[6] This facility also promotes animal conservation through its participation in the Species Survival Plan,[7] an international effort led by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association which aims to restore endangered animal populations to the wild, for a variety of species.

Phase one includes an immersive exhibit for the zoo's red panda as well as the year-round Urban Farm, home to numerous domestic species.

In addition to the animal enclosures the Urban Farm has a restaurant, washrooms, and ice cream stand.

[9] The Saito Centre is named after the zoo's former veterinarian who died shortly before construction of the building.

Originally designed as a winter holding building, it now houses all the zoo's fragile animals.

It is also home to the reptile and nocturnal wing, froggery (over ten species of amphibians), and many of the zoo's smaller animals.

The Back Paddocks are home to the zoos larger hoof stock and include Bactrian camel, reindeers, and a Sichuan takin group.

Groups like Zoocheck have said that Lucy exhibits psychological health issues, including lethargy and abnormal stereotypical behaviours.

[12] The Edmonton Valley Zoo argues that moving Lucy would be detrimental to her health, disclosing a known respiratory issue that is purportedly exacerbated by stress.

[13] Retired game show host and animal rights activist Bob Barker also advocated for Lucy's transfer.

[16] In response to hidden camera video footage of the mistreatment of elephants being kept in zoos and safari business in Canada and the United States, Edmonton Valley Zoo released a brief on the Canadian Senate page for Bill S-15," An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act," after the footage showed how they were disciplined with hooks.