VZDS Impact Report (2026)

IMPACT REPORT MAY ‘25 - APRIL ‘26

Mike Walker

Board Chair Valley Zoo Development Society

What another incredible year of growth and transformation! I am more inspired than ever by the legacy we are building. This year, we delivered on our already successful programs and focused on turning big dreams into a tangible roadmap.

Events like Zoobrew and Zoominescence continue to excel, and we’ve further enhanced donor and sponsor relationships through these gatherings and our growing social media presence. On-site, you’ll notice the beautiful Red Panda Landscape refresh, a testament to the many "small" impacts making a big difference.

We have officially kicked off the design phase for the Masterplan’s ambitious Connected Coasts project.

To meet the scale of these future goals, we are evolving internally. We are reshaping our team and operations to ensure we have the expertise required to bring our vision to life.

Reflecting on these achievements, I am filled with immense pride and a clear sense of purpose for the exciting road ahead!

The Zoo’s Siberian tiger, Amba, celebrated her 17th birthday on September 25, 2025.

The Valley Zoo Development Society (VZDS) is a registered charity and not-forprofit that was started in 1988. The VZDS acts in partnership with the City of Edmonton to ensure the continued development of the beloved Edmonton Valley Zoo. Our mandate is the continued development and awareness of the Edmonton Valley Zoo, including its education and conservation initiatives.

Working with our community of supporters, the VZDS helps advance the revitalization of the Edmonton Valley Zoo through fundraising and collaboration that support projects enhancing animal care, improving guest experiences, and strengthening the Zoo’s conservation and education impact.

Board of Directors 2025-2025 Chair Mike Walker

Members At Large

Vice Chair Brittany Conradi

Jen Panteluk

Past President Leigh Wilson Secretary Teresa Melton

Daintre Christensen Kristin Tollovsen Mike Dowler Preksha Lukkhoo Riphay Al-Hussein Sunita Coloma

Treasurer Rebecca Flynn Chief Executive Officer Tammy Wiebe City Liaison Gary Dewar

A Roadmap for Renewal: the 15-Year Master Plan Guiding the future of growth, innovation, and conservation at the Edmonton Valley Zoo

we proudly supported the public launch of the 2025 Edmonton Valley Zoo Master Plan, a 15-year roadmap guiding the Zoo’s future transformation.

Proudly funded by the VZDS, the plan outlines a clear path for growth, renewal, and innovation. It addresses aging infrastructure, enhances animal habitats, and reinforces the Zoo’s role as a hub for conservation, education, and research.

From this work, the VZDS identified the Welcome and Parking Lot and Connected Coasts zones as priority areas as we move forward, focusing our efforts on projects that will have the greatest impact for both animals and guests.

To mark this milestone, we hosted a series of Master Plan Unveiling events, welcoming former board members, donors, and community supporters to learn more about the vision for the Zoo’s future and the impact of their contributions.

As part of this work, the VZDS also supported a Polar Bear Feasibility Study, funded by Gregg Distributors Ltd. This study evaluated the potential for bringing polar bears to Edmonton and informed early planning for their habitat within the proposed Coastal Arctic Zone (now called ‘Connected Coasts’).

R. Mollot Arctic Wolf Habitat Receives National Recognition The Valley Zoo Development Society and Edmonton Valley Zoo are proud to share that the R. Mollot Arctic Wolf Habitat received the Canada’s Accredited Zoos & Aquariums (CAZA) Award of Merit for the Thomas R. Baines Award for Excellence in Habitat Design and Development at the 2025 CAZA Annual Conference.

The CAZA Award of Merit acknowledges projects that demonstrate high-quality planning, collaboration, and development.

Receiving recognition in the Thomas R. Baines Award category signals that the habitat stands as a strong example of modern zoological design and practice.

This national recognition highlights our commitment to exceptional animal care, innovative habitat design, and education.

