Waterloo Park Wildlife Display (c.1970). Click the photo for more details.

The zoo was designed as a 1967 Centennial project, but planning began in 1964.⁵⁹ The funding of around $40,000 was provided by the Lions Club. During the construction of the Waterloo Park Wildlife Display there was criticism from some of the aldermen because of the chosen site for the zoo, due to its proximity to the children’s play areas and the potential for foul odours.⁶⁰ However, after a pleasant trip to a European zoo, the Waterloo Chronicle reports that Ald. Ron Buddell was convinced of the Wildlife Display’s value.⁶¹

Flamingos in Waterloo Park Wildlife Display (c.1975). Click the photo for more details.

Seven deer were the first residents of the zoo, arriving in Fall of 1964.⁶² More animals were added to the display, such as elk, fawns and other more exotic animals. In May 1967, the display was completed. There was a rumour that the Lions Club was bringing in a live lion for the opening, but no such lion was reported.⁶³ The zoo had a variety of enclosures, landscaping and a fountain.

Waterloo Chronicle, November 21, 1979. Click for full article.

Over the years there was trouble with the upkeep of the zoo. In Nov. 1979, someone let the wolves out of their pen, and two deer escaped.⁶⁴ The following year, city council voted to reduce the number of animal enclosures and introduce farm animals into the zoo.⁶⁵ The zoo is now known as the Eby Farmstead, and as of 2018, had five enclosures filled with miniature horses, donkeys, alpacas, peacocks, chickens, pot-bellied pigs, pygmy goats and sheep.⁶⁶

Boy feeding rabbits at Wildlife Display (1970). Click the photo for more details.