Edmonton Valley Zoo — Attraction in Jasper Place

I want to preface this by saying I'm a enjoyer of zoos. I've gone to the Edmonton zoo and enjoyed my experiences in the past but I found this time to be a bit subpar. It was a hot day so animals were understandably not around much so that was to be expected but there was a bit of construction and not much communication on what was available. The tundra was moved to a different section of the zoo however there is construction so you can't see the animals anyway, I feel a bit cheated because I didn't see that communicated? Maybe I didnt check the website properly but there was nothing at the door about it. I felt like I did a lot of walking for not much payout, there wasnt as many animals as I remember as a kid. Lucy was not outside (understandable) but inside wasn't open either so we couldn't see her, maybe she needed medical or a break but I do wish there was something communicating that. I found there were a decent amount of weeds around and some paths were a bit overgrown and hard to access which I definitely didn't expect. Usually zoos are pretty maintained with paths so this was different.

I don't live in Edmonton so maybe it's the time of year but the zoo was fairly empty outside of a handful of families and a few summer groups. I feel like as a kid it was very busy but it was calm. I think this usually would be a benefit to the experience but I think the whole experience was a bit lackluster.

For some things I did enjoy because this review seems like I totally hated my experience which I didn't (was disappointed but it wasn't a bad experience) I enjoyed the meerkats and the zebras were neat. I saw butterflies pretty often so they enjoyed the flowers around (which were pretty). The staff member when I was buying my ticket was very kind and I enjoyed my experience with her. I think the price of the zoo was good. I enjoyed hanging with my friends and if you have a few hours to spare I'd still go. Maybe I just went on a day where it was just not flowing as usual or something. Staff were kind and there were cool shows available (I didn't attend any because we were always far away by the time the next one came up so oops haha. Next time I go I'll try to catch one). I hope my next experience will be better and I hope everyone else enjoys their...

Went on a nice summer day and saw a bunch of empty cages. I think the enclosures should be bigger and more detailed for each animal they have...since it's not many. The wolves were gone, the tiger looked malnourished and was pacing in circles around its small habitat and his pool was empty. All the birds of prey were gone...Lucy the elephant looked depressed and like she is literally withering away infront of my eyes, droopy sad eyes, a brace on her foot...walking slower than a sloth. They had one monkey alone in a habitat with no other monkeys of his species, he looked extremely bored. Looks like they throw him some cardboard to destroy but he needs social interaction from his own species as they are extremely social animals. You can't even see the bats (it's in a dark room but lit enough where all you can see is black behind glass and your own reflection). The gift shop and food concessions are extremely overpriced and they have no other activities. I saw about 10 animals in total and 90% in 1 building...although I don't support the zoo getting more animals at least keep social species in pairs for thier own sanity. And provide more enrichment for your animals. Maybe tug of war with the Tiger? Would provide mental stimulation for the tiger and an activity to do with guests. Since they have a bunch of empty enclosures, maybe invest in a parrot sanctuary for rehomed and neglected pet parrots. They would be a great attraction, they seem to have the space and nice size aviaries, they could give them a nice home and that's something I'd donate to. May as well help parrots that are kept in captivity and surrendered to rescue centres, they could really provide a great home....

Went for my nephews birthday and it was a good time but had to give a bad review based on the treatment we were given while leaving the zoo. The zoo closes at 4pm and around 3:30 we started making our way out. We were a group of 12 with kids and were enjoying our walk out. While leaving we looked at the animals as we were passing by. There was one security guard on a golf cart that drove close to our party and stepped on the breaks for no reason other than to make a loud screeching sound to intimidate our group and then gave us the stank eye. We were followed by two other security guards who kept telling us to leave. Keep in mind it wasn’t even 4 o’clock yet. We told them we knew and were on our way out but every time we turned our heads to look at an animal as we walked by they felt the need to walk closer and tell us they were closed. They were not closed yet. Got to the point they were a couple feet behind us and glaring at us. Seriously felt like we were dangerous criminals in prison and they were herding us back in from outside. Someone in our group stoped for a second to put on his sweatshirt and the intense intimidation from the security guards was honestly disgusting. By the time we stepped into the parking lot it was 4:02pm. And they closed at 4:00. If they have such a problem with people leaving their establishment at the time they close then maybe they should reconsider their hours or let people know when purchasing admission that they close at 4 but demand everyone be out by 3:30. And perhaps they should hire some friendlier staff while...