We are also pleased to share that the pack has now been fully integrated. Tundra, Aspen, and Anuri are all living together and have been getting along well.

Left: One of the Zoo’s female Arctic wolves, Anuri.

Gary Dewar

Director , Edmonton Valley Zoo and John Janzen Nature Centre

The Edmonton Valley Zoo's (EVZ) transformation is largely due to our partnership with the VZDS who has led costeffective construction initiatives; created popular events and programs; delivers food and retail services; and supports conservation initiatives and school field trip subsidies, among many other difference-making achievements.

EVZ's new 15-year Master Plan, co-sponsored by the VZDS, was officially launched in 2025 and has been met with enthusiastic support from our diverse communities. The Zoo experienced another year of attendance growth, welcoming over 370,000 visitors.

Committed to being a welcoming and inclusive space for all Edmontonians, the City undertook important research to help engage underserved and underrepresented communities in the Zoo experience.

Updates were made to Lucy's facilities, including the replacement of heating, ventilation and life-safety systems and the introduction of ultraviolet lighting, supplemental cameras, new enrichments, and specialized sand. Construction starts in 2026 on the expansion of Lucy's indoor facility and yard, and modernization of the Carnivore exhibits.

EVZ and the VZDS were the recipients of the 2025 CAZA Thomas R. Baines Award for Excellence in Habitat Design and Development Award of Merit for the R. Mollot Arctic Wolf Habitat.

Our commitment to conservation has been further strengthened thanks to a successful Solar Capture Feasibility Study and the implementation of a Motus Wildlife Tracking System.

Thank you to EVZ visitors, donors and the VZDS for helping us realize our vision for a sustainable world where all living things thrive.

Red Panda Yard Refresh This year marked the completion of Phase 1 of the Red Panda Yard Project, a habitat enhancement inspired by the success of the zoo’s red panda Twitch stream.

Launched following the birth of red panda cubs Fred and George in the summer of 2024, the stream has built an enthusiastic online community and helped raise funds to support improvements to the red panda habitat.

Originally constructed in 2019, the outdoor yard was refreshed with new features designed to recreate elements of the red panda’s wild Himalayan landscape, introducing new climbing structures and natural elements that reflect the species’ arboreal lifestyle.

These updates help ensure the habitat continues to support future generations of red pandas so they can inspire and educate visitors about this endangered species.

Additional funds raised through Twitch and the campaign will support Phase 2, continuing the transformation of the red panda habitat in the years ahead.

Aspen Parkland Restoration Marking an exciting step forward, the Aspen Parkland Restoration Project was launched, with implementation now underway and continuing into the upcoming year.

Moving beyond traditional turf-based design, the project will re-naturalize 9,000 square meters with native plants from Alberta’s Fescue and Mixed Grass prairie, while enriching open exhibit areas with up to 55 trees and shrubs representing Boreal and Foothills forest ecosystems. In addition, the ten-year-old green roof of the Arctic Shores exhibit will be revitalized, further enhancing habitat value and ecological function across the site.

Welcome & Parking Lot A new vision for the Zoo’s arrival experience has been established through the identification of the Welcome and Parking Lot as a key future project area, with an initial concept plan now in place to guide its development. Designed and funded by the VZDS, this project will create a welcoming, accessible, and natureconnected gateway that shapes the guest experience from the moment of arrival. EPCOR has joined as a partner to support the low impact development components, helping integrate natural systems that manage stormwater and protect water quality within the River Valley. This foundational work sets the stage for continued design development in future phases as the project moves toward implementation.

Top: a conceptual rendering of the Welcome & Parking Lot as seen in the 15-Year Master Plan.

Education & Outreach Pay it Forward for the Planet

Pay It Forward for the Planet achieved its largest reach to date this year, connecting more students than ever before with hands-on learning opportunities at the Zoo. Through the support of local companies and individual sponsors, K–12 classrooms were able to deepen their understanding of the natural world and discover how everyday actions can support conservation.

