Imagine Asia will have a delayed opening time on Wednesday, July 15. Members will have exclusive access from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. General public access begins at 12:30 p.m. We can’t wait to see you there!
African Rainforest Building: Habitat maintenance and mulch work will impact animal viewing in the Africain Rainforest Building:
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.
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.
Announcements
2 JULY 2026 (Calgary, AB) – The Wilder Institute’s Calgary Zoo has some very welcome news — three red panda cubs were born behind the scenes on June 8, 2026, to seven-year-old mom (dam) Udaya.
The tiny trio have not yet been sexed, but are doing well and are under the close care of their attentive mom, alongside the Animal Care, Health & Welfare team. Udaya and her cubs will remain off habitat while the cubs continue to grow and reach key developmental milestones.
“Three red panda cubs is a really exciting moment for our team,” said Patrick Thompson, Animal Care Manager (Asia/South America) at the Wilder Institute’s Calgary Zoo. “Udaya is an experienced, attentive mother. It’s been great to see her caring for and bonding with her cubs. She knows exactly what to do, and all of them are doing well, although it is still early days.”
This is the third litter for Udaya and Linus (8 years old), a well-established pair who previously welcomed cubs in 2022 and 2023. The successful birth of the cubs reflects positive animal welfare and wellbeing outcomes for the red panda family, who have been housed behind the scenes since last year during construction of their habitat. During this time, they have experienced changes in environment and routine while continuing to demonstrate stable health and normal behavioural patterns under the care of the ACHW team. Maintaining conditions that support adaptation, comfort, and the consistent expression of natural behaviours, including successful breeding, reflects the strength of their care program and daily husbandry practices.
“Moments like this are always rewarding for the team,” continued Thompson. “Every successful birth reflects the strong foundation of animal welfare and wellbeing we aim to provide through husbandry, enrichment, and daily care practices. Supporting animals across all life stages, including pregnancy and birth, is a key part of our work.”
While guests will not see the cubs right away, they will be able to visit Linus, and the cubs’ big brother, Anshu (3 years old), on habitat when Asian Highlands opens later this month.
“Their new home in Asian Highlands has been designed to reflect how red pandas naturally live in the wild, with complex climbing structures, elevated pathways, and a more natural forested environment,” said Thompson. “Features like overhead transfer logs will allow them to move through different areas of their habitat in ways that align with their arboreal behaviour. We’re looking forward to seeing Linus and Anshu explore these spaces when the habitat opens, and introducing Udaya and the cubs when they are ready for that next step.”
Red pandas are classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and are native to the mountain forests of Asia, where they are known for their climbing ability, distinctive colouring, and preference for bamboo.
Visit Linus and Anshu when Imagine Asia’s Asian Highlands opens on July 15, 2026. Learn more at calgaryzoo.com.
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Media Contact Information:
Cindy Antonello
Senior Manager, Communications
403-232-7766 | mediarelations@calgaryzoo.com
About Your Wilder Institute’s Calgary Zoo
The Wilder Institute’s Calgary Zoo is a 125-acre wildlife park in Calgary, Alberta. Founded in 1929, it is Canada’s most visited zoo and is home to more than 4,000 animals representing over 100 species. Led by the Wilder Institute, the zoo advances exceptional animal care, wildlife conservation, and public engagement, creating meaningful experiences that inspire people to care for and protect the natural world. Learn more at WilderInstitute.org and CalgaryZoo.com.
