SASKATOON — Jerry and Tina Grandey have made a $1 million donation to help build a new home for grizzly bears Mistaya and Koda at the Saskatoon Forestry Fram Park & Zoo.
The Grandeys announced on Friday, June 9, at the Saskatoon Zoo Foundation’s 24th annual ZOOGALA, marking the single largest private donation in the Zoo’s history.
“Tina and Jerry have been amazing zoo supporters for many years. Tina served on the foundation’s board for many years, playing a pivotal role in building the bears’ current habitat at the Kinsmen Bear Exhibit," said SZF Chief Executive Officer Dawn Woroniuk.
“Tina was also instrumental in creating ZOOGALA, our one-of-a-kind annual fundraiser that has enabled the foundation to contribute to several capital projects and improvements to the zoo and will celebrate its 25th anniversary of the event next year.”
“We are so thankful for this generous contribution. This donation provides us with an opportunity to enhance the habitat features and amenities further to not only provide the best care and quality of life for our grizzly bears but also an opportunity for an enhanced visitor experience for those who come to learn more about these majestic animals,” said zoo manager Jeff Mitchell.
Mistaya and Koda have called the Kinsmen Bear Exhibit home since arriving at the zoo as orphaned cubs in 2008. The pair enjoy taking dips in their swimming pool, soaking up the sun on their favourite rocks and taking long winter naps in their dens.
The new bear habitat will be significantly more sophisticated than the current habitat. It will feature climbing structures, foraging opportunities, resting and sleeping locations, safe retreats, natural vegetation and soils, water features and several environmental enhancements that will allow the bears to continue demonstrating their natural behaviours.
The zoo is currently working to develop detailed design specifications along with construction estimates for the bears' new habitat.
Donate today to help build the bears a new home; visit saskatoonzoofoundation.ca for more information.
