This cache is located inside the Assiniboine Park Zoo and an entrance fee is required. Summer hours: Open at 9:00 AM and gates close at 4:30 PM. Winter hours: Open at 9:00 AM, and gates close at 3:30 PM. Please respect our plants and animals at the zoo. Please stay on paths and observe signs.
Why do we keep some animals in separate exhibits?
It is important to understand the natural behaviours of animals. Some animals like to live alone, like most wild cats (Lions are an exception). We call these animals solitary. They will live alone in the wild, and will only be with another of its species if we intend to breed them. Once the breeding is complete, we will separate the animals again. Some solitary animals may also be taking care of their young. When baby animals get old enough, a zoo will need to separate the children from their mother and find another habitat for the animals, or another zoo with space to take the young.
Some young solitary animals can also live together for a period, but this pairing does not always last as the animals mature. Sometimes, zoos can get solitary animals to live together, especially when there is plenty of space, and no competition for food, water, space, or mates. Some animals may also live independently or with others in the wild.
Some animals need to live with others of their own species, as they find safety in numbers and enjoy social aspects of living with others. In these cases, it is still important to understand the dynamics and the size of the groups. Do remember flamingos being at Assiniboine Park Zoo? Those flamingos required a larger flock than what we could currently provide at the time, so we sent them to another facility, since we had their social interests in mind.
While groups often have a hierarchy, which is important that the group maintains, a zoo may interfere if they fear that an animal’s life is in danger.
For this cache, it is more fun with someone else... it's a busy path. Please be stealthy!