NOW OPEN! - Assiniboine Park Conservancy

Assiniboine Park Conservancy
Newsletter
Fall 2014
Hours of Operation
The Park Café (Qualico Family Centre)
Y Daily 8 am to 4 pm
Terrace in the Park
Y Wednesday & Thursday: Lunch 11:30 am to 2 pm,
Dinner 5 pm to 9 pm Friday: Lunch 11:30 am to 2 pm,
Dinner 5 pm to 10 pm Saturday: Brunch 11:30 am to 2 pm,
Dinner 5 pm to 10 pm Sunday: Brunch 10:30 am to 2 pm,
Dinner 5 pm to 8 pm Closed Monday & Tuesday
NOW OPEN!
Nature Playground
Y Daily 8 am to sunset
Conservatory
S Daily 9 am to 5 pm
W Daily 9 am to 4 pm
Pavilion Gallery Museum
S Daily 9 am to 5 pm (Wednesdays 9 am to 9 pm)
W Daily 10 am to 5 pm (Wednesdays 10 am to 9 pm)
Assiniboine Park Zoo
S Open daily 9 am | Gates close 4:30 pm | Zoo closes 5 pm
W Open daily 9 am | Gates close 3:30 pm | Zoo closes 4 pm
S Summer hours continue until October 13, 2014
W Winter hours begin October 14, 2014
Y Year-round hours of operation
Journey to Churchill – A Must See in Every Season
Check our website for holiday schedules
assiniboinepark.ca/attractions
Souvenirs,
collectibles, and
unique gifts.
Your source for wild gifts at tame prices
Accessible with or without Zoo admission.
Open daily during Zoo hours of operation
HILARY DRUXMAN EXCLUSIVE
SIVE
“JOURNEY TO CHURCHILL”
NECKLACE
Symbolic of the strength and majesty of Manitoba’s
polar bear, the design of this piece speaks to our
connection with nature, and inspires us to take
positive actions to protect wildlife and wild places.
Available for purchase at:
• Wild Things Unique Gifts
(Zoo entrance at 2595 Roblin Blvd)
• Hilary Druxman Store (1 - 258 McDermot Ave)
Proceeds support the Assiniboine Park
Conservancy’s Imagine a Place Campaign.
PM 42212512
Return all undeliverables to:
Assiniboine Park Conservancy
55 Pavilion Crescent
Winnipeg, MB R3P 2N6
The opening of Assiniboine Park Zoo’s long-awaited
Journey to Churchill exhibit was the perfect start to an
amazing summer! But this world-class 10-acre exhibit
isn’t just a summertime delight, it’s a four season
experience that you’ll relish with every
visit… even in winter.
“We’re excited to have families visit
Journey to Churchill this winter,”
said Dr. Brian Joseph, Director of
Zoological Operations. “Winnipeg is
known for its winters, and although
people often prefer summer, the
northern animals in this exhibit are
perfectly comfortable in winter weather.
I think visitors of all ages will be pleasantly
surprised at how much fun awaits them on a
snowy day at the Zoo.”
During the winter season, visitors will see wolves, Arctic
fox, muskoxen, snowy owls, and seals thrive in their natural
climate, and may even catch Hudson and his polar bear
buddies playing in the snow.
Journey to Churchill also features numerous indoor facilities
that are sure to warm everyone up, like Gateway to the
Arctic, where you’ll find Manitoba’s largest 360 degree
theatre and incredible underwater viewing
tunnels that will remain open all winter.
There’s also the Tundra Grill, the Polar
Playground, and the International Polar
Bear Conservation Centre, a state-ofthe-art facility where you can learn
about environmental and wildlife
education, research, and conservation.
As the seasons change, so do the
animals and their environments,
meaning visitors can expect to experience
something different with each trip to the
Zoo. Our membership program offers great value,
allowing visitors to take advantage of unlimited visits and
enjoy the Zoo year-round.
You can still help us share Journey to Churchill
with the world. Support the Imagine a Place
Campaign today!
BEST. FIELD TRIP. EVER.
This year students have a new way to discover the magic
of the north at Assiniboine Park Zoo’s Journey to Churchill.
