Langley Advance
Friday, November 03, 2006 03:55 PM
Zoo: Animalasium up and running
Late-night demolition, flooring and painting parties were the norm around the Greater Vancouver Zoo during the past couple months.
Staff donated a lot of their own time to help transform a former residence - that had long since been vacated - into an educational training centre where they can teach children and adults alike about animal conservation and education, said Jody Henderson, the zoo's marketing manager.
It was a scramble, she said, to get most of the work done on the Animalasium - as it will be known - in time for a district-wide teachers' professional day on Oct. 20.
"The teachers had a full day to experience a customized tour and explanation of our educational programs within various stations at the zoo, see first hand our new indoor Animalasium Educational Training Centre, along with being served a light breakfast and a buffet lunch," Henderson said.
According to her, the feedback from teachers was positive. Shane Hipwell (a Grade 5 teacher at Bakerview Elementary), for instance, said after the visit that zoo staff was enthusiastic and knowledgeable, and their energy was infectious.
"[He] went on to say that with all the controversy about the zoo his opinion has definitely changed, the animals are safe, cared for extremely well and free from their predators. Shane certainly thought the new room would be good area for students to learn more about the various animals," Henderson recounted.
Ideally, most of the work on the Animalasium was finished in advance of the cooler and wetter fall weather arriving. There are still some final touches being added, but a grand opening is expected soon.
Since the Animalasium is the first large inside facility available for school tours, corporate meetings and birthday parties, it is expected to expand the zoo's attendance making the Aldergrove facilities more appealing to groups year-round, Henderson said.
The 700-square-foot Animalasium is located in the middle of the zoo's main street, across from the train station, and can hold up to 50 people. It will also provide office space for the existing educational staff, which was previously housed in the administration building.
Henderson said their former offices will then be used as research and conservation space by the animal care staff.
By letting the teachers know of the Animalasium's existence and explaining a few changes to the zoo's educational tours, Henderson believes the room will be well used by students.
It might take a little longer, she said, to get the word out about the training centre being available for birthday parties, corporate functions and guest speakers talking about animal welfare. But she is convinced that too will come.
published on 11/03/2006