Adjusted Hours and Impacts

Early Zoo Closure: Last entry to the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo will be at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, June 5th, to accommodate set up for our Zoo Brew (18+) event. Last entry to Destination Africa will be at 3:30 p.m. and the zone will be closed by 4:30 p.m. The remainder of zoo grounds will be cleared by 5:30 p.m. Thank you for your understanding.

North American Porcupine: Our female North American porcupine ‘Nettles’ is temporarily not viewable during routine habitat maintenance. Thank you for your understanding.

Jihad Shibley Rocky Mountain Aviary: The Jihad Shibley Rocky Mountain Aviary is temporarily closed. Thank you for your understanding.

Avian Influenza Protocols: The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza within 200 kilometres of the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo.

The health and well-being of the animals in our care remains our top priority. Out of an abundance of caution, we’re proactively implementing the following measures to protect our avian species:

Penguin Plunge and the Rainforest Aviary have foot baths at entrances for guests to use
The Jihad Shibley Rocky Mountain Aviary is closed until further notice
Birds will continue to have outdoor access where appropriate and weather permitting

Our dedicated Animal Care, Health & Welfare team will continue to monitor the situation and prioritize the health and well-being of the animals in our care. Thank you for your understanding and continued support as we work to keep the animals we all care about safe.

Animal Viewing Impacts:

PETRONAS Gateway to Asia Malayan Tapir Viewing: ‘Sempurna’ and her female calf ‘Nyawa’ have daily access to either the main indoor habitat or the outdoor habitat from 9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. They’ll also have access to their behind-the-scenes space and may choose to spend time there, so viewing isn’t always guaranteed. Thank you for your understanding.

Exploration Asia
The Exploration Asia Redevelopment project is officially underway! While there are some viewing impacts in the area, you can still visit many of your favourite species.

Species Viewable: Bactrian camels, Komodo dragons, white-handed gibbons, Malayan tapirs, red-crowned cranes, Turkmenian markhors, Amur tigers, and Pallas’s cats.
Species Not Viewable: Snow leopards and red pandas have been relocated during construction, but don’t worry – these beloved species will be back in 2026.

West Gate Closure

Due to significant construction activities in and around Exploration Asia, the zoo’s West Gate will remain closed for the 2025 season and is expected to remain closed until at least 2028/2029. This necessary step supports the safe movement of visitors while we undertake exciting improvements to animal habitats and visitor experiences.

Bite-Sized

Farewell to ‘Norman’

February 29, 2024 | 1 minute read

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of our 17-year-old geriatric peacock, ‘Norman’.

At 17, Norman was considered geriatric for his species. He had been receiving supportive care and treatment for advanced degenerative changes in his spine and legs. Earlier this month, our Animal Care, Health & Welfare team made the compassionate decision to euthanize him as he was no longer responding to these treatments.

Norman hatched right here at the zoo in spring of 2006 and spent his whole life with us. Anyone who has visited our grounds during the spring and summer months will know that our free-roaming peafowl each have an area of the zoo that they seem to prefer to frequent. Identifiable by his purple leg band, Norman was known to roam the beautiful green spaces around the Chilean flamingo habitat and the nearby gorilla amphitheatre.

Saying goodbye is never easy, especially when it’s to those who have grown old with us. Norman was loved by many and will be dearly missed. Please keep our Animal Care, Health & Welfare team in your thoughts during this difficult time.

Farewell to ‘Norman’

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