The Assiniboine Park Conservancy’s programming
department has developed a selection of new programs,
tours, workshops, and classes that offer schools and
groups from kindergarten to Grade 12 an interactive
learning experience like they’ve never had before.
“Journey to Churchill is the most comprehensive and
advanced Zoo exhibit of its kind anywhere in the
world,” said Margaret Redmond, President and CEO
of the Assiniboine Park Conservancy. “It is crucial that
young people are learning about northern animals and
the impact of climate change. After a day of exploring
Journey to Churchill, I know students will undoubtedly
leave informed, but mostly inspired!”
These new programs will take advantage of Journey to
Churchill’s modern indoor venues and expansive outdoor
exhibits that feature dramatic changes in elevation and
natural landscapes. Students will enjoy one-of-a-kind
views of majestic polar bears, seals, muskoxen, Arctic fox,
snowy owls, caribou, and wolves. They will discover how
the north is being impacted by climate change and, more
importantly, what they can do to help.
“Journey to Churchill is a living classroom,” said Scott Gray,
Director of Park Programming at the Assiniboine Park
Conservancy. “We are showcasing the animals, culture,
and ecosystems of Manitoba’s north and making them
accessible to people like never before. Journey to Churchill
is definitely the ultimate learning experience and the
ultimate field trip.”
Please check our website for full program details.
For more information, please call 204 927 6070 or email
parkprograms@assiniboinepark.ca
RESEARCH REPORT
from the International Polar Bear Conservation Centre (IPBCC)
Over the past two years, the International Polar Bear
Conservation Centre (IPBCC) has been a research
centre for Arctic seals as well as polar bears.
While bearded and ringed seals are the primary
food source for wild polar bears, there are five other
Arctic seal species that live in the north, including
harbour seals. Since the Zoo now has two rescued
harbour seals, it seems fitting that we learn more
about them.
As part of our research, members of the Zoo’s
Conservation and Research Department visited
the Churchill River estuary in the spring to observe
harbour seal numbers and behaviour. As soon as
the ice is out of the river (early June), harbour seals
come upstream to haul out and give birth. In 2014,
our research staff observed a minimum of seven
baby seals, and in future years we hope to estimate
the number of harbour seals in the area and to track
population trends. This work is a collaboration with
Fisheries and Oceans Canada and is conducted from
the Churchill Northern Studies Centre in Churchill
with grants from the Northern Research Fund and
Earth Rangers.
Understanding the Hudson Bay ecosystem is
an important part of our role to conserve the natural
heritage of Manitoba. This research will help us
understand the basic biology of harbour seals in
the Arctic and how they might be affected by
climate change.
To learn more about the IPBCC please visit
www.assiniboineparkzoo.ca.
TOM GAYNOR
VOLUNTEER
PROFILE
AMUR TIGERS MAKE A SPLASH! The newly expanded 26,000 square foot Amur tiger habitat now has a pool.
This addition is great for Amur tigers who love to swim and cool off on warm days. Be sure to check it out!
CHILDREN’S GARDEN
FUN AND EDUCATIONAL!
The kale planted in the Streuber Family Children’s
Garden (located in the Nature Playground) is not
only beautiful, it has the ability to survive the entire
season and has proven to be a hit with children!
When families visit, staff have noticed parents taking
the time to talk to their children about food and
where it comes from. So, this year, the Assiniboine
Park Conservancy decided to expand the selections
to include tomatoes, eggplant, kohlrabi, cauliflower,
and squash.
In August, our horticulture team began harvesting
the vegetables for animals at the Zoo, like the toucan,
Patagonian mara, prehensile-tailed porcupine,
Dexter cow, and Nigerian dwarf goat who will
get to enjoy them!
Tom may be new to the volunteer scene at
Assiniboine Park and Zoo, but his positive
attitude and energy have been noted by
everyone around him.
“The experience of giving back to a city and
community that I’m proud to call my home
provides me with a great sense of satisfaction,
fulfillment and personal growth,” said Tom.
A self-employed businessman and life-long
resident of Winnipeg, Tom has always loved
the Park and Zoo. He started volunteering in
May and donated over 135 volunteer hours by
the end of July.
