Assiniboine Park Zoo (CHRISD.CA FILE)
Visitors to Assiniboine Park Zoo will have to enter using the South Gate as of Friday, after zoo officials have announced the closure of the East Gate.
The entrance at 2595 Roblin Boulevard will now be the main entryway into the zoo, while the familiar East Gate within the park will be used exclusively for large groups and education programs.
The change comes as ongoing construction persists on the Journey to Churchill exhibit within the northeast area of the zoo. Entering through the South Gate will allow for easier navigation and a better all-around visitor experience, zoo officials say.
“We want our visitors to have the best possible experience every time they come to the zoo,” said Lorne Perrin, VP of marketing and park services at the Assiniboine Park Conservancy. “By entering through the South Gate, they can avoid the construction and be within a short walking distance of the animals, exhibits and concessions.”
The zoo also said Wednesday that its 42-seat tram is now in operation for the season, running seven days a week on a new route just inside the South Gate entrance.
In other zoo-related matters, the Nature Playground is gradually reopening as warm weather lingers. Starting on Friday, the basket swings, crow’s nest and slithering slides will be open. The washrooms and the sand and water play area will remain closed until further notice.
