The source is a copper mine, but B.C. Wildlife Park struck gold Wednesday with the largest private donation in its history.

The zoo announced that Teck Cominco Ltd., operator of Highland Valley Copper, will contribute $500,000 to its ambitious fundraising campaign.

"It's an exceptional day in the history of the park," said Mary Ann Milobar, president of the society that operates the park. The money will go toward the park's next two projects: a bear and otter exhibit, what Milobar calls "our signature exhibit," as well as an animal rehabilitation area. "It's also a gift to the thousands of regular citizens who use the park every year."

The Teck Cominco pledge puts the park three-quarters of the way through a $10-million campaign started five years ago. Milobar said long-term plans are to raise as much as $3 million more for general park improvements.

The announcement was made at the newly constructed amphitheatre where popular raptor shows are held daily. The outdoor facility will now be dubbed the Highland Valley Amphitheatre.

Mine president Wolf Nickel said Teck Cominco has traditionally focused giving on Royal Inland Hospital, B.C. Children's Hospital and the United Way.

Teck Cominco targets its donations near communities in B.C. where it operates, including Logan Lake, Kamloops and Trail. Earlier this year, it provided $75,000 for a trail system at Logan Lake.

"This (wildlife park donation) is something Teck Cominco decided to do. Their total donations are in the millions," Nickel said.

"We're very happy to see this. We've been working on our owners, the decision-makers, for this kind of funding."

The mine announced earlier this year it expects to operate until 2019, something Nickel said has caused "a buzz" among workers.

That extension is driven by copper prices that are three or four times higher than seven years ago.

"With higher commodity prices many companies are doing well and if you're going to be able to do this sort of thing, it's going to be today."

While much of the project funding has come from local, provincial and federal taxpayers, corporate donations are increasing.

Last year TD Bank pledged $300,000 for a nature exchange exhibit.

Milobar said that donation and Teck Cominco's half-million show confidence in the B.C. Wildlife Park's future.

"This can bring in other levels of government and private donations."

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© 2007 The Daily News (Kamloops)