Polar bear exhibit and aerial trail included in Edmonton zoo’s new long-term plan

A rendering of a planned polar bear exhibit at the Edmonton Valley Zoo. (Source: City of Edmonton)

The Edmonton Valley Zoo has released a 15-year plan and it includes space for several species new to the zoo, distinct themed zones and new infrastructure including an aerial trail, education centre and restaurant with a view.

The city’s website has details including links to a series of videos with renderings of the new features and information about the animals the zoo hopes to home.

An amur bear, Siberian musk deer, wolverine, puffin, whooping crane, badger and wood bison are among them.

• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App

The seemingly largest undertaking is the new Coastal Arctic space that includes polar bear and sea otter habitats complete with indoor underwater viewing areas.

The plan also includes an area called the Aerie zone with an elevated trail to give people better views of the flying and tree climbing animals such as the raptors, lemurs and sloths.

Lucy the elephant’s current enclosure appears to be replaced by space for the Sichuan takin.

The vision has a paved parking lot that exceeds accessible parking requirements with a boardwalk over a wetland at the back near Buena Vista Road.

Zoo’s response to plan release

In a statement, the zoo told CTV News Edmonton it began working on the master plan two years ago, focusing on conservation, education and research.

It said any species in the plan are “considered to be obtainable” in the next 15 years and its mandate for acquisitions include “sourcing new species from accredited zoological institutions with various population management programs.”

Development will occur in phases “ensuring thoughtful, financially-responsible progress,” said the zoo.

While it is not seeking funding in the upcoming 2027-2030 budget cycle, the zoo has started “targeted activities” with donors to “inspire community support and catalyze private and public investment.”

It added it hopes the plan will be a catalyst for “renewed community pride, tourism and investment in the Edmonton Valley Zoo, ensuring it remains a cherished, innovative destination for Edmontonians and visitors alike.”