine, and zoo favourites like lynx and fox. These climate-appropriate species give visitors an opportunity to see animals rarely observed in the wild, such as the whooping crane.
You’ll see expansive habitats for hoofed species like the woodland caribou and wood bison with our promise to contribute to vital conservation work where it’s needed most.
Coastal Arctic
Life at the top of the world
Building on the success of Arctic Shores, we're unveiling Coastal Arctic - an immersive new experience that allows you to get closer than ever to the wonders of the deep. At the pinnacle of your adventure is the majestic polar bear habitat.
Beyond the awe-inspiring sights, Coastal Arctic offers a powerful opportunity to engage with timely conservation stories. Learn about climate change and human impact, and discover the actions we can all take to sustain a healthy future for the Arctic.
What's Next?
The 2025 Edmonton Valley Zoo Master Plan was possible thanks to the support of our partner, the Valley Zoo Development Society.
As we look toward the future, our next steps will build upon our rich history of conservation, education, and community engagement. This visionary roadmap outlines strategic phases of development designed to enhance animal habitats, improve guest experiences, and support sustainability efforts.
While we are not seeking funding in the upcoming 2027-2030 City of Edmonton budget cycle, we remain committed to thoughtful planning and collaboration with key funding partners to bring these transformative projects to life. Phases will be carefully implemented to ensure long-term growth, innovation, and continued excellence for generations to come.
This new plan is a bold, 15-year roadmap for the future of the Edmonton Valley Zoo and is grounded in a deep commitment to animal welfare and conservation. This includes our beloved Asian elephant, Lucy.
While the plan guides the zoo’s long-term evolution, including a future without Asian elephants as a resident species, we fully embrace Lucy's presence here now. We are dedicated to providing Lucy with lifelong, high-quality care, and her current habitat is undergoing significant enhancements as part of the Enclosure Renewal and Enhancement Project to ensure her ongoing comfort and wellbeing. The Master Plan incorporates interim phasing to accommodate Lucy, celebrating her important story and ensuring she remains a cherished resident for many years to come.
For more on what’s next for Lucy, please visit Lucy News.