Tom has a huge heart for animals and loves
interacting with people and this shines
through when he takes on the role of Zoo
Ambassador and shift captain at the Park.
His energy and customer service skills are
appreciated by visitors, staff, and fellow
volunteers. Tom demonstrates that the
Assiniboine Park Conservancy’s flexible
volunteer shifts can work for most people
no matter what stage of life and career
they are at.
Thank you Tom!
For more information about volunteer opportunities at Assiniboine Park and Zoo,
email volunteer@assiniboinepark.ca or visit us online.
THANK YOU
By Margaret Redmond, President & CEO, Assiniboine Park Conservancy
The creation of Journey
to Churchill was nothing
short of a remarkable
journey. A dream come
true is often the only
way I can explain such a
beautiful transformation.
This world-class exhibit represents so much to me
that I often find it hard to summarize. It represents a
place of education for students of all ages. A place
of celebration for what is so special and unique
to Manitoba. A place that isn’t just a one of a kind
experience for visitors, but a place that respects
and honours the beautiful animals that live here.
A place I’m proud to say I’m a part of.
But it wasn’t me that made Journey to Churchill a
reality. It was a team of so many amazing, creative,
and generous people who contributed in so many
different ways. Thank you will never be enough to
express the gratitude I have for everyone who has
had a hand in breathing life into this dream.
Together with the community, we poured
our passion and love into a Zoo that although
treasured, was once falling apart. With each
community gift, whether it was $5, $100, or $5,000,
the makeover of a lifetime unfolded in front of
everyone. This process has been a true testament
that together we can do amazing things.
We have come a long way, and opening Journey
to Churchill was a huge milestone, but there is
still more to be done! As we set our sights on our
next major projects in Assiniboine Park, as well as
continuing to grow the Zoo, we are committed to
creating world-class experiences for all Manitobans
and tourists alike.
Please visit our website
and make a gift to support
the Imagine a Place
Campaign today!
We thank you all for your generous support
because it’s more evident now than ever that
this Park and Zoo hold a special place in the
hearts of Manitobans and will always remain a
Winnipeg treasure.
Thank you for all you have done
and continue to do.
CAMPAIGN NEWS
$200,000,000
The goal of the Imagine a Place Capital Campaign is to raise $200 million to fund the
redevelopment of Assiniboine Park and Assiniboine Park Zoo. To date over $126 million
has been raised thanks to the generous support of our government partners, foundations,
and individual and corporate donors.
$126,000,000
$0
To learn about available recognition opportunities for gifts in support of the
Imagine a Place Campaign please email dbakkum@assiniboinepark.ca.
Recent highlights:
Bob and Marnie Puchniak have graciously
provided a $500,000 gift in support of the
Churchill Northern Studies Shelter in Journey to
Churchill. They stated, “With 10 grandchildren
and more on the way, we are extremely pleased
to be supporting a world-class project that
is both fun and educational and one that
will hopefully be enjoyed by generations to
come.” With its expansive viewing window into
Journey to Churchill’s largest polar bear habitat,
the Churchill Northern Studies Shelter is an
intimate presentation venue for educational
programming three seasons of the year. The
shelter will also showcase information about
research being conducted in the field and at the
International Polar Bear Conservation Centre.
Bob Puchniak and his grandson Reuben, taking
in the amazing view from the Churchill Northern
Studies Shelter
(l-r) David Johnston (Board Member, APC), Margaret Redmond (President & CEO, APC) and
Jean-Francois Chalifoux (General Manager of Life and Health Insurance, Desjardins Insurance)
Desjardins Insurance and their partners at
Western Financial Group have each made major
gifts to the Imagine a Place Campaign.
Desjardins’ gift in support of the revitalization of
the Park’s extensive network of pathways will help
ensure the pathway system is in good condition
for the thousands of runners, walkers, and cyclists
who use it throughout the year. As a life and health
insurer, the priority for Desjardins Insurance is
promoting the health of all Canadians.
“When we saw how the pathways in Assiniboine
Park contributed to the well-being of those who
use them, we knew it was a perfect fit for us,”
said Jean-Francois Chalifoux, General Manager of
Life and Health Insurance, Desjardins Insurance.
Their gift of $500,000 is the largest donation by
Desjardins Insurance in western Canada.
