Assiniboine Park Zoo snags top honours from international association
Snowy owls, caribou, wolves and polar bears may thrive in colder climates, but the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) has nothing but warm words for the Assiniboine Park Zoo's Journey to Churchill exhibit.
The zoo received top honours Monday from the international association in the category for exhibits with operating budgets that exceed $5 million.
- Assiniboine Park Zoo's polar bear cubs move into Journey to Churchill
- Meet 2 new seals at Assiniboine Park Zoo's Journey to Churchill exhibit
The award recognizes "the Assiniboine Park Zoo's innovation and commitment in designing a dynamic, immersive habitat that provides the best in animal care and public education to help connect people with nature," AZA president and CEO Jim Maddy said in a news release.
Journey to Churchill is the first Canadian exhibit to win the honour since the awards program started in 1974.
"The opening of Journey to Churchill marked a turning point in the history of Assiniboine Park Zoo, and it's wonderful to be recognized for this important exhibit," said Dr. Brian Joseph, director of zoological operations for the Assiniboine Park Conservancy.
The exhibit is the "most comprehensive northern species exhibit of its kind in the world," according to the Assiniboine Park Conservancy.