Construction of new Churchill area begun

AquaZoo has begun construction of the new area Churchill. The western part of the zoo, which already houses the polar bears, will be completely dedicated to North America: nature and animals.

The new area, which is based on the 1,609-kilometer Churchill River in northern Canada, will include a new enclosure for the Canadian beavers already living in the park. This will also allow visitors to see the animals in action underwater. Furthermore, raccoons will return to the park and the park hopes to welcome some special new species during the year.

The polar bear enclosure will remain in its current form and will be an important part of Churchill. Several new species of North American origin will also be coming to the Frisian zoo next year.

Climate ChangeIn addition, Churchill will focus on climate change and its effects on the area and the animals that live there. For example, rising temperatures are making it increasingly difficult for polar bears to obtain food. As a result, they are more often forced to seek their food in inhabited areas, causing human-animal conflicts.

General Manager Jeroen Loomeijer: "Climate change affects us all. By telling the story of the polar bears and the other animals from North America, we can make visitors aware of the consequences. Not only for nature there, but also here, close to home."

Christmas Tree CampaignThe planting is also inspired by Canadian nature. General Manager Jeroen Loomeijer: "Every year we have a Christmas tree campaign, where people can hand in their spruce with root ball in exchange for a free ticket. The aim is to give a large part of the trees received this year a place in the new part of the park."

The small Canadian town of Churchill, best visited by train or plane, since no paved roads lead to it, is located on the southwestern shores of Hudson Bay.

Polar Bear Capital of the WorldIt is known as Polar Bear Capital of the World, because from July to November about a thousand polar bears take up residence around the town. The animals wait here until the bay freezes over in winter and they can hunt again for their main source of food: seals. Loomeijer: "Polar bears roam there so often that Churchill residents deliberately leave their cars unlocked. That way pedestrians who happen to bump into a polar bear can always hide in a car."

Construction work is expected to be completed next spring.

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