Small Mammal House set to open Saturday, June 10
The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo (Zoo) is set to open the new Small Mammal House following interior and exterior renovations to the former Children’s Zoo building. The newly renovated facility will be home to some familiar faces including a mob of meerkats, African crested porcupines and the Goeldi’s monkeys.
“We are so excited to share this new space with our guests,” says Jeff Mitchell, Zoo Manager. “The renovations allowed us to create a new habitat for our meerkats and African crested porcupines, as well as some fantastic exhibits for new species including naked mole rats and sugar gliders.”
Renovations to the exterior of the building started last September and included a complete overhaul of the building envelope. Inside, three new exhibits have been added to the second floor, along with a larger habitat for the meerkats and African crested porcupines on the main floor and better spaces for the zookeepers to continue critical conservation work with animals involved in Species Survival Plan programs like the Goeldi’s monkeys.
The total project cost is approximately $850,000 with a significant contribution from the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation ($250,000) and the remainder from the Civic Buildings Comprehensive Maintenance, a reserve set aside for the ongoing maintenance and upgrades of City facilities.
“We would like to thank the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation for its continued partnership and support in raising funds for capital improvements for the Zoo including $250,000 dedicated to the Small Mammal House,” says Mitchell.
The Zoo is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. visit saskatoon.ca/zoo to plan your next visit or learn more about the Zoo Season Pass.