Impact of Stage 4 Water Restrictions on Zoo Operations
As of August 26th, the City of Calgary has resumed Stage 4 Outdoor Water Restrictions while they complete urgent repairs to the Bearspaw South Feeder Main. We will continue to adjust our daily operations to ensure compliance with the restrictions that are in place, while ensuring the safety, health, and well-being of the animals we love and care for.
We are taking the following steps to limit the use of city water:
Essential animal water stations will be maintained to ensure our animals’ well-being.
Our Animal Care, Health & Welfare (ACHW) team has implemented dry cleaning methods wherever possible and adjusted the frequency of habitat pool cleaning schedules.
We use non-potable well water for our irrigation systems to care for our botanical gardens and lawns. These wells operate independently of the city’s water supply.
Our drinking fountains will remain on, however we encourage visitors to bring water bottles or purchase water onsite.
Zone/Building Closures
Kinsmen Zooventure Playground, September 3-5: The Kinsmen Zooventure Playground in Destination Africa will be closed from Tuesday, September 3rd, through to Friday, September 6th, to accommodate maintenance and resurfacing work.
Brawn Family Foundation River Lodge, September 6: The Brawn Family Foundation River Lodge will close to the public (members and day admission) at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, September 6th, to accommodate a private event.
Gateway to Asia, September 11: Gateway to Asia will open to the public (members and day admission) at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 11th, to accommodate a private event.
Zoo Closure, September 19: The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo will be closed to the public (members and day admission) on Thursday, September 19th, 2024, while we host the final event of the 2024 AZA Annual Conference.
Zoo Closure, September 26: The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo will close at 3 p.m. on Thursday, September 26th for a private staff and volunteer celebration. The last entry for members and day admission will be 3 p.m. The zoo grounds will be cleared by 4 p.m.
Thank you for your understanding!
Animal Viewing Impacts
African Lions and Land of Lemurs: The tunnel in Destination Africa will be closed from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Monday, September 9th, to accommodate construction work for the Savannah Yard and Barn project. Our African lions and lemurs will not be viewable during this time.
African Savannah Yard: Our Hartmann’s mountain zebras and ostriches will be off-view until the end of the year while we complete exciting upgrades in the African Savannah Yard, including the construction of a new Savannah Barn for the animals. Our giraffe tower will continue to be viewable throughout the project.
We need your help to crack the case! Join us this October for a brand new live murder mystery game. Gather clues, engage with a shady cast of characters and enjoy food and drinks throughout the zoo. This adults only night will have your team of detectives on your toes as you discover who is ‘lion’. By the end of the night, you’ll have everything you need to know in order to solve the mystery – dinner and justice will be served!
This is an adults-only experience (18+), valid ID will be required to enter. Guests arriving for this experience with children/infants will not be admitted. No refunds will be provided.
This experience is intended to be enjoyed after hours. As such, some of our animals may not be visible during this experience as they may be settling down for their evening sleep.
This event is entirely accessible. If you need to rent a wheelchair or powerchair, please contact Guest Relations at (403) 232-9300 at least 24 hours before the event. These services will not be open during the event without a pre-booking.
Parking is $13 and is not included. Wild Journey members receive free parking when they register with ParkPlus.
Immerse yourself in the hidden world of the largest big cat, the Amur Tiger, with this adult-only event. Enjoy an exclusive after-hours viewing of the tigers in Exploration Asia, followed by a delicious four-course meal.
Join us for a unique Calgary brunch experience in the heart of Destination Africa. You can enjoy both gourmet and comfort breakfast foods, including a free-flowing chocolate fountain with fresh fruit, cooked to order omelettes, and much more.