Winnipeg couple donates $500K to zoo

Big bucks for the big cats at Assiniboine Park Zoo.

James Cohen and Linda McGarva-Cohen have donated $500,000 to expand the Amur tiger exhibit.

"Linda and I have always had an affinity and love for animals and the opportunity to participate in building a larger, more spacious exhibit for these beautiful Amur tigers appealed to us immediately," said James Cohen in a news release."We were also thrilled to know this will allow for the Zoo to build on its breeding plan for this very rare species."

Zoo officials said the money will go towards building a new habitat for tigers and lions, and it will also help the zoo continue its breeding program for Amur tigers.

"We cant thank James and Linda enough for their generous support of one of our key exhibits," Margaret Redmond, President & CEO of the Assiniboine Park Conservancy, said in a news release."This gift will play a huge part in creating a new habitat for tigers and lions at the Zoo and will have a significant impact on our ability to continue with our breeding program for this endangered species."

Construction begins this month and should be complete late this fall.