Animal Viewing Impacts:

Polar Bears: Our polar bears will not be viewable in the main habitat on Tuesday, June 23, due to maintenance. Polar bears may be viewable in the courtyard through the amphitheatre window. Thank you for your understanding.

African Rainforest Building: Habitat maintenance and mulch work will impact animal viewing in the Africain Rainforest Building:

Western lowland gorillas: viewable outdoors, weather-permitting, June 26, 29, and 30
Eastern black-and-white colobus monkeys: off-view until June 26
Mandrills: off-view June 24

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.

Species Viewable: Bactrian camels, Komodo dragons, white-handed gibbons, Malayan tapirs, red-crowned cranes, Turkmenian markhors, Amur tigers, and Pallas’s cats.
Species Not Viewable: Snow leopards and red pandas have been relocated during construction, but don’t worry – these beloved species will be back in 2026.

West Gate Closure

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.

On-site Program

Burrowing In with Burrowing Owls (4-6)

Have you ever heard of a bird that nests underground? The burrowing owl is a unique and endangered grassland species found in Alberta. Step into the role of a conservationist as we follow a year in the life of the Wilder Institute’s “head start” program, discovering how this innovative approach is helping increase burrowing owl populations in Canada. Along the way, students will explore how they can help protect and support this fascinating species.

Location: In a designated zoo classroom
Length: 90 minutes
Program times: 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m.
Maximum students: 32
Cost:

September-March: $240
April-June: $295

Curricular Connections

This program is designed to complement the Alberta Grade 4 – 6 Science and Social Studies curriculum.

Living Systems

Components of Ecosystems

Earth Systems

Climate and Weather

Scientific Methods

Ethics in Science

Time and Place

Perspective-taking

People-Place connections

On-Site Program Information and FAQ

Burrowing In with Burrowing Owls (4-6)

Curricular Connections

Categories

Related Programs

Arctic Adventure (K-3)

Bear Necessities (K-3)