MEET MANY ANIMALS AT BC WILDLIFE PARK

With wildlife rescue and rehabilitation in mind, the BC Wildlife Park is home to 65 different species that are found only in this province, including the only Kermode bear in the world that is cared for by humans.

Soon, the grizzly bear siblings — known as Knute and Dawson — that were raised in Kamloops will see their habitat expand at the park by 50 per cent, a project estimated to cost $1.5 million.

The change is expected to occur in early 2025 after coyotes were relocated to Québec and improvements were made to the raccoon exhibit to open up space for Knox and Dawson to sprawl out and roam, while expanding nature trails for public access.

“The two we have are siblings and they grew up in that space,” BC Wildlife Park executive director Glenn Grant said.

Grant said the average life expectancy of grizzly bears in parks is around 30 years, leaving another 20 years, give or take, for the siblings who reside there today.

In addition, the BC Wildlife Park houses cougars, bears, wolves, reptiles and birds of prey.

In 2022, the park had the second-best attendance ever, welcoming more than 118,000 people. In addition, the Wildlights extravaganza — which features about one-million lights amid various entertainment through December — had its best attendance since 2005.

Grant said the park has some exciting plans to expand in the next five years.

“We’ve got a ton of goals for the future,” Grant said. “Our new master plan actually has 12 different components to it and they’re kind of split up. Some are education-based, some are visitor-based, some are animal welfare-based and some are operational.”

A fundraiser that aims to raise $750,000 will be launched in early May to make the playground accessible for children who have mobility issues.

“It’s something that is desperately needed. It’s pea gravel in there. It’s very difficult for kids with mobility issues to access,” he said, noting there will also be an emphasis on improving educational programs.

GLENN

BC Wildlife Park executive director

Discovery Centre

The geothermic, climate-controlled, 18,000-square-foot Discovery Centre includes the Eco Gallery, Wildlife Education Centre, Reptile Exhibit, Naturally Yours Gift Shop and Blue Heron Café.

Playground and Splash Park

Imagine you’re an eagle searching the sky or a badger hiding in your burrow. Let your littles go wild in the imaginative playground that incorporates animal habitats into child’s play. Visitors of all ages can cool off in the splash park (seasonal and weather-permitting). Bring your lunch and enjoy the accessible, outdoor, covered picnic area.