Dr. Clement Lanthier - CEO Calgary Zoo

 
Dr. Clement Lanthier - CEO Calgary Zoo
By Andrea Serink
 
Michael Broadhurst introduced Dr. Clement Lanthier - CEO Calgary Zoo. Dr. Lanthier began his talk by announcing that 2012 was the most successful in the Zoo’s 85-year history, is the most visited zoo in Canada and Calgary’s top tourist attraction!
 
 
Dr. Lanthier explained in April 2013, the Zoo launched the 20-year master plan entitled Inspiring Change. By early June 2013 fundraising was ahead of targets and the staff were preparing for an exciting summer. Then on June 20th the flood waters rushed toward our city and the zoo and the staff sprang into action implementing the emergency plan “Operation Noah’s Ark”. In just a few short hours 158 animals were safely relocated from their homes on the St. George’s Island portion of the zoo to winter holding facilities on the upper bank of the Bow in the Canadian Wilds and to the zoo’s Animal Health Centre.
 
The morning after the flood the absolute devastation of the flood waters became apparent. One of the hardest hit areas was Destination Africa where the giraffes that would not move were up to their bellies in cold and dirty flood water.
 
Despite this setback the Zoo’s master plan is back in action. Management is focused not just on rebuilding a zoo but on building a conservation institution. According to Dr. Lanthier the master plan is driven by the idea that one place, the Calgary Zoo, can change our world. The Zoo is a fun place for families to visit but also an organization with a serious mission.
 
The 3 principles that are cornerstones of the Zoo’s planning are the following:
  1. Conservation and sustainability
  2. An unwavering commitment to animal care, and
  3. Inspiring education about animals and the challenges they face.
Dr. Lanthier is excited for the arrival of giant pandas in 2018 becuase it is an extremely exciting opportunity for an international spotlight to our city, open new doors for corporate Calgary and a great chance to talk about conservation.
 
Dr. Lanthier emphasized that the Calgary Zoo’s contribution to Calgary is measured in more than dollars and cents. The Calgary Zoo is a tremendous social and cultural asset that all Calgarians are proud of. Doug MacDonald thanked our speaker for taking the time to speak to our group. Dr. Lanthier was presented with a certificate of a donation made to CAWST in recogniztion of his presentation.
 
 
Our speaker, Dr. Clement Lanthier