Asian Highlands Opens, Unveiling the Himalayas In the Heart of the City

15 JULY 2026 (Calgary, AB) – The Wilder Institute’s Calgary Zoo has officially opened Asian Highlands, the first chapter of Imagine Asia, with three newly created habitats welcoming the return of snow leopards and red pandas alongside Sichuan takin, a species making its Calgary debut.

Inspired by the Eastern Himalayas, Asian Highlands invites guests to explore one of the world’s most biodiverse mountain regions through immersive habitats, interactive discovery, and conservation storytelling. Together, snow leopards, red pandas, and Sichuan takin represent different elevations of the Himalayan ecosystem.

“Asian Highlands marks an exciting milestone for the Wilder Institute’s Calgary Zoo,” said Dr. Kyle Burks, President and CEO. “As the first phase of a broader journey to reimagine our connection to Asia’s wildlife and landscapes, it brings together exceptional animal care, conservation storytelling, and meaningful opportunities for guests to learn and engage.”

Each habitat has been carefully designed to support animal welfare while reflecting the natural environments these species depend on. The new, larger spaces provide greater complexity, choice, and opportunities for guests to observe the species’ natural behaviours. Transformations like this are made possible through the support of valued donors, funders, and government partners.

Snow leopards will explore two interconnected habitats within ‘Kingdon Snow Leopard Ridge’, made possible through a generous gift from David Kingdon. This contribution has helped create an expanded space for the species, while new viewing areas offer guests closer connections to these elusive cats.

“We are deeply honoured to support Kingdon Snow Leopard Ridge and to see this space come to life,” said David Kingdon. “Snow leopards are a species we care deeply about, and we hope this habitat inspires others to share in that commitment to their future.”

In the subalpine meadows below, Sichuan takin may be seen exploring the ‘Nicholls Family Himalayan Slopes’, made possible through the philanthropic support of the Nicholls family. Their generous gift has helped shape a spacious habitat inspired by the takin’s native mountain environments.

“For nearly 100 years, the zoo has been a place where generations of families have created lasting memories while discovering wildlife from around the world,” said Greig and Brenda Nicholls. “Through its work as a global conservation charity and accredited zoo, the Wilder Institute’s Calgary Zoo helps position Calgary as a leader in animal care, conservation, and education. We’re proud to support the zoo and hope the new takin habitat continues this tradition, inspiring wonder, learning, and a deeper appreciation for wildlife for generations to come.”

Completing the Himalayan elevation story, red pandas return to the zoo, moving through expanded climbing spaces and across overhead logs.

The development of Asian Highlands also includes funding from the Government of Alberta through the Local Government Fiscal Framework (LGFF), which helps enable major community infrastructure and public space projects such as this one, as well as support from the City of Calgary.

“Spaces like the Wilder Institute’s Calgary Zoo are where families come together, where children discover a love of wildlife, and where communities connect,” said Dan Williams, Alberta Minister of Municipal Affairs. “Through Municipal Affairs’ $4 million investment, our government is proud to help create vibrant, family-friendly destinations like Asian Highlands that will inspire Albertans and visitors alike for generations to come ­—- who doesn’t love the zoo!”

As the first phase of a larger transformation of Imagine Asia, Asian Highlands forms the foundation of a broader vision that will continue to evolve in the years ahead.

Asian Highlands opens to members at 9:30 a.m. and to the public at 12:30 p.m. today. The experience is included with daily admission and memberships. Learn more at calgaryzoo.com.

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For media inquiries contact: 

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.