In return, participating classes completed their own conservation projects, bringing real-world environmental action into their schools and communities. By opening doors and empowering students to take meaningful action, the program continues to inspire the next generation of conservation leaders.

CONNECT

The Pay It Forward subsidy program has been an incredible support for our school community.

It not only encourages students to become more aware of the environment and the wildlife around them, but also helps them understand how to actively care for these natural spaces.

Without this funding, our school would not have been able to take part in these valuable experiences, and I am truly grateful for the opportunities it created for our students.

St. Anne, Grade 4 teacher

68 classes attended a field trip to the EVZ at no cost

1637 students experienced handson conservation education

74 student-led conservation projects completed

328% program growth compared to last year

50 schools participated in the program for the 2025-2026 school year

50 first-time participating classes

52 first-time participating schools

86% Of applicants self identified as a low income school

CONNECT

Zoominescence Puppets Through the Festivals and Events Micro Grant Program, the VZDS commissioned a new set of largerthan-life puppets representing Canadian wildlife.

Designed by Edmonton artist GABS, the set includes a mother and baby caribou, a harbour seal, and a northern fur seal.

Operated by education staff, the illuminated puppets moved through the zoo’s grounds interacting with guests and drawing attention to the species they represent, and celebrating local artistry while highlighting wildlife conservation in an engaging way.

Top: “Northern Spirits” by Ace Wood Co. centers around a striking seven-foot hexagonal structure, featuring iconic northern animals including the bison, polar bear, bighorn sheep, reindeer, snowy owl, and beluga whale.

Zoominescence Zoominescence shone bright across 28 nights, inviting guests to experience the magic of winter at the Edmonton Valley Zoo. Visitors braved some of our coldest nights yet, embracing the chill with true Canadian spirit.

This year’s Call to Artists competition brought 7 local artists to the zoo, each bringing their vision to life under the 2025 theme “Our Wild Neighbours”.

Returning favourites also delighted visitors. The King’s University returned as our Presenting Sponsor with a free hot chocolate booth on the weekend, while Cindy and the Grinch helped bring the festival to life with their unique energy and charm.

Several new installations expanded the festival this year, including two moose, two seals, one whale, and five jumping frogs illuminating the Northern Leopard Frog Trailer.

A new large geodome completed the snowglobe village and provided a warm, inviting space for visitors to enjoy the lights. The rainbow tunnel was also doubled in length from 2024, creating a stunning photo opportunity.

Over 600 tickets were distributed to 27 local organizations to ensure access for families and individuals who might not otherwise be able to attend.

CONNECT

Zoobrew Zoobrew returned for three unforgettable evenings of after-hours experiences, bringing together local craft breweries and distilleries, live music, and engaging animal talks. Guests wandered through the Zoo in a vibrant nighttime setting, enjoying unique programming, a great atmosphere, and special opportunities to connect with animals, keepers, and conservation stories in an entirely different light.

With two of the three events selling out, Zoobrew once again proved to be a favourite community tradition.

Proceeds from the series directly supported the development of the R. Mollot Arctic Wolf Habitat.

Spilling the Beans Spilling the Beans launched as a new speaker series featuring zoo and conservation experts, hosted by the VZDS and conservation team. Held in the Wild Neighbours Cafe on the first Thursday of every month, each session offered guests, staff, and donors an informal and engaging opportunity to learn more about animal care, conservation work, and projects shaping the future of the Zoo.

$480,000 was raised during our 2025 events

Conservation in Action Where science, care, and conservation meet Conservation remains at the heart of our support for the Edmonton Valley Zoo, and this year marked another strong year of impact across a range of initiatives.

Through the support of our donors and community, we continue to advance hands-on conservation work that protects species at risk, supports scientific research, and connects guests to meaningful conservation outcomes both locally and globally. A key highlight this year was another successful season of Northern Leopard Frog conservation. The Edmonton Valley Zoo is proud to lead one of only three Northern Leopard Frog breeding programs in the world, with a focus on the endangered Rocky Mountain population, a species now surviving in just one remaining wetland.

