New zoo exhibit plans unveiled

Visitors to the Assiniboine Park zoo will one day be able to watch polar bears swim underwater and get up close to them in a tundra buggy.

The province and the Assiniboine Park Conservancy today announced details of the zoo's new $45-million northern exhibit to be called Journey to Churchill, which is set to open in October 2013.

It is part of a $200 million redevelopment of Assiniboine Park.

"It will be spectacular," said the conservancy's vice chair Don Streuber at a press briefing at the IMAX Theatre in Portage Place, where a video was shown outlining the planned exhibits.
Proponents said Journey to Churchill, along with the Canadian Museum of Human Rights, will make Winnipeg a tourist magnet.

Situated on 10 acres within the zoo, the exhibit will also feature caribou, muskox, seals, tundra swans, snowy owls, arctic fox and arctic char.

Up to six polar bears will be on display.

Winnipeg Free Press - ONLINE EDITION

Livio Ciaralli wrote:We need a fantastic water park at the ZOO, Somehwere you can escape during the winter. Yes even a beach and surf pool.

Connect that to the Conservatory and you have a very very nice tropical escape.

Polar bears, yup, I really need to see them at -30.

JTF wrote:We could incorporate the two and have a "Swim with the Bears" exhibit....

Livio Ciaralli wrote:Are we going to import those Northern Lights also.....DEANO, you from the Pas, how can we do this....can we make a profit ?

You picking a fight Grumps.....ok, I'll try not to insult 'your" town.