In a world of shifting enterprises and quick-change business assets, reaching a 40-year milestone is a significant accomplishment. It's even more significant when the public's perception of the type of business being conducted has changed dramatically - and not necessarily in a psitive way - over those four decades.

Of course, shifting public perception over the treatment of animals - and particularly "wild" animals in captivity - hasn't been the only hurdle that the Greater Vancouver Zoo has had to overcome to reach its 40th anniversary as one of Langley's, and certainly Aldergrove's, pre-eminent tourist attractions.

There have been controversies to fuel the flames of public perception - eagerly fanned by animal rights activists - particularly in the zoo's more recent history.

There was the matter of a suitable enclosure for Hazina the Hippo, a project that seemed to go on interminably, until charges were laid - and then dropped at about the time it became clear that the ever-stretching timeline collapsed and the fine, new facilities came into being.

There was longtime favourite Tina the Elephant's deteriorating condition, finally relieved by her removal to a more suitable facility in the United States - but too late, as she died not long after her arrival there.

There were positive points, too, like the zoo's involvement in saving endangered species like the Oregon spotted frog.

The zoo's tourism dollars boost the local economy, and there is no denying some educational - alongside the entertainment - value for children (of all ages) to see live wild animals up close, even if wild behaviour may not come with package for many species kept in captivity.

For some activists it has been 40 years too long... but as long as thousands continue to flock to the zoo, and as long as watchful eyes ensure that the animals are treated well, it will remain a significant part of the local business community.