The Honourable Anne McLellan, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, announced today, on behalf of The Honourable Ron J. Duhamel, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Secretary of State (Western Economic Diversification) (Francophonie), an additional contribution of $3 million to the Calgary Zoo expansion project, Destination Africa, bringing WD's total contribution to $4.3 million.

The $30 million Destination Africa project builds upon the Calgary Zoo's important role with respect to recreation, conservation, education, species recovery and captive breeding, and habitat preservation. The Zoo's goal is to develop, operate and promote a landmark facility to fulfil these responsibilities. Destination Africa will provide both indoor and outdoor nature experiences, incorporating a simulated African rainforest, complete with gorillas, crocodiles, tropical trees and plants, and the bushveld complete with giraffes, warthogs and hippos.

Destination Africa will demonstrate the importance of thinking globally and acting locally in protecting the environment by drawing parallels between the challenges faced by tropical ecosystems and our own. This project is designed to be a union of nature and technology and will provide visitors with the experience of being immersed in two African ecosystems: the tropical rainforest and the grassy plains. The Zoo also plans to create state-of-the-art distance education technology connecting students, educators and researchers, from around the world to the Calgary Zoo. This virtual zoo will be accessible from anywhere in the world at any time of day.

"Last spring I was privileged to see the original plans for this fabulous Destination Africa project, and to announce a federal funding commitment of $1.3 million," said Minister McLellan. "This additional funding is being provided to support the Zoo's initiative to build a first-rate 'Living Classroom' designed to maximize educational and entertaining experiences for its visitors.

"The Calgary Zoo is always an amazing learning experience," said Minister McLellan. "I am already looking forward to my next visit, to see further developments on this fabulous initiative."

Destination Africa is scheduled for completion early in 2003.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Don LaBelle
Manager, Consultations, Marketing and Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Edmonton, Alberta
(780) 495-6917