Saskatoon couple donates $1M to help build the bears a new home
The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo (Zoo) is now one step closer to building a new home for grizzly bears Mistaya and Koda thanks to a one-million-dollar donation from local residents Jerry and Tina Grandey. The announcement was made on Friday, June 9th at the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation’s 24th annual ZOOGALA, marking the single largest private donation in the Zoo’s history.
“Tina and Jerry have been amazing supporters of the Zoo for many years,” says Dawn Woroniuk, Chief Executive Officer, Saskatoon Zoo Foundation. “Tina served on the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation board for many years playing a key role in building the bears current habitat at the Kinsmen Bear Exhibit. Tina was also instrumental in the creation of ZOOGALA, our one-of-a-kind annual fundraiser that has enabled the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation to contribute to several capital projects and improvements to the Zoo and will celebrate its 25th anniversary of the event next year.”
“We are so thankful for this generous contribution” says Jeff Mitchell, Zoo Manager. “This donation provides us with an opportunity to further enhance the habitat features and amenities to not only provide the best care and quality of life for our grizzly bears, but also an opportunity for an enhanced visitor experience for those who come to learn more about these majestic animals.”
Grizzly bears Mistaya and Koda have called the Kinsmen Bear Exhibit home since arriving at the Zoo as orphaned cubs back in 2008. The pair enjoy taking dips in their swimming pool, soaking up the sun on their favourite rocks and of course, taking a long winter nap in their dens.
The new bear habitat will be significantly larger than the current habitat and will feature climbing structures, foraging opportunities, resting and sleeping locations, safe retreats, natural vegetation and soils, water features and a number of environmental enhancements that will allow the bears to continue to demonstrate their natural behaviours.
The Zoo is currently working to develop detailed design specifications along with construction estimates for the new habitat.
Donate today to help build the bears a new home, visit saskatoonzoofoundation.ca for more information.