SASKATOON — The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo had a memorable summer in 2022, from celebrating its 50th year to having new exhibits and attractions with visitors experiencing all kinds of adventures, like the return guided train tours.
The park and zoo, however, has already adjusted their hours of operation as the fall season approaches. The gates will be accessible from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. with the zoo open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Parking is also now free until May 1, 2023.
While the Prairie Butterfly House and Kinsmen Express II Train are now closed for the season, management is preparing to start an extensive renovation project at the Children’s Zoo this fall.
Visitors will still have until Sunday, Sept. 18, to see the Goeldi’s Monkeys and dine at the Buckeye Café before the establishment closes on Sept. 30 for renovation.
The Children’s Zoo, once renovations are completed next year, will reopen as the Small Mammal House and will be the home to some new animals joining the zoo family in 2023.
The renovation project is broken down into two phases with the first phase involving the repair and replacement of the building envelope which will take approximately four months to be completed.
Phase two, which will also take approximately four months to be completed, will be renovating the inside of the building that will reopen as the Small Mammal House next year where new exhibits will be featured. The combined budget for both phases is $550,000.
The zoo management added that they are excited and look forward to the species and other attractions that they plan to introduce next year once the renovated spaces are done. They want it to be a surprise and will be making the announcements in 2023 for their first full season.
Zoo season passes for 2023 are now available to purchase before Oct. 1, Saturday, to not pay the PST and also get the 2022 rate. The passes are available to purchase at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo or any city leisure centre.
For more information or to plan your next visit to the Forestry Farm Park & Zoo, visit saskatoon.ca/zoo.
