Grieving ‘Akio’
We're heartbroken to share that last month, we made the compassionate decision to euthanize our 15-year-old male gentoo penguin ‘Akio’, following a rapid decline in his health. In 2013, Akio showed clinical…
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Bite-Sized
Powering Up Conservation with SkyFire Energy
February 09, 2026 | 1 minute read
We’re powering up conservation – with the sun!
If you’ve visited the zoo recently, you may have noticed some shiny new additions to Safari Lodge and Kitamba Cafe – solar panels! We’re thrilled to have completed our second rooftop photovoltaic (PV) solar installation as part of our sustainability journey in partnership with our friends at SkyFire Energy.
Why solar? As a conservation organization, taking action against climate change is core to our mission. Calgary is Canada’s sunniest major city, making rooftop solar a highly effective way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while also lowering long-term energy costs. We’re proud to support renewable energy initiatives here at the zoo in a way that makes sustainability visible and supports education and awareness.
The team at SkyFire Energy worked closely with our Facilities Project Management team to deliver high-quality, efficient installations tailored to each building. Over the next 30 years, these 200 solar panels prevent approximately 993 tonnes of CO₂ emissions and have an environmental impact equivalent to planting 43,710 trees!
On your next visit, be sure to look up and take a moment to see how sunlight can turn into a brighter future!