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The story of the Greater Vancouver Zoo began in the late 1960's when world traveler and businessman, Pat Hines, purchased 120 acres of land in Aldergrove, British Columbia. It was ideal for the realization of his dream to create a game farm. At first registered as the World Wide Game Farm Ltd. it became known as the Vancouver Game Farm, which had its official opening on August 20th, 1970.
Pat Hines and his wife Ann operated the Game Farm with family members and employees. When their daughter Eleanor married Hugh Oakes, the young couple took over the management of the facility until it was sold to new owners in 1991. The story of the Greater Vancouver Game Farm is told in Pat Hines book "From Rabbits to Rhinos, Gophers to Gnus" published by Rima Books (Okanagan Falls, BC).
Under new management, the Game Farm benefited from many changes including a new name. Reflecting the public's changing expectations of Zoos, the Vancouver Game Farm became known as the Greater Vancouver Zoological Centre. Many improvements took place during this time period with new animal enclosures, interpretive miniature train rides, a picnic park with covered gazebos & BBQ's, expanded landscaping, a remodeled entrance, more parking spaces, interpretive and educational programs and activities. In 1999 the name of the Greater Vancouver Zoological Centre was changed to the Greater Vancouver Zoo,