Our zookeeping team works year-round to carefully breed and raise tadpoles as part of a managed assurance population that helps safeguard the species’ future. This year, more than 250 tadpoles were released into the Cherry Meadows wetlands near Kimberley, British Columbia, supporting wild populations in their native range. An additional 20 tadpoles were retained to strengthen our breeding program and ensure continued release efforts in future seasons. Alongside this work, we also continued to support our broader in-situ conservation partners, contributing to field-based projects that protect wildlife and habitats in other regions and further extend the impact of our conservation efforts beyond the Zoo.

Zookeepers Makayla and Renee released endangered Rocky Mountain northern leopard frog tadpoles into protected wetlands in Kimberly, British Columbia, marking the Edmonton Valley Zoo’s 4th year as part of the Northern Leopard Frog Recovery Team.

CONSERVATION DONATIONS Every single visit to the Edmonton Valley Zoo helps in our conservation efforts – literally. In addition to what you learn, and donations made by Zoo guests and donors, a part of every Zoo visit directly impacts our conservation initiatives and partners. Below are some of our partners benefiting from your Zoo visit!

Lemur Conservation Foundation The Lemur Conservation Foundation is dedicated to the preservation and conservation of the primates of Madagascar through managed breeding, scientific research, education, and art. A large island nation (bigger than California or France) off the southeast coast of Africa, Madagascar is one of the world’s hottest biodiversity hotspots, and the only place where lemurs are found naturally. From LCF’s office in the SAVA region of northeastern Madagascar, staff work with conservation partners and communities bordering protected lemur habitats. Our work focuses on Marojejy National Park and Anjanaharibe-Sud Special Reserve (ASSR), together spanning 320 square miles of mountainous rainforests.

Wildlife Conservation Society Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is a leader in both tiger conservation and tiger science, with WCS scientists being responsible for over 75% of all peerreviewed published tiger research. WCS provides key technical support to local governments to conserve greater than 50% of the world’s remaining wild tigers, has assisted in the creation and expansion of dozens of protected areas in 8 of the 10 remaining range states across Asia, thereby protecting thousands of square kilometers of tiger habitat. In addition, WCS provides technical support and intelligence to park rangers and local enforcement agencies that enables the capture of hundreds of illegal poachers and traffickers of tigers and their prey.

Polar Bears International Polar Bears International is a conservation organization dedicated to the longterm survival of polar bears and the Arctic sea ice ecosystem they depend on.

Through scientific research, education, and global outreach, they work to deepen understanding of the challenges polar bears face in a warming climate and to inspire meaningful action to address climate change. As an Arctic Ambassador Centre, the Edmonton Valley Zoo partners with Polar Bears International to support research, share knowledge, and engage the public in conservation efforts. This collaboration helps connect local audiences to global Arctic issues and highlights the importance of protecting this iconic species for future generations.

Snow Leopard Trust Founded in 1981, the Snow Leopard Trust (SLT) is the world’s leading authority on the study and protection of the endangered snow leopard. The snow leopard’s range encompasses twelve mountainous Central Asian Countries. The Snow Leopard Trust currently has programs in China, India, the Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, and Pakistan. With programs and staff in five snow leopard range countries, and connections with researchers and conservation organizations around the world, the Snow Leopard Trust is a leader in the effort to secure the future of the snow leopard.

CONSERVE

Lucy celebrated her 50th birthday on July 1, 2025.

Lucy’s Legacy For the Edmonton Valley Zoo, the City of Edmonton, and endangered Asian elephants Lucy’s impact is massive. She has inspired tens of thousands of school children to learn and care about Asian elephants, she has raised awareness for the plight of elephants worldwide and she has been a part of Edmontonians’ lives and memories for more than 48 years.

