The Greater Vancouver Zoo announced plans yesterday to build a heated enclosure for their two resident hippos. Costs could run as much as $200,000 but no date has been set to begin construction. Now they've given the answer that the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums wanted, they have succeeded in keeping their accreditation (which is crucial to their breeding program), but the GV Zoo has made this promise several times before yet they have never followed through. As recently as two years ago they promised to make these improvements to the hippo facility, and it's taken this long for the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums to call them on it. In fact, they stated that they didn't know the changes had not been made! If official organizations are going to demand changes, then I would hope they'd keep a closer watch on those who are supposed to implement them.
I don't think these two hippos or any of the other animals at the GV Zoo can afford to wait for the changes needed to bring the facility up to today's standards. Please email the Township of Langley's Mayor Kurt Alberts and Council to express your concerns. They grant the zoo their business license and could provide added pressure.
Mayor&Councillors@tol.bc.ca