Imagine lush layers, distant echoes, and mountain peaks. Imagine a portal to a place where vast landscapes, layered ecosystems, and iconic wildlife come together.
Imagine what’s coming soon to the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo.
Welcome to Imagine Asia
Welcome to Imagine Asia — a reimagining of the former Exploration Asia zone at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. This is more than a new name. It’s a new way of seeing. A new way of feeling. A new way of discovering the extraordinary landscapes and species of Asia.
The word Imagine invites you to look beyond what’s in front of you. Picture the wind sweeping across jagged summits. Hear echoes bouncing off rocky terrain. See movement hidden within deep forests and lush landscapes.
There are places in the world so vast, so layered, so alive with wonder that they spark something deeper than curiosity. They spark imagination.
Imagine Asia is an invitation to step into that vastness.
The First Chapter: Asian Highlands
This is Asian Highlands, the first chapter of Imagine Asia, coming in Summer 2026. This chapter celebrates discovery, ecological storytelling, and conservation science, offering guests connection to wildlife and wild places.
When you step into Asian Highlands, we hope you’ll feel:
A sense of vast possibility.
A connection to landscapes shaped by elevation.
A spark of curiosity and wonder.
The joy of discovery waiting around every corner.
Because Asian Highlands isn’t just a place — it’s an elevation of experience. And it all begins with imagination.
Go Where Wonder Takes You
Imagine standing in the towering landscapes of the Himalayas, where life unfolds in vertical layers. Begin among the world’s highest peaks and descend through alpine meadows into mist-filled conifer forests. Along the way, meet extraordinary species shaped by this extreme environment and discover the powerful conservation work helping people and wildlife to coexist.
Meet the Animals of Asian Highlands
Three incredible species will soon call Asian Highlands their home. Each one lives in a different layer of the Himalayan Mountains, showcasing the amazing diversity of life at high elevation.
Two of these animals may be familiar. One might surprise you. Can you guess who’s returning? Explore the clues below and follow along on social media to find out!
The Journey Continues
As construction in Imagine Asia gains momentum this spring, Asian Highlands moves steadily toward its grand opening in the summer of 2026.
Returning favourites — joined by a new species to be revealed later this spring — will shape an unforgettable journey of discovery. Together, they spark wonder, deepen conservation connection, and reflect an unwavering commitment to world-class animal care.