Western Financial Group, a subsidiary of
the Desjardins Group, has also recently
supported the capital campaign with a gift of
$100,000, which is their single largest donation
in Manitoba.
PROGRAMS
IN THE PARK B
OOK
NOC W!
A LL
A guided tour is quite pawsibly the best way
to enjoy the Journey to Churchill exhibit! Your
group will be immersed in a world of beautiful
polar bears and other northern species, while
learning about research and conservation.
With so much to discover, your personal tour
guide won’t let you miss a beat!
assiniboinepark.ca
School Field Trips
Break free from the classroom and plan an
adventure at the Park and Zoo! All of our programs
incorporate learning objectives in science with
connections to language, art, culture, social
studies, and more. Book for the fall and winter to
avoid the crowds!
Current Exhibitions
Calling all Girl Guides! Earn your badges with
interactive group programs at the Park and Zoo.
Earthy Autumn Fun
Autumn Animal Adventures
Explore nature through fun plant-based activities
and hands-on investigations during the most
magical season that is autumn.
Our wild autumn series runs for eight weeks
and is all about animals! Join us for B is for Bats,
L is for Lizards, R is for Reindeer, B is for Bear
and many more.
Location: Zoo Classroom
Dates: October 15 through December 3
Times: Wednesdays, 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Cost of Series: Members: $119 + GST
or Non-Members: $132 + GST
Through the Eye of the Figure
Ivan Eyre Gallery
(Pavilion Gallery Museum)
Until March 2015
A selection of “Figurescapes” by Ivan Eyre
from the Museum’s permanent collection. In
his Figurescapes, Ivan Eyre began opening up
“table-top” still lives by cutting an opening to
view the landscape beyond. He then used the
silhouette of the figure as a window, exploring
the landscape through the “eye” of the figure.
The Pooh Gallery
Pavilion Gallery Museum
(2nd Floor)
Snacks provided.
Adult Classes
Canning and Preserves
Foodie Workshops
Whether your ‘harvest’ is from your own
garden or the farmers market, learn some tips,
tricks and lessons for preserving the tastes of
summer through the long cold winter.
The Foodie series incorporates delectable
food samplings prepared by local chefs
sprinkled with historical, cultural, and
horticultural tidbits from Assiniboine
Park educators. All of this is topped off
with expert pairings from the Manitoba
Liquor Marts.
Fee: $25 + GST
Date and Time: Saturday, September 27,
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: 1600 Ness Ave, Madison Square
MBLL Teaching Kitchen
Discover Manitoba’s
Mushrooms
Shaggy manes, morels, giant puff balls, honey
mushrooms, and more. Join us as we explore
what’s fun about Manitoba’s fungi with
instruction from Nature Manitoba.
Fee: $25 + GST
Date and Time:
Wednesday, October 1, 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm OR
Wednesday, October 8, 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Assiniboine Park Conservatory
Fee: $45/class + GST
Date and Time: All classes run Tuesdays,
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: 1600 Ness Ave, Madison Square
MBLL Teaching Kitchen
Foodie Themes
Italian Countryside – September 23, 2014
Rockn’ Moroccan – September 30, 2014
Savouring the Tastes of the
Mediterranean – October 7, 2014
Holiday Brunch – November 4, 2014
Check our website for information about Fit4Two®
classes for parents and babies.
Please check our website for full program details
ails
ns,
and the most current schedule. Times, locations,
and fees vary and are subject to change.
To register, please call 204 927 6070 or
email parkprograms@assiniboinepark.ca
assiniboinepark.ca assiniboineparkzoo.ca
o ca
Totems – Life in British Columbia
John P. Crabb Gallery
(Pavilion Gallery Museum)
Until January 4, 2015
Walter J. Phillips’ first visit to the west coast
was in 1927 and he eventually moved there
in 1960. He went on many visits to villages
such as Karlukwees, Village Island, and
Mamallilicoola. It is there he produced “Ten
Canadian Colour Prints”.
Badge Programs
Nature Tots (for children 3 - 5 years)
Location: Conservatory
Dates: September 17 through October 8
Times: Wednesdays 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Cost of Series: Members: $59 + GST
Non-Members: $66 + GST
Exhibition dates are subject to change. Please visit our
website for the most current Art in the Park schedule
and Pavilion Gallery Museum hours of operation.
