POTASHCORP ARK PHASE II OFFICIALLY OPENS AT SASKATOON FORESTRY FARM PARK & ZOO FEATURING PHOENIX THE RED PANDA

Officials from the City of Saskatoon, PotashCorp, Saskatoon Zoo Foundation, and Saskatoon Zoo Society took part in the opening of the PotashCorp Ark Phase II enclosure at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo today.  Participating in the ceremony were His Worship Mayor Donald Atchison; Rhonda Speiss, Corporate Philanthropy for PotashCorp; Ivan Bergerman, Saskatoon Zoo Foundation President; and Claire Bullaro, Saskatoon Zoo Society President.

The PotashCorp Ark, located within the Zoo near the Affinity Learning Centre, was designed to feature animals never before seen in Saskatchewan.  Phase I opened in 2004 and has since housed snow leopards, a Bengal tiger, a pair of white Bengal tigers, lions, cougars, and lemurs.  Phase II is adjoined to the first phase to allow for the ability to create one large exhibit or two independent exhibits.

Funding to complete Phase II was made possible by the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation, and PotashCorp with a $150,000 donation and many gifts in kind from local businesses.

“The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo always has amazing displays and activities, and the completion of this new phase will allow the Zoo continue to showcase animals unique to our city and continue to put Saskatoon on the map,” said Mayor Donald Atchison. “We thank the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation, local business and PotashCorp for bringing this final phase to life.”

Made possible by the addition of Phase II, the Zoo is pleased to welcome Phoenix, a red panda, who will be a permanent guest.  Over the past few months Phoenix has become acquainted and familiar with his new home. Phoenix was born on June 13, 2011, at the Assiniboine Zoo in Winnipeg.  His twin brother, Billy, lives at the San Diego Zoo in California.  Phoenix is on public display joining his cougar friends Jethro and Malcolm living in Phase I.

Red pandas, known for their resemblance to racoons, have been classified as vulnerable due to habitat loss and poaching.  Slightly larger than a domestic cat, red pandas are recognizable with their reddish-brown fur and shaggy tail.  Most of their time is spent in solitude; however, young pandas develop slowly and often stay with their mothers for over a year.

The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo offers all generations opportunities to explore a beautiful park landscape.  Approximately 270,000 visitors come annually to discover intimate gardens, historic buildings, and a variety of western Canadian animals and exotic species at Saskatchewan’s only zoo.  This distinctly Saskatchewan experience provides scenic surroundings and the unique story of plants, animals, and prairie history in one place.

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