The Lucy’s Legacy Fund was established to designate money raised in Lucy’s name, now and in the future, to benefit endangered Asian animals (including Asian elephants) via our conservation partners working directly with those animals in the wild and to benefit the endangered Asian animals that call the Zoo home.

International Elephant Foundation

$27,000+ $42,000+

Raised for elephant conservation Donated to other conservation partners

The International Elephant Foundation (IEF) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation of individuals and institutions dedicated to the conservation of African and Asian Elephants worldwide. The goal of the IEF is to support and operate elephant conservation and education programs in managed facilities and in the wild, with an emphasis on management, protection and scientific research.

Left: (courtesy of the International Elephant Foundation)

CONSERVE

Red Panda Network Red Panda Network (RPN) is the world leader in efforts to save red pandas and their habitat, and is committed to the conservation of wild red pandas and their habitat through the education and empowerment of local communities.

The RPN envisions a secure, viable and thriving population of wild red pandas through our holistic approach of community-based conservation. RPN’s expertise includes scientific research and in-situ conservation, and impact ranges from grassroots to policy levels Funds were donated to the RPN’s “Home for Habre” (meaning ‘red panda’ in Nepali) campaign to continue expanding critical red panda habitat restoration work in Nepal and surpass one million trees planted in 2026, in addition to the “First Panda Challenge”, matching donations from red panda protectors around the world.

2,500

red pandas are estimated to remaining in the wild

Top: Tree saplings planted as part of the “Plant a Red Panda Home” project (photo courtesy of the Red Panda Network).

Bottom: Restoration Guardians planting tree saplings in Jaubari, Nepal (photo courtesy of the Red Panda Network).

Project Carnivora We launched Project Carnivora, an exciting new development that will transform the Zoo’s entry experience and create striking new habitats for species such as lynx and snow leopard. Designed with a strong focus on animal wellbeing, naturalistic environments, and meaningful guest engagement, the project will offer visitors an immediate and memorable connection to wildlife.

Planning and design work are well underway, with careful attention to animal care, habitat complexity, and visitor experience to ensure the space functions seamlessly for both animals and people. With construction set to begin in 2026, Project Carnivora represents a bold step forward in shaping the Zoo’s future and delivering a powerful first impression for every guest who walks through its gates.

3,920

Top: Snow leopard, Indira, rests in her habitat. snow leopards are estimated to be left in the wild (Snow Leopard Trust)

Bottom: A perspective view of the future snow leopard habitat, featuring immersive rockwork, naturalistic landscaping, and a dedicated training wall designed to support animal care and guest connection.

Tammy Wiebe Polar bears are a powerful symbol of a rapidly changing Arctic at risk. As ambassadors for climate action, they anchor the Connected Coasts experience and inspire guests to understand and protect the fragile ecosystems they call home.

Connected Coasts Building on the 2025 Master Plan’s Coastal Arctic zone, this year we completed the Connected Coasts conceptual design, advancing a more immersive and globally connected narrative inspired by coastal regions and the species that inhabit them. Through a series of multi-day collaborative workshops, the design team refined and strengthened the Master Plan direction. This process included strategic adjustments to the resident species plan, site spatial layout, and interpretive story. As the concept evolved, the zone name was updated to Connected Coasts to better reflect the intent, experience, and narrative of the space.

Concept Design represents the earliest formal stage of project development, where the overarching vision is defined before detailed technical work begins. This phase focuses on how a space will look, feel, and function, establishing the general layout, circulation, form, and character of the zone. The drawings and renderings developed at this stage are intentionally illustrative, providing a realistic lens to communicate experience and atmosphere while remaining grounded in constructability and function. They are not final designs, but rather a representation of potential and intent.

“My experience has also shown that some vital studies simply cannot be conducted in the wild, and findings from zoobased research are crucial to informing population estimates, policy, and more.”

