Exploring Assiniboine Park Zoo, Winnipeg, Manitoba

Exploring the Assiniboine Park Zoo is one of my favourite things to do when I’m backing visiting Manitoba. I have visited the park since I was a little girl and I have to say I still love going just as much now. Yes I’m one of those people who goes anywhere and asks, do you have a dog? ha ha I LOVE animals!

Now I know many people are not fans of zoos because animals are living in captivity and may never see their wild and natural habitat. I get it. Most of us have been burnt from seeing those horrid commercials on TV or hearing about the cases of abuse just for the public’s entertainment. Petting tigers in Thailand, riding Elephants in UBud or watching a bear ‘dance’ is not okay. Oh my gosh it’s not okay. Before I get on a tangent with that though, not all zoo’s are bad. And sadly now, for some species, zoo’s may be one of the few places left where you can actually find certain animals.

I like zoo’s and wildlife parks but to be honest I’m always a bit weery. From working with animals for so long, I like to think I have an idea of when an animal doesn’t look too happy or is distressed. I’m no expert though so I find the best thing is to ask the zoo keepers questions. Lots of questions! In the zoo’s that are run properly there is a reason for everything and I find it comforting chatting with them finding out all about the animal in front of me and why they do things the way they do.

I was very lucky to go back to the zoo on my last visit to Canada. The Assiniboine Park Zoo had undergone some major renovations and have relocated a lot more animals to the area. Needless to say, I was really excited to see them and learn more! Of course the day I went it was rainy but I got around with my camera as much as I could. I had two favourite exhibits both new to me and somewhat new to the zoo.

The Polar Bears

The journey to Churchill featuring the Polar bears is something else to see. The real Churchill is quite costly and far to get to so they essentially brought Churchill to Winnipeg! I did stop and wonder though why the heck are there polar bears in Winnipeg. Yes it gets cold but it also gets quite hot. Were they just there for our own entertainment? What was the deal!?

I later found out that the polar bears were all rescued orphans and would have not survived in the wild. They came from northern Manitoba and were transferred with the help of the Zoo’s Polar Bear Rescue team. Yes that’s a job, and how cool would that be! Any cubs under the age of two have no chance of surviving in the wild without their mother. They need her to teach them essential life skills like survival and hunting. Without those first two years a cub just doesn’t know what to do.

It is increasingly harder for a polar bears to live to adulthood. In fact, it is quite rare. Climate change is rapidly declining the polar ice making it extremely difficult for a bear to find food. In many cases polar bears die from starvation, leaving their young behind.

When a cub has been orphaned, the Polar Bear team help to transfer the bear to the facilities in Winnipeg where they can have 24/7 care to transition to their new home. Winnipeg will be their forever home. It’s very sad but they would be left to die at a young age otherwise.

The bears at Assiniboine Park Zoo act as ambassadors to help educate the public about wildlife conservation and climate change. They are fascinating to watch and the zoo has provided the most amazing enclosure for them to live in and for the public to learn about them. You can actually eat your lunch in the cafe and watch the bears through the glass!

There are 9 bears at the facilities which you can learn about each of them here. They each have very interesting stories and I encourage you to take a look. The more educated we are about why animals like the polar bears need to be rescued the more actions we can take to prevent such things. If you are interested in donating to their efforts you can do so in person, over the phone or online.

The Wolves

The other exhibit that I absolutely loved were the wolves! These animals are gorgeous creatures and I’ll admit, if I could cuddle one I would, but wasn’t going to take my chances 😛

Wolves are certainly found within Manitoba like in the Whiteshell or Riding Mountain National Park but are pretty rare to spot. They are pack animals and work together to survive.

The wolves came to the zoo already handled by humans. They were once movies stars, starring in the movie, The Grey with Liam Neilson. They are at the zoo now to retire as they would not be able to live in the wild.

Other Animals

There are almost 200 animal species at the zoo, feathered, furry and scaly! Including animals such as Bison, Camels, Woodland Caribou, Red Pandas, Cougars, Przewalksi horses and lots more!

The Assiniboine Park Zoo is also involved in many programs working in with rescue, conservation and breeding efforts. They work with other accredited zoos in SPS or Species Survival Plans to help the breeding efforts with animals such as the snow leopards, red pandas and white handed gibbons.

They are also making effort with a tiny butterfly that is at risk of extinction in Manitoba. The Powershiek skipperling is vital to tall prairie grass habitats and the zoo has done an excellent job in protecting and breeding the insects.

This is the part of zoos that I love– their conservation and breeding efforts especially for those endangered. It can be very challenging for animals to reproduce and of course being ‘wild’ animals it makes it harder for human assistance. Many animals are also in zoos for education for the public which is of course, very important so people can learn to make better choices that will affect the animals in the wild.

I certainly recommend planning to stop at the park. There are always lots of programs and events going on– great for children and families. There are guided tours and groups that you can book in. Find out more on their website and be sure to check out their Instagram!

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