On Aug. 28 visitors to the Assiniboine Park Zoo will have the opportunity to experience life from long ago on a journey back in time to Manitoba’s pioneer era when horse power meant real heavy horses.
This week the Zoo unveiled to local media its newest permanent exhibit and education centre – the McFeetors Heavy Horse Centre – featuring four resident Percheron horses which will provide wagon rides in the summer and sleigh rides in the winter for only $3 per person.
“The McFeetors Heavy Horse Center will allow Zoo visitors to experience an aspect of Manitoba’s agricultural history in an entirely new and exciting way,” said Brian Joseph, Director of Zoological Operations for the Assiniboine Park Zoo.
Todays event was made possible with the efforts of Ray McFeetor, former CEO for Great West Life Co. whose personal donation of $2 million was the catalyst for this project.
“Heavy Horses were once as common and vital to farming as tractors are today,” said McFeetors.
The McFeetors Heavy Horse Centre will open to the public Aug. 28 at 9 a.m. when Zoo gates open. The Assiniboine Park Zoo is open daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
For more information and plan your visit, go to www.assiniboineparkzoo.ca