Magnetic Hill Zoo hopes to create multi-million dollar African safari-themed expansion
At Moncton’s Magnetic Hill Zoo, there’s no shortage of things to see. From omnivores to herbivores, the zoo draws in hundreds of thousands of people every year.
The director of the zoo, Jill Marvin, hopes to create an even bigger draw by adding an African safari-themed expansion.
"We'll have African black-footed penguins in a new exhibit, then they will go off into the large Africa area, we have new habitats going up for our meerkats, for our tortoise...so that's phase one," says Marvin.
Marvin says phase one is estimated at $7.6 million and the goal is to have it completed by 2024.
“Sixty per cent of that is providing suitable habitats for our animals,” said Marvin.
The zoo is looking to collaborate with the city, and the federal and provincial governments, on the project.
On Monday, Moncton city council directed staff to gather further information, including an economic impact study, preliminary design, and detailed cost estimates, to be brought back during the upcoming 2022 budget deliberations.
“They understand how this is a value to our region, it’s a value to tourism, to our social pillar, and a great opportunity for people to get outdoors,” says Marvin.
If approved, it would allow the zoo to expand and renovate current animal exhibits, while adding new exhibits for species like penguins and meerkats.
Over time, the project would include additional indoor habitats for animals that can’t be exposed to colder temperatures, which will also extend the number of months that the zoo can be open.
The second phase is estimated to cost $11.2 million and has several elements, including providing the flamingos and otters with new habitats. Marvin says they’d like to see that completed by 2027.
“It will give an opportunity for our visitors to go out into some of our enclosures with our herbivores.”
Marvin says the third phase will include a new events building and exhibits to house red river hogs and a giraffe.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.