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 ‘onenight 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 Societys first task was to find a suitable site and soon entered into discussions with Molsons Breweries who owned a hop farm to the east of the city. In February 11, 1966 Molsons 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.

Telephone: (250) 573-3242 ext. 221
Website: http://www.bczoo.org/