Photos & video: A visit to the Bloedel Conservatory

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      As the Bloedel Conservatory celebrates its 40th birthday today (December 6), the future of the domed facility in Vancouver's Queen Elizabeth Park remains in doubt.

      On November 25, four Vision Vancouver park board commissioners voted to shut down the conservatory and the Stanley Park petting zoo.

      Friends of the Bloedel is calling for a protest in front of City Hall on Wednesday (December 9) at 5:30 p.m., ahead of the city council meeting at 6:30 p.m.

      On December 18, council will finalize the city's 2010 operating budget, thereby sealing the fate of the conservatory.

      Yesterday (December 5), the Straight visited the conservatory and took in the tropical plants and birds housed beneath its triodetic dome.

      Photos and video by Stephen Hui


      A walk around the Bloedel Conservatory.


      Imperial pigeon.


      Looking up at the triodetic dome.


      Pair of birds.


      Another look at the dome.


      Amazon parrot.


      Brightly coloured bird.


      Another striking bird.


      Bird bath.


      Congo African grey parrot.

      You can follow Stephen Hui on Twitter at twitter.com/stephenhui.

      Comments

      7 Comments

      anotherbird

      Dec 6, 2009 at 5:27pm

      sorry to note that but I love your pictures "another bird" "another colored bird". priceless!

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      ct

      Dec 6, 2009 at 10:46pm

      Thanks for capturing some of the beauty of this place. I wonder if the four park board members had ever visited here.

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      Pat

      Dec 7, 2009 at 11:49am

      If you love the Bloedel Conservatory, remember the names Constance Barnes, Aaron Jasper, Sarah Blyth, and Raj Hundal in a couple of years when they are running for re-election for the Vancouver Parks Board and asking for your vote. Give them the boot!

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      Heather McGhie

      Dec 8, 2009 at 12:14am

      I have written letters to the Parks Board, and the City of Vancouver; but have been unable to find an online petition. I think that it is an outrage that the board is voting to close one of the "Jewels" in Vancouvers crown. It is a SHAME to close such a beautiful location, where there are such amazing animals and trees for all to experience.

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      Stephanie L

      Dec 8, 2009 at 1:39am

      Those morons obviously don't know the importance of having a place like this. It is the only one in western canada, and possibly the whole country. It is amazing and beautiful and it's a home to many birds who are going to be caged up when it closes. I know that Calgary (where I live) would kill to have a place like this for people to learn and visit. It is unfortunate that these people don't realise they are closing down a landmark and a place that many will remember. They obviously don't care about preserving the species of plants and animals that can't flourish anywhere else. I signed the petition and will do what I can....

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      Allan Taylor

      Dec 16, 2009 at 4:07am

      You will find another set of images, inside and out for the Conservatory at www.greatervancouverparks.com (not afiliated with the GVRD).

      No way they should have the right to mess with gifts to the citizens of Vancouver.

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