Happy 2026 everyone! The Saskatoon Zoo Foundation hopes you will consider the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo as a destination this year to see what it’s all about and to appreciate what the Zoo is accomplishing.
I know there are people who question whether zoos should even continue anymore, considering what they were originally for, which was for people to see animals from elsewhere, but for some zoos, there was little consideration for these animals. You may have seen one of these types of zoos in your travels. As a kid in the 1960s I remember being on vacation, traveling in our station wagon, no one wearing seat belts of course, and seeing a sign for a zoo. We four kids begged to go and our parents buckled under the pressure.
I will never forget that anguish, seeing this one lone elephant on what was probably a five foot chain, with all the grass eaten in the small area he could reach. We all just stared as he tried to reach the nearby grass. There was nothing we could do. I cried. We knew this was wrong and I remember dad saying when back in the car that these places should be illegal. I agree with him. But that’s not what the Saskatoon Zoo is. They are not at all the same.
The animals in Saskatoon’s Zoo are either part of a conservation program or they were injured and wouldn’t survive in the wild. Our bears, Kody and Mistaya, were brought to the Zoo separately because their moms were killed and they had no way to take care of themselves. This picture is obviously not recent. The bears are hibernating right now.
The Zoo is a member of CAZA, Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums. It is responsible for accrediting and inspecting facilities across the country to uphold the highest standards in animal welfare, implementing best practices in care, conservation and ethical management.
More recently, as of last March, the Saskatoon Zoo is also now also a member of WAZA, the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. In a news release when the announcement was made WAZA CEO, Dr. Martin Zordan said, “We are proud to welcome Saskatoon Zoo to the WAZA community. Their strong commitment to animal welfare, conservation and public education reflects WAZA’s core mission, and we look forward to collaborating with them to advance these shared goals.”
Zoo Manager at Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo, Jeff Mitchell, said joining WAZA showcases the Zoo’s unwavering commitment to animal welfare and education. He added, “Our mission is to create impactful experiences that strengthen the bond between visitors, wildlife and natural environments.”
And now, just for fun, some meerkats. I love the way the one on the right is searching for the warm light, but it’s right behind him!
The Zoo Foundation raises funds for projects and improvements. The two major fundraisers are Zoo Gala in the summer and the Enchanted Forest in the winter, but donations are always welcomed (hint, hint) and here is where you can donate: Donate – Saskatoon Zoo Foundation
Your Saskatoon Zoo Foundation Blogger,
Carol Thomson
