.jpeg)
Staff and volunteers at the Assiniboine Park Zoo are gearing up for a busy long weekend highlighted by the opening of two new seasonal exhibits – Xtreme BUGS and Defenses of the Animal Kingdom – on Saturday.
“We have some exciting new experiences to share with Zoo visitors this summer,” said Laura Cabak, Director of Public Relations and Communications, Assiniboine Park Conservancy. “With beautiful spring weather in the forecast, we are looking forward to a busy opening weekend!”
Xtreme BUGS presented by Steinbach Credit Union features 19 giant, animatronic bugs along a forested trail inside the Zoo, transporting visitors into a dynamic environment where they can experience how the world would appear from a bug’s point of view and enjoy an up-close look at the physical characteristics of these usually tiny creatures. The larger-than-life insect infestation includes a 21-foot Japanese hornet, a 13-foot praying mantis, and a honeybee that is 18-feet long and 8-feet high!
Defenses of the Animal Kingdom features a variety of fascinating creatures and displays exploring some of the animal kingdom’s strangest methods of self defense. Species featured in the indoor exhibit include a variety of insects, arachnids, and reptiles along with the four-toed hedgehog, three-banded armadillo, and Linnaeus’s two-toed sloth. Visitors will be able to learn more about the species in the exhibit during scheduled Zoo Chats held daily at 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.
This weekend also marks the seasonal opening of several other Zoo attractions and experiences:
· Daily Zoo Chats – Get to know your favourite animals with members of our animal care team. Zoo Chats take place daily from May 18 - September 2.
· Zoo Tram – The tram route connects the Zoo entrance with the north end of the Zoo, making stops along the way. The tram will run on weekends and stat holidays in May and June, daily through July and August, and weekends and stat holidays after Labour Day until October 14.
· Seasonal Concessions – Enjoy a variety of sweet and summery treats and snacks including mini donuts, Hawaiian shaved ice, fresh squeezed lemonade, and ice cream. Concessions will be open on weekends and stat holidays in May and June, daily in July and August.
The Domo Trolley will also be back up and running this weekend. The Trolley provides Park visitors with convenient and free transportation to the Park’s signature attractions including The Leaf, English Garden, Leo Mol Sculpture Garden, Lyric Theatre, and Zoo. The Trolley runs on weekends and stat holidays in May and June, daily through July and August, and weekends and stat holidays after Labour Day until October 14. The Zoo is open daily from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.