July 3, 2014
Province Congratulates Assiniboine Park Conservancy on Opening of World-class Exhibit
– – –New Exhibit Bolsters Manitoba's Reputation as Polar Bear Capital of the World: Premier Selinger
Premier Greg Selinger today extended congratulations to the Assiniboine Park Conservancy on the opening of the Journey to Churchill exhibit, a world-class centre showcasing Manitobans’ concern for polar bears and their northern environment.
“Manitoba is already recognized around the world for its leadership in polar bear conservation,” said Premier Selinger. “Thanks to the Assiniboine Park Conservancy and our government, the Journey to Churchill exhibit now solidifies this role by combining research, conservation and education in one location while being a one-of-a-kind destination for all to enjoy right here in Manitoba.”
Journey to Churchill, along with one of its major components, the International Polar Bear Conservation Centre (IPBCC), is part of a $34-million commitment made by the province in 2009 to support academic research on the northern environment and polar bear conservation, public education programs, and the development of a polar bear rescue and relocation network for orphaned or injured animals. The IPBCC is already home to four bears, three of whom were rescued or had to be moved from northern Manitoba over the past year.
Now open to the public, the Journey to Churchill exhibit features a variety of unique elements including:
- the International Polar Bear Conservation Centre,
- the Aurora Borealis 360-degree theatre,
- an underwater viewing area, and
- a new restaurant, gift shop and children’s play area.
In addition to polar bears, the 10-acre exhibit will be home to seals, wolves, Arctic foxes, muskox, caribou and snowy owls. For more information about the new Journey to Churchill exhibit, visit www.journeytochurchill.ca
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