Couple donates $2M to Winnipeg's Assiniboine Park and Zoo

A former Manitoban and his wifehave gifted$2 million to the Assiniboine Park and Zoo's redevelopment.

The donation fromDoug and LouiseLeatherdale was announced Monday in front of theInternational Polar Bear Conservation Centre (IPBCC), which has beenrenamedtheLeatherdaleInternational Polar Bear Conservation Centre.

A key component of the Journey to Churchill exhibit, theconservation centreis a hub for environmental and wildlife education, research and conservation.

"We are absolutely delighted to support the redevelopment of Assiniboine Park and Zoo and to have our name associated with the International Polar Bear Conservation Centre and the important research and conservation work being done there," said a statement from theLeatherdales.

Born in Morden, Doug Leatherdale attended United College and the University of Winnipeg before immigrating to Minnesota, where he and his wife have operatedLeatherdaleFarms for 35 years. The company breeds Hanoverians, high-endriding horses oftenused for equestrian events in the Olympic Games.

With thedonation, the Assiniboine Park Conservancy's fundraising efforts have now raised more than$133 million towards the overall $200 million redevelopment goal.

Phase I of the redevelopment plan consists of the now complete Heart of the Park component, which includes the Nature Playground, the expansion of the Riley Family Duck Pond, and the building of the Qualico Family Centre.

Phase II consists of significant renovations to the zoo with new exhibits such asthe Journey to Churchill, enhanced facilities for visitors, and a more visible and active contribution to environmental and wildlife education, research, and conservation in Manitoba.

The next phase will see the development of a new horticultural attraction to be situated in the south east corner of the park near the Formal Gardens.