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.
I cannot see the animal in its habitat. Where is it?
Designing a zoo exhibit is very challenging. You need to understand what species is going to be living within the exhibit, and create a habitat that meets the animal’s needs. Many exhibits have an off-exhibit and an on-exhibit component. Having the two different areas, allows an Animal Care Professional to take care of a space without having to be in the same place as the animal. We do not want staff to be in the same area with a dangerous animal. Once we clean and possibly enhance a space with food or enrichment, an Animal Care Professional can then switch places with the animal by using a series of doors or gates, while always remaining in a safe position.
We design habitats to give an animal the freedom of choice. They choose to be out in the fresh air, or under shelter, or possibly inside, if it does not interfere with the staff’s duties. All habitats have place where an animal can be so it will be out of sight from the public if the animal desires privacy.
While we love seeing animals in giant exhibits, it does mean that the animal will then have more places to hide, or viewpoints to find them. Curators need to be aware of how much space an animal needs. While some animals have large territories that they like to roam, some of that space may not be required if they have no reason to hunt. If an animal is in an exhibit that is too large, they will think that there could be possible predators within in their habitat, thus making them stressed and hard to find, as they would likely be hiding.
It is important to know that the Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredits all of Assiniboine Park Zoo’s habitats. Periodical reviews show that we meet or beat approved zoo industry standards. With that said, sometimes animals may also be off exhibit due to the season or for veterinary care.
Special thanks to Flotsom and Jetsom for their contribution to this one... their caches are so clever!