Steven C. Amstrup, Ph.D., chief scientist at Polar Bears International

Chief Executive Officer Valley Zoo Development Society

What a year! I hope you were excited reading about all we managed to complete in 2025. It's your story too.

Tsanta Fiderana Rakotonanahary Headof VeterinarySupport,Turtle

The board and I are blessed with a Survival AllianceMadagascar team of dedicated and passionate staff. I am proud of their ingenuity “Together, willEVZ ensure and dedication we to the and all the animals that call this amazing space that every confiscated home.

If you donor,has a guest or a tortoise inare oura care follower – I hope you have had the a chance to thrive once opportunity to engage with our more indonor, the wild.”

–Tsanta events, social media & FideranaorRakotonanahary marketing office staff. We also operate the Zootique and the Café and the smiling faces that serve you there are just as dedicated to the Zoo’s future as our board members.

Rajo Andrianaivojaona

TortoiseKeeper, The VZDS team continued to grow in Turtle Survival Alliance Madagascar 2025 due to the size of some of these projects and we added a Project Manager Varga) a Director “I love(Scott my job, andand I am ofproud Fund Development (Daryl to play a role in Zelinski). saving

Madagascar’s endemic

We are continuing to evolve as a tortoises from extinction.” board, an operation and a charity to –Rajo Andrianaivojaona help bring amazing projects like TsantaRestoration, Fiderana Rakotonanahary (left) Aspen Carnivora Project, and Rajo Andrianaivojaona. by Welcome & Parking and Photo Connected Andry Fandresena Coasts to life. Thank you for the role you played this past year as donors and supporters and stay tuned, as we keep building your Zoo!

Financial Summary

For the period of Jan 1, 2025 - Dec 31, 2025 Appeals 4% Grants 9%

2025 Revenue: $2,076,130 Item

Amount $ 816,522

Percent

Zootique & Cafe Events

$ 467,052

23%

Donations

$ 397,926

19%

Grants

$ 176,368

9%

Appeals

$ 85,028

4%

Other 5%

40%

Other

$ 119,097

5%

TOTAL

$ 2,076,130

100%

Zootique and Cafe 40%

2025

Total Revenue

Donations 19%

Events 23% Office & General Admin 17%

Professional Fees 2%

2025 Expenses: $1,764,624 Item

Percent

Projects & Conservation

Amount $ 852,299

Salaries & Beneffits

$ 288,844

16%

Fundraising

$ 65,385

4%

Events

$ 218,817

12.5%

Office & General Admin

$ 304,311

17%

Professional Fees TOTAL

48.5%

$ 34,608

2%

$ 1,764,624

100%

Events 12.5%

2025

Total Expenses

Projects & Conservation 48.5%

Fundraising 4%

Salaries & Banefits 16%

Learn More About Our Work Learn more about our work by visiting our website, where you can explore previous Impact Reports and see the progress made across our initiatives. You can also discover more about our completed and future projects, and learn how we are advancing animal care, habitat development, education, and conservation efforts at the zoo.

Our website is also your hub for staying connected and involved. Learn more about our programs, explore upcoming events and how to attend, and discover the many ways you can support the Zoo. You can also visit the Zootique online shop to find meaningful gifts that directly support our work.

Help Build Our Zoo The Edmonton Valley Zoo is evolving, and everything we achieve is made possible through the support of our community.

From habitat renewal and conservation initiatives to education programs and events, your involvement helps shape a stronger future for our zoo.

Help Shape What’s Next

Let’s Stay Connected

There are many ways to stay connected and make a difference. Consider becoming a donor to directly support our projects. Every contribution, large or small, helps.

Stay in touch by joining our newsletter to receive updates on projects, animal news, and upcoming events throughout the year.

Make an Impact For more donation options, please contact donate@buildingourzoo.com

You can also follow us on social media to see the latest stories from the Zoo.

Follow us online @BuildingOurZoo

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