March 1, 2011. The city of Winnipeg has a rich and interesting history, vibrant cultural scene, and culturally diverse population. Once acclaimed as the Chicago of the North, the city has not achieved its potential in terms of growth and recognition, due in part to a harsh winter climate and remote geographic location. The city is now, however, perched upon the threshold of change and the announcement of some of the details pertaining to the Assiniboine Park Zoo redevelopment is one indication of that metamorphosis. The Assiniboine Park Zoo, once the jewel of Winnipeg attractions has suffered years of slow decline, but has recently become the new focus of transformation, energy and excitement. In the autumn of 2010 the zoo received the Baines Award for Outstanding Achievement for its Pavilion of the Lion exhibit and now plans for the world class Journey to Churchill display have been announced.
The Journey to Churchill Exhibit will Emphasize Environment and Polar Bears
The Journey to Churchill exhibit promises a strong focus upon environmentalism and Arctic life with particular attention to polar bears. To be completed in 2013, the Province of Manitoba has allocated 31 million dollars for this ten acre project:
- The Arctic Building will house interactive and educational exhibits and contain the Aurora Borealis theatre, featuring panoramic Arctic experiences on film, also northern lights and night sky presentations. There will be above ground Polar Bear enclosures and a dramatic glass tunnel for underwater viewing of both bears and seals. A tundra garden will be located on top of the building.
- A separate facility, the Conservation Centre for Polar Bear Research and Education will include a rescue centre for orphaned polar bear cubs.
- The Churchill Wildlife Management area, a boreal forest display will represent Wapusk National Park. Here visitors will be able to take a Tundra Buggy ride to view the polar bears as well as other indigenous animals such seals, Arctic fox, and caribou.
- A children's play area, gift shop and restaurant are planned as well.
Winnipeg with its reputation for cold winters and its seemingly isolated location amid the long flat prairie is not typically considered an international destination. However, that is destined to change given recent developments. The city has always been a center of multiculturalism and immigration and was chosen as the location of the Canadian Human Rights Museum, slated for completion in 2012. The building itself will be an architectural wonder and along with the museum theme is anticipated to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors. The Western outskirts of the city are undergoing massive transformation as it is developed into the hub of a North South trade corridor linking Asia to Canadian and American markets. This is expected to have huge commercial implications for Winnipeg. Also, the enhancement of the Assiniboine Park Zoo will position it with the most acclaimed zoological facilities in the world and contribute to the accumulating growth and recognition being afforded to Winnipeg.
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