We’re welcoming Calgarians to celebrate World Gorilla Day with us the weekend of September 23-24, 2017! Working with Global Electric Electronic Processing or GEEP, the zoo is hosting a FREE two-day drop off event to collect unused electronics.
Gorillas
Gorilla Update- the troop adjusts to new changes
It has been an eventful year for our Calgary Western lowland gorilla troop- full of highs and lows for our keepers and our zoo family.
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NATIONAL ZOO KEEPER WEEK – SHANNON COLLARD
It’s National Zoo Keeper Week and we’re sharing the love! To recognize the dedication and hard work of our amazing zookeepers, we are posting an interview of a keeper each day this week- and this year there’s video! Zookeeper Shannon goes ape for all things gorilla, as their intelligence is both a challenge and a thrill when caring for the species.
Meet the zookeeper: Shannon Collard
NATIONAL ZOOKEEPER WEEK- JENNIFER GODWIN
It’s National Zoo Keeper Week and we’re sharing the love! To recognize the dedication and hard work of our amazing zookeepers, we are posting an interview of a keeper each day this week- and this year there’s video! This individual brought her passion for wildlife conservation to the Calgary Zoo, where her hands-on experience leads to great stories.
Meet the zookeeper: Jennifer Godwin
Gorilla Update- Baby has a name (and more)
Lead photo credit: Shannon Collard
A lot has happened recently at the Calgary Zoo- so it’s time for a gorilla update!
It’s been an eventful few months for our gorilla troop. We welcomed new life, with the first gorilla baby born in eight years, and said goodbye to a long-term leader, as silverback Kakinga passed away of age-related heart complications. Older female Zuri required an emergency surgery to treat a severe abdominal infection.
Passing of a Patriarch
We are deeply saddened to share that silverback gorilla, Kakinga, passed away Saturday night at the age of 37. Often called the zoo’s gentle giant, Kakinga was an exceptional silverback; a kind, loving, protective and diligent leader.
International singer Kiesza raises her voice for gorillas
When it comes to her passion for gorillas, Kiesza doesn’t hideaway.
As soon as the international pop sensation heard about a new baby gorilla in her hometown, she immediately thought about how she could lend her voice and support to protect these endangered species.
The countdown begins… baby gorilla on the way!
We’re nearing the end of Kioja’s term of pregnancy, which means that our animal care team is starting to keep an extra close watch on our favourite expecting gorilla. Kioja’s due date is estimated to be in late February or early March, but like mothers of the human variety, it is possible for the baby to arrive early, or to arrive fashionably late.
We’ve mentioned troop dynamics, the importance of this gorilla baby to the Species Survival Plan (SSP), and the potential outcomes for the birth of this western lowland gorilla, but we’ve have yet to talk about a question on everyone’s mind- what does the road to birth look like for a gorilla? Much like when a human is expecting a child, there are certain behaviors that are typical in a pregnancy to watch out for.
We’re blushing…with love for our animals! Get the scoop on zoo things to do during the long weekend
As the Family Day long weekend approaches and parents are looking for quality time with their children, a trip to the Calgary Zoo can be just the right idea! If Valentine celebrations are your thing, remember that courtship, mating and reproduction are at the heart of the zoo’s conservation efforts here at home and around the world. With love on the brain, these amorous aspects will be shared during a Valentine’s weekend of enrichment for the zoo’s animals.
Incoming…preparing for a new gorilla in the group!
When people have children, new moms and dads rely on classes, experience of others and the numerous how-to books made available. Welcoming a new gorilla baby to the zoo is much the same thing when there is no other ‘mom’ that can lend her know-how. Getting ready is is hard work!
