The Manitoba government is providing the Assiniboine Park Conservancy a $1.2 million grant to support the zoo’s Journey to Churchill exhibit, which offers Manitobans and visitors alike the unique opportunity to learn about polar bear conservation.
“Many Manitobans treasure Assiniboine Park Zoo’s incredible Journey to Churchill exhibit and the unique opportunity to see and learn about polar bears up close,” said Environment and Climate Change Minister Mike Moyes. “Our government greatly appreciates the contributions of the Assiniboine Park Conservancy that offer incredible experiences for Manitobans and visitors to enjoy and explore. We look forward to our continued partnership and advancing shared priorities together.”
The Journey to Churchill exhibit is the most comprehensive zoological exhibit of its kind in the world, noted the minister, adding the funding will support the purchase and installation of a permanent polar bear pool chiller, which ensures pool temperatures stay perfectly cool for the bears.
The exhibit is also one of Winnipeg’s most popular attractions, drawing both locals and tourists with its close-up views of polar bears. In 2023, Manitoba welcomed over 10.4 million visitors who spent $1.82 billion in the province, with the Journey to Churchill playing a key role in showcasing the province’s unique wildlife and conservation efforts, noted Moyes.
“The polar bears and other northern species in Journey to Churchill help us share the wonders of Manitoba’s north and connect people with nature in a fun and educational setting,” said Dr. Chris Enright, senior director of zoological operations, Assiniboine Park Conservancy. “These connections foster a greater understanding of the impact of climate change on the Arctic and inspire people to make changes in their lives to support the conservation of wildlife and wild places.”
The grant will also support critical upgrades and repairs to the geothermal heating system and the water filtration system, as well as improvements to the bear holding facility and Gateway to the Arctic building.
“The Journey to Churchill exhibit helped transform the Assiniboine Park Zoo into a world-class attraction and experience that is uniquely Manitoban and reflects incredibly well on our city and province,” said Ray Karasevich, president and CEO, Assiniboine Park Conservancy. “We are grateful for the government of Manitoba’s support and investment in the future of the zoo as a place of pride for Manitobans and a destination that is embraced by hometown tourists and visitors to our beautiful province.”
To learn more about the Journey to Churchill exhibit, visit assiniboinepark.ca.
