The new Amphitheatre has an area of approximately 24,000 sq.ft. (2400 sq.m.) including seating for 600 people. The unique stage was built by Arcon Rock and Waterscapes Inc of Vancouver, who imitate rock outcroppings using sculpted concrete, which is painted and treated to resemble real rock. Pronto Enterprises Ltd. and Dalgleish Construction Ltd., both of Kamloops, did an excellent job in the construction.

The value of the Amphitheatre exceeds $700,000. Funding for the Amphitheatre was made possible by Olympic Paralympic Live Sites ($333,000) and the City of Kamloops ($198,000). Also, two Job Creation Grants from Services Canada provided funding for work crews for the Amphitheatre Project valued at approximately $80,000.

A highlight of the ceremony was an announcement by Tolko Industries Ltd. of a gift of $90,000 towards the New Vision of the BC Wildlife Park. “We are thrilled to be a part of this exciting new facility and partner with the BC Wildlife Park as they create a showcase for tourists and local residents to learn more about British Columbia’s ecosystems, wildlife and sustainable forest practices” says Randy Chan, Tolko’s Vice President and General Manager Environment and Forestry.

The British Columbia Wildlife Park is hosting the 10-week BC Falconry Festival from July 1 to September 4, 2006. Guided by the Park’s mission — ‘The BC Wildlife Park connects people to BC’s wildlife and wild places in order to encourage a sustainable society in a healthy natural environment’ — the festival will feature BC Birds of Prey and emphasize their tremendous natural abilities and behaviours, in the context of conservation education messaging.

The spectacular speed and agility of the falcons will be demonstrated by Lure-flying where falcons swoop and dive for a lure. The speed of the Peregrine Falcon will be demonstrated with a radar gun. The Peregrine Falcon is the fastest predator on earth and has been clocked in dives exceeding 250 km/hour.

The BC Falconry Festival will feature species found in BC including: Bald Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Red-tailed Hawk, Swainsons Hawk, Kestral, Turkey Vulture, Great Horned Owl and Barn Owl.

Birds of Prey are meat-eating birds that catch food with their talons. They have a position near the top of the food chain, meaning that they are predators and not many species prey on them. This also means that they are susceptible to environmental pollutants. When there is a large population of healthy Birds of Prey, it means the environment is healthy and stable. If Birds of Prey start disappearing, it’s an indication that our natural environment is in trouble. Therefore, they are good indicators of environmental health.

People that have the opportunity to see the BC Falconry Festival will be captivated by the beauty and thrilling natural abilities of the peregrine falcon and other Birds of Prey. “Our goal is that visitors will gain a new appreciation for these magnificent animals and make a personal commitment to sustainable living and a healthy natural environment” said Rob Purdy, General Manager.

Park visitors can participate in these educational and exciting demonstrations three times each day at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm. The ½ hour demonstrations of free flying Birds of Prey will be followed by a question/answer period to allow visitors to learn more about these important species.

For the benefit of our environment and for future generations, we welcome your support of the Discover Our Nature — 40th Anniversary Capital Campaign — To learn how you can help visit our website at www.BCzoo.org. or contact the BC Wildlife Park Development Office at (250) 573-3242. The BC Wildlife Park is open every day from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm with extended hours until 6:00 pm for June, July, August and September. Annual Passes are a great bargain as less than two visits pays for the cost.

For more information, please contact Rob Purdy, General Manager, BC Wildlife Park, at (250) 573.3242 or email rpurdy@bczoo.org, or Ms. Lee Morris, CEO, Tourism Kamloops, at (250) 372.8000 or lee@tourismkamloops.com.