Assiniboine Park Zoo Journey to Churchill gets top billing from Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums

OTTAWA, Oct. 5, 2015 /CNW/ - Winnipeg's Assiniboine Park Zoo Journey to Churchill exhibit has added the prestigious Thomas R. Baines Award from Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) to its growing list of national and international plaudits.

"The Baines Award is the highest recognition of achievement granted by CAZA to member institutions for exhibit design, animal husbandry, education or for other significant contributions to the zoo and aquarium field", said CAZA Executive Director Massimo Bergamini.

"We are honoured and extremely proud to be the recipient of such a prestigious award," said Dr. Brian Joseph, Sr. Director Animal Management & Conservation, Assiniboine Park Conservancy. "The opening of Journey to Churchill marked a turning point in the history of the Assiniboine Park Zoo and it's very rewarding to be recognized for this exhibit."

"In addition to creating a stimulating environment for the animals, with its naturalistic design and storyboard feel, Journey to Churchill is an outstanding example of the evolving use of exhibit design by modern zoos and aquariums to educate by providing a bridge to nature," said Bergamini.

Journey to Churchill was recognized at the CAZA Achievement Awards held at the closing of the CAZA annual conference held in Winnipeg from October 1 - 3.  

CAZA is the national voice of the zoo and aquarium community in Canada. Representing the accredited zoological parks and aquariums in Canada, its purpose is to promote the welfare of zoo and aquarium wildlife, to advance related science and conservation, and to foster public engagement in the preservation of our natural heritage. For more information visit www.caza.ca

SOURCE Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA)

Massimo Bergamini, Executive Director, 613 290 5317 or [email protected]