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.

Western Lowland Gorilla Troop: On June 26th, 29th, and 30th, our western lowland gorilla troop will only be viewable outdoors, weather-permitting, to accommodate mulch work in the indoor habitat. Thank you for your understanding.

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

Penguin Palooza (K-3)

Get ready to put on your flippers and see the world through the eyes of a penguin. Learn first-hand the amazing adaptations penguins have to find food, avoid predators, and stay warm in frigid ocean waters. Through hands-on activities and storytelling, learn how human actions can affect marine ecosystems and explore ways we can help protect penguins and the oceans they depend on. Designed specifically for elementary learners, this program encourages curiosity and empathy through play-based learning.

Location: In a designated zoo classroom
Length: 60 minutes
Program times: 10:00 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 12:45 p.m.
Maximum students: 27
Cost:

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

Curricular Connections

This program is designed to complement the Alberta K-3 Science and Social Studies curriculum.

Living Systems

Animal adaptations

Habitats

Predator-prey relationships

Earth Systems

Oceans

Climate

Time and Place

Human impacts

Environmental stewardship

On-Site Program Information and FAQ

Penguin Palooza (K-3)

Curricular Connections

Categories

Related Programs

Arctic Adventure (K-3)

Bear Necessities (K-3)