Who We Are

Founded in 1929, the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is Canada’s most visited zoo and a cherished family destination for locals and visitors alike. Situated on 125 acres in the heart of Calgary, Alberta, we are a leading international authority in wildlife conservation, committed to fighting the extinction of plants and animals across the globe. 

With nearly a century of experience, we’ve grown not only in size but in purpose. This year, we take our boldest step forward yet—committed to enhancing visitor experiences, providing exceptional care, and driving meaningful strides in conservation. At the heart of our journey is a renewed vision that reflects the urgency of our work and our belief in the power of collective action. 

In 2021, we launched the Wilder Institute to build on our legacy and redefine what it means to be a conservation organization. This evolution allowed us to deepen our commitment to research-driven, collaborative conservation that engages local communities and governments, influences policy, and advances global conservation practices.  

Today, as the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, we continue to inspire visitors, educate generations, and lead innovative conservation efforts that extend beyond our gates, our province, and our country. Welcoming over 1.5 million visitors annually, we take pride in using each visit to deepen understanding and inspire action for the natural world. As an internationally accredited zoo, we are renowned for our world-class animal care and habitat design practices, ensuring the highest standards for the species in our care.  

Our New Vision

A future where people and wildlife thrive, together. 

This vision reflects our belief that, through connection, collaboration, and action, both people and wildlife can prosper. It shapes everything we do—from the exceptional animal care we provide, to the impactful conservation projects we lead and support, to the engaging visitor experiences we offer. We bring visitors closer to wildlife, sparking action to protect species for future generations. 

Our New Purpose

We act for wildlife; saving species and inspiring people to join us.

Every animal we care for, every community we engage with, every conservation effort we undertake, starts with you. Every visitor we inspire helps build a global movement for conservation. Together, we are shaping a new future for wildlife and people by combining the tools, resources, and expertise needed to make a lasting impact. 

Our Purpose in Action

This is more than a plan—it’s a call to action. It’s a movement built on four key pillars: 

• We are Wildlife Conservationists—dedicated to safeguarding the planet’s future, one species at a time. With every step, we deepen our impact through our conservation work across Canada and beyond. 

• We are Social Mobilizers—rallying our community to take meaningful action for wildlife and driving a solution-focused movement for the benefit of nature and people. 

• We are Champions For The Wellbeing Of Wild Animals—advocating for the highest standards of care and welfare for animals everywhere, ensuring that every animal’s life is as vibrant and enriching with us as the wild places they call home. 

• We are Community Builders—strengthening connections between people, nature, and each other. Every visitor, volunteer, and staff member plays a vital role in shaping the future of wildlife conservation. Together, we’ve built a foundation that empowers us to stand stronger for wildlife and wild places. 

Forward, Together

The need to protect wildlife and restore biodiversity has never been greater. But to safeguard the world’s most endangered species, conservation efforts must evolve. The question before us is simple yet profound: will we watch, or will we act? 

Few of us will have the opportunity to alter the course of history on our own. But together, we have the power to make a difference. There will be wildlife, wild places, and thriving communities in our future. 

Join us on this journey because conservation doesn’t end with us—it begins with YOU! 

Land Acknowledgement

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is situated near where the Bow and Elbow Rivers meet, a site known as Moh’kins’tsis to the Blackfoot, Wîchîspa to the Îethka Nakoda, and Guts’ists’i to the Tsuut’ina. In the spirit of respect and reconciliation, we acknowledge these lands are the ancestral and traditional territory of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Piikani, and Kainai First Nations), who were later joined by their Treaty Seven co-signatories, the Îethka Nakoda Wîcastabi First Nations (Bearspaw, Chiniki, and Goodstoney First Nations), the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and later, the Métis (represented today by the Northwest Métis Government—Nose Hill Métis District 5 and Elbow Métis District 6), and all who call Calgary home.

We recognize the sacred responsibility entrusted to us as caretakers of wildlife and wild places. We are grateful to the Indigenous peoples who have co-existed with wildlife and wild places for generations and who have shared their traditional knowledge and ecological practices. These teachings guide our efforts to conserve the natural world. We are committed to working together with Indigenous communities around Kipitakii (Old Woman) in peace, respect, and unity.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo strives to cultivate a workplace in which everyone feels welcome and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. As a conservation organization, we respect and value the diversity of all life and come together as individuals and teammates to achieve the zoo’s mission and vision. We recognize the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and work to advance our culture to ensure diverse viewpoints are heard and everyone has an equitable chance to succeed and thrive.

Sustainability

Caring for the world’s biodiversity cannot be done without caring for the planet through sustainable practices. At the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, we have been certified by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) as following Green Practices, which is comprised by chemical management, construction, energy, fuel, purchasing, waste, water, as well as awareness and advocacy. Our sustainable practices can be seen throughout the zoo, from the elimination of single-use plastics to the presence of recycling and composting. Our Green Team is working to make our business operations more efficient and decrease our carbon footprint with potable water reduction, LEED Gold Standard Buildings, and sourcing ocean-wise fish, Fair Trade certified textiles, and achieving Bee City certification. We believe that it is through many different small actions, as well as large changes to infrastructure and policy, that we can eventually become a carbon neutral organization and make the world a wilder place.