Our History

Welcome to the British Columbia Wildlife Park website

About Us

Our History

On February 15, 1965, Wildlife Park founder John Moelaert, proposed to the chamber that a zoological facility would be an attraction for both residents and visitors alike. The Kamloops Chamber of Commerce felt that Kamloops was a ‘one-night stop' and needed more attractions so that visitors would stay longer and benefit the economy. A Chamber sponsored public meeting on March 17th, 1965, in the old Kamloops Library to discuss the possibility of establishing a Wildlife Park. This quickly led to the formation of the Greater Kamloops Zoological Society, which was registered under the Societies Act on March 31, 1965.

The Society's first task was to find a suitable site and soon entered into discussions with Molson's Breweries who owned a hop farm to the east of the city. In February 11, 1966 Molson's Breweries officially donated 106 acres of land to be used ‘in perpetuity' as a wildlife park. On August 16, 1966 the first exhibits were opened to the public.

Over the forty year history of the Society, the BC Wildlife Park has been continually enhanced through the tremendous support of volunteers and business professionals throughout the province.

Today, the Kamloops Wildlife Park Society is governed by a volunteer board of 14 directors elected at the Annual General Meeting from a membership of over 8,000 people. The BC Wildlife Park attained national status in 1987 when it received accreditation from the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA).

Our Vision
“…a future that embraces conservation of wild ecosystems,
biodiversity and a healthy natural environment."

Our Mission
“…to encourage the appreciation of and respect for BC's wildlife,
and to assist in preserving biodiversity through education,
research, captive breeding and rehabilitation services.”

Our Motto
“…Conservation through Education.”

“The BC Wildlife Park will be a recognized leader in conservation and tourism in British Columbia”

“The BC Wildlife Park connects people to BC's wildlife and wild places in order to encourage a sustainable society within a healthy natural environment”

To ensure we achieve our Vision and Mission, the BC Wildlife Park facilities and on site and outreach programming are developed according to the following over arching themes:

Creating positive emotional connections to wildlife
Experiencing the interconnectedness of nature
Emphasizing the importance and power of individual responsibility

The New Vision is to develop the facilities and the onsite and extension programming in partnership with government and the private sector to interpret BC wildlife and promote sustainability to all people in BC and nature tourists from around the world.

For more information about the early beginnings of the BC Wildlife Park click here.