Temporary Closure: Jihad Shibley Rocky Mountain Aviary

The Jihad Shibley Rocky Mountain Aviary is presently closed.

Why the closure? It’s nesting season for our owls! Our great grey owls, especially the younger members of our parliament, can become protective of their nests and territory during this time.

To support their natural behaviors and prioritize safety for both our birds and visitors, we’re taking a proactive step by temporarily closing the habitat. Thank you for your understanding.

Early Zone Closure, Wild Canada (see post for dates)

Wild Canada will close early on the following dates to accommodate set up for the Wild After Hours: Polar Bears event (18+). The last entry to the zone will be 4:00 p.m.

  • Friday, March 15
  • Saturday, April 6
  • Friday, April 12
  • Saturday, April 27
  • Friday, May 3

Building Closure, Penguin Plunge: February 20 to May 16

Penguin Plunge (indoor) will be closed from February 20 through to May 16, 2024, while we complete upgrades to the building’s mechanical system to ensure it is in tip-top shape for the four species that call it home. Penguins will be viewable outdoors only (weather permitting). Thank you for your understanding.

Gorilla

Species Survival Plan (SSP) Program

As an accredited zoo, we take part in Species Survival Plans (SSPs) to help maintain the genetic diversity of many threatened and endangered species to ensure they are protected for generations to come.

Care & Conservation

What is an Species Survival Plan (SSP)?

Species Survival Plans, or SSPs, are strategic programs designed to manage and conserve endangered or threatened species in zoos and aquariums. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) cooperatively manages nearly 300 SSP Programs. 

Expert zoo advisors work together in order to maximize genetic diversity, appropriately manage the demographic distribution and long-term sustainability of threatened and endangered species. This international population and conservation management program operates through SSP Breeding and Transfer Plans, which recommend breeding pairs and transfers between AZA member institutions.  

The goal of SSPs is to create animal populations that are healthy, genetically diverse and demographically stable. By working together, we can reintroduce animals into restored or secured habitats and ensure the survival of different species. 

Red Panda Amur Tiger Ring-tailed Lemur
Lion

Our SSPs

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo participates in 46 different SSPs for threatened and endangered species.

Learn More
Mandrill

Plan your visit

Get close to wildlife

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is situated on St. George Island, only five minutes from downtown Calgary and 20 minutes from the Calgary International Airport. Home to more than 4,000 animals from around the world, there’s plenty to see and do. No two visits are the same, but every visit supports the critical conservation work that we do to fight the extinction of plants and animals, locally and globally.

Plan Your Visit