History
It all started in 1933…
Riverview Park & Zoo began in 1933 with Ross Dobbin. Ross Dobbin was the General Manager of the Peterborough Utilities Commission (PUC). He was given two alligators during an American Water Works Association conference in Florida.
Over the next 30 years, orphaned and injured animals were donated and Riverview Park & Zoo was created. The facility grew in popularity within the community turning it into what it is today.
Since the late 1960s, the PUC has assumed full responsibility of operations to provide a modest base funding, allowing us to remain free to the public every day. We are now the only free Canada Accredited Zoo and Aquarium (CAZA) facility in Canada and feature over 40 animal species.
Looking at Riverview Park & Zoo over 85+ years
1933 |
|
Ross Dobbin receives two baby alligators as a gift from another participant at the American Water Works Association. They were kept in the old pump house. |
1935 |
|
Alligators were put on display in the summer months. Small zoo is created. |
1937-1947 |
|
Bear, swans, deer and “BoBo” the Rhodesian monkey are donated and added to the small zoo collection. |
1968 |
|
Provincial bylaw permits Peterborough Utilities Commission to operate the Park and Zoo utilizing up to 9% of water utility revenue. |
1970s |
|
Facility is officially named Riverview Park and Zoo. |
1971 |
|
Royal Canadian Air Force Sabre Jet memorial officially established on grounds. |
1973 |
|
Original Totem Pole donated to the Peterborough Utilities by Whetung Ojibwa Crafts carved by Norman Knott of Curve Lake. |
1974 |
|
Train ride constructed and opened to the public with support from James Hamilton Estate. |
1982 |
|
Cat building and exhibit constructed. |
1980s |
|
Sir Sanford Fleming College carpentry class construct animal hospital, barn silo and event gazebo. |
1985 |
|
Zoo is awarded first accreditation as a member of Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums. The 50th anniversary celebration. |
1995 |
|
Ornamental fountain constructed with funding support donated by local businesses. |
1998 |
|
New primate building constructed. |
2000 |
|
Xeriscape garden created. |
2001-2002 |
|
Riverbank restoration project completed. |
2001-2005 |
|
Kawartha Turtle Trauma Centre is created and housed at the old pump house. |
2002 |
|
Old duck pond removed. First annual Peterborough Children's Water Festival held at the Riverview Park and Zoo. |
2006 |
|
Old pump house renamed “Ross L. Dobbin Building” in honour of the founder of Riverview Park and Zoo. Island named McBride Island in memory of Stan McBride, past commissioner and Riverview Park and Zoo advisory committee member. |
2007 |
|
New otter exhibit constructed and opened. Funding by donation reserve fund and Ray James. New splash pad opened funded by Ray James. Zoo perimeter fence completed. |
2009 |
|
Education programs begin. Sabre jet refurbishment project. Playground major replacement project. |
2012 |
|
On site Zoo Animal Health Care Centre was constructed and opened. |
2013 |
|
Construction of the Rotary Education Centre and guest services building made possible by Rotarian Clarence “Pug” Puglsy estate and the Peterborough Rotary Club. |
2016 |
|
New totem pole erected hand crafted by local artist Jody Paudash of Hiawatha First Nation to commemorate the original totem pole. |
2017 |
|
Wheelchair accessible swing constructed in playground made possible only by community sponsorship and donations championed by James Todd and his family. |
2019 |
|
Meerkat indoor exhibit updated made possible by 2019 fun run donations. Cat exhibit update. |
