CLINIC AND QUARANTINE FACILITY TO BE BUILT AT SASKATOON ZOO

Released on April 21, 1995

Deputy Premier Ed Tchorzewski and Saskatoon-Dundurn MP Morris Bodnar
today announced that the Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Works
Program has approved funding to build a clinic and quarantine facility
at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo, Saskatchewan's only
nationally-accredited zoo.

The project is expected to generate 13 jobs during the planning and
construction phases, and one long-term job.

Total cost of the project is expected to be $808,350. The
infrastructure program will provide $75,000. The city of Saskatoon
will contribute $708,350 and the Saskatoon Regional Zoological Society
will provide $25,000.

"The Forestry Farm Park and Zoo provides opportunities to observe
wildlife in a natural setting to over 100,000 visitors each year,"
Tchorzewski said. "In addition to providing this educational
experience, it also serves as a refuge for injured and orphaned birds
and animals. The new clinic and quarantine facility will enhance the
ability of the Forestry Farm Park and Zoo to serve as Saskatchewan's
animal care and preservation centre."

Speaking on behalf of Lloyd Axworthy, minister of Western Economic
Diversification and implementing minister of the infrastructure program
in Western Canada, Bodnar said: "The new quarantine facility will
enable treatment and quarantine of zoo animals to be undertaken in a
safe and controlled environment and enhance the forestry farm's ability
to co-operate with other institutions providing animal care.
Infrastructure funding will not only provide employment opportunities,
but allow area residents and tourists to continue to enjoy this glimpse
of wilderness within the city limits."

"The new quarantine and clinic facility will support the zoo's ability
to participate with other accredited zoos in trading animals and
sharing exhibits," said Saskatoon Mayor Henry Dayday. "For many years,
the zoo has been an amenity for the citizens of Saskatoon and the
surrounding areas, but more recently, it has gained province-wide and
national recognition."

The 3,100-square-foot facility will include four holding wards, two
quarantine wards, and six exterior pens. A highly-specialized air
exchange feature will prevent the spread of infections to healthy
animals and cross-contamination of injured or sick animals that may be
brought to the facility. It will also improve the quality of life for
the animals.

Work on the project will begin once a contract is awarded with
completion scheduled for the end of October.

The Western College of Veterinary Medicine, the Canadian Association of
Zoological Parks and Aquariums, and the Canadian Council on Animal Care
each provided advice and recommendations to ensure the new facility
meets proper environmental control standards.

The Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Works Agreement was signed in
January, 1994. It enables Canada, Saskatchewan and municipalities to
co-operatively undertake and fund projects which will renew and improve
the quality of the public infrastructure and create employment
opportunities for Canadians.

Under the agreement, $173.1 million has been earmarked for
infrastructure projects in Saskatchewan. To date over $170.3 million
has been approved for 775 infrastructure projects in the province.

Federal funding for the infrastructure works program was provided for
in the February budget as part of the federal government's prioritized
spending program.

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For further information, contact:

Heather Waldern Hinds
Communications Officer
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Saskatoon
Phone: (306) 975-5475

Russ Krywulak
Director
Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Works Program
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-8808

Dr. Peter Cribb
President
Saskatoon Regional Zoological Society
Saskatoon
Phone: (306) 975-3395