Adjusted Hours

Penguin Plunge: Penguin Plunge will open at 9:30 a.m. on the following days to accommodate our Penguin Breakfast events:

June 28
July 6, 13, and 19
August 2, 10, and 16

Thank you for your understanding.

Brawn Family Foundation River Lodge: Last entry to the Brawn Family Foundation River Lodge will be at 4:15 p.m. on Sunday, June 22nd and Sunday, June 29th, to accommodate setup for our Wild After Hours: Otters (18+) event. Thank you for your understanding.

Animal Viewing Impacts:

Wild Canada

Replacement of the viewing window glass in the Taylor Family Foundation Polar Bear Sanctuary will impact animal viewing and pathway use.

Our polar bear ‘Siku’ will be off-habitat from Monday, June 16th through to Friday, June 20th. He may be viewable through the window to the inner courtyard during this time and will be back in the habitat on Saturday, June 21st.

Our woodland caribou herd will only be viewable in the east habitat from June 16th through to June 20th.

On Wednesday, June 18th, the public pathway between the Jihad Shibley Rocky Mountain Aviary and the woodland caribou habitat will be closed from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The north loop will close at the aviary and the south loop will close at the woodland caribou habitat.

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, wild boar, and Pallas’s cats. Plus, our Dalmatian pelicans can be found in their temporary home at Land of Lemurs!
  • 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.

National Indigenous Peoples Day

National Indigenous Peoples Day

Join us on June 21st in honouring the vibrant cultures, histories, and contributions of Indigenous peoples as we commemorate National Indigenous Peoples Day on-park with a day of meaningful connection and celebration.

We’re proud to present this pilot program in collaboration with Elder Adrian Wolfleg. This day of celebration is part of our ongoing commitment to reconciliation and cultural understanding.

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Zoo Map

Getting Around

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Why Do We Commemorate National Indigenous Peoples Day?

June 21st is a time to reflect, learn, and celebrate the living cultures of Indigenous Peoples across Canada. By hosting this on-park celebration, we aim to honour Indigenous voices, offer our community meaningful opportunities to learn about Indigenous cultures, and foster lasting relationships with local Indigenous communities through authentic, co-created programming.

What to Expect

We invite visitors of all ages to listen, learn, and engage in:

  • Elder Knowledge Sharing Sessions
  • Friendship Dances and Drumming Circles
  • An Indigenous market

Take Part in the Friendship Dance

Join us and the Blackfoot Drummers, in the Friendship (aka “Round”) Dance. No experience required! Our Troupe of Native drummers and dancers will explain the dances, walk you through an example, and invite you to join them for a few rounds.

Mobility and balance are required as the (3-5 minute) dance will take place outside, on an uneven surface (lawn). No experience is required to watch, learn, and cheer on participants!

Elder Knowledge Sharing Sessions

Elders will be sharing teachings every hour on the hour from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Adrian Wolfleg, Siksika Nation: Educator, Mentor, Author, Great Grandparent

Nature’s University

From star systems to a massive erratic on the prairies, Natives observed and learned from their environment. Which local teachers represent courage, wisdom, the power of dreams? Which shape shifters provide a cautionary tale about change?

Adrian’s research and subsequent writings have formed foundational documents on Indigenous homelessness in Calgary and Edmonton. Published internationally, he has educated tens of thousands of individuals about Aboriginal Peoples’ history, culture, and protocols as an Educator, Executive Director, and Elder. A personal highlight for Adrian was providing cultural guidance and expertise to the Canadian, French, and Belgian governments for the 2005 Aboriginal Calling Home Ceremony.

Sessions are at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 1:00 p.m.

 

Tiffany J. Harper

Nature’s Classroom: Plants

This speaker session will explore the role of plants through Indigenous History and teachings, the relationship of plants to being and spirituality, as well as Native perennial species to consider for your garden/community garden.

Tiffany J Harper, she/her/wina, is a member of the Peguis First Nation (Treaty 1) living in Mohkinstsis (Blackfoot for Calgary Alberta) in Treaty 7 territory Canada. Professionally, Tiffany is a Registered Clinical Herbalist and a Doctor of Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine. Along with her clinical practice, she is an author and educator teaching a variety of courses in the field of herbalism, and maintains a creative practice in the traditional arts including beadwork and collaborations in the realm of public art – otenikanwellness.ca

Indigenous Garden sessions are at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m.

 

National Indigenous Peoples Day Schedule

Our schedule features vibrant performances, traditional music and dance, storytelling sessions, and more.

Time Activities Location
10:00 A.M. Elder Session: Nature’s University Dorothy Harvie Gardens
10:00 A.M. Elder Session: Nature’s Classroom; Plants River Lodge Lawn
10:30 A.M. Friendship Round Dance Savannah Lawn
11:00 A.M. Elder Session: Nature’s University Dorothy Harvie Gardens
12:00 P.M. Elder Session: Nature’s Classroom; Plants River Lodge Lawn
12:00 P.M. Elder Session: Lethka Nakoda Perspective & Relationship with Nature Dorothy Harvie Gardens
12:30 P.M. Friendship Round Dance Savannah Lawn
1:00 P.M. Elder Session: Nature’s University Dorothy Harvie Gardens
2:00 P.M. Elder Session: Nature’s Classroom; Plants River Lodge Lawn
2:30 P.M. Friendship Round Dance Savannah Lawn