204 927 60
70
EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES
Guided Tour
of Journey to
Churchill
ART IN THE PARK
The Pooh Gallery is a dynamic exhibit
designed for children of all ages that portrays
the story of how the famous character, Winnie
the Pooh, came to be through Lieutenant
Harry Colebourn and Winnie the Bear.
The 12th Annual
Rural and Northern
Art Show
Clarence Tillenius Gallery
(Pavilion Gallery Museum)
September 6 to September 28
The annual Rural & Northern Art Show features
award-winning artworks in a variety of media by artists from
throughout rural and northern Manitoba. Selected from
works submitted to the Regional Juried Art Shows held across
Manitoba each year, this show provides an opportunity for
artists in the northern and rural regions of the province to
present their work to an urban au
audience.
ud
udience.
IN MEMORIAM
In August, the Assiniboine Park Conservancy (APC) lost a
valued family member with the passing of Peter Heymans,
Curator of the Arts, Pavilion Gallery Museum. Peter guided and
cared for APC’s extensive art collections for many years and will
be greatly missed by the art community and everyone at APC.
Thank you.
WILDEST
2014
Thank you to everyone who supported the 2014 Wildest
Dreams event. With your help we were able to give children
in need a once in a lifetime Zoo experience!
Proceeds from the event will also support initiatives that
help make Park and Zoo programs physically and financially
accessible to children in need throughout the year.
We couldn’t have done it without you!
2014 WILDEST DREAMS PARTNERS
assiniboineparkzoo.ca/wildestdreams
MEMBERSHIP MEANS
YOU’RE PART OF THE CLUB
Your Park and Zoo membership offers tremendous value with unlimited Zoo
admissions, discounts on Park programs and at your favourite restaurants,
and so much more!
204 927 6033 | memberships@assiniboinepark.ca
|
assiniboinepark.ca
Imagine ... jaws dropping
Con
nservatorry Holliday Sh
how
AROUND THE WORLD
for generations to come.
M
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ta CA AR
ils LE K Y
co N O
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IN
HELP US DO MORE!
You can make your gift through any of the
following convenient options:
Online
Go to imagineaplace.ca
It’s simple, safe & secure!
By Phone
Call 204 927 8080 or
toll-free at 1 877 927 6006
By Mail
Print and fill out our online donation form
and mail your cheque or money order to:
Assiniboine Park Conservancy,
55 Pavilion Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R3P 2N6
In Person
Visit the Assiniboine Park Conservancy
office (Pavilion, 1st floor) or Assiniboine
Park Zoo entrance.
days
d
ys
TICKET
S
$9.95
Adu
lts
$7.95
Childr Seniors &
en (un
der14)
November 21 to
January 4, 2015
Join us for our first ever Conservatory Holiday Show where we’ll
take you on a magical journey Around the World. We will fill the
Conservatory with incredible horticultural displays, arts and crafts
for kids, movie nights and the magic of Christmas!
CONNECT WITH US ON
GO GREEN!
assiniboinepark.ca
assiniboineparkzoo.ca
Send an email to info@assiniboinepark.ca with “Go green!” in the subject line.
Include your first name, last name, and preferred email address.
Our next newsletter will show up in your inbox instead of your mailbox!
Assiniboine Park Conservancy Board of Directors
Our volunteer Board of Directors is comprised of community leaders whose affection for Assiniboine Park
translates into a deep sense of responsibility to our stakeholders. They provide valuable guidance and essential
connections to the communities we serve.
Hartley Richardson
Chair
Don Streuber
Vice Chair
Lloyd Axworthy
Polly Craik
Greg Doyle
Paula Havixbeck
David Johnston
Steve Kroft
Grant Nordman
Diane Redsky
Anna Rothney
Harvey Secter
Mike Stevens
Paul Vogt
Bob Williams
Questions or comments about this publication or
the information contained within it may be directed to:
55 Pavilion Crescent • Winnipeg, Manitoba • R3P 2N6
PH 204 927 6001
F 204 927 7200
info@assiniboinepark.ca