Animal Viewing Impacts:

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.

Canada Day

Honouring Indigenous Traditions and Stories

National Indigenous Peoples Day

Celebrate National indigenous Peoples Day on June 21st at the zoo by connecting with the original caretakers of this land.

Through engaging, co-created programming, we invite you to learn from Indigenous voices, reflect on the stories that have shaped Canada, and take part in meaningful experiences that honour culture, community, and connection.

Buy Daily Admission Tickets

Why Do We Celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day?

By hosting a collection of on-park Indigenous stories and traditions, we aim to honour Indigenous voices and offer our community meaningful opportunities to learn about Indigenous cultures. Through authentic, co-created programming, we also hope to foster lasting relationships with local Indigenous communities.

What to Expect

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

  • An Indigenous market
  • Indigenous Teachings
  • Friendship Dances and Drumming Circles
  • Community Coloring Board
  • Biofact Station

All events run from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. apart from the Indigenous market that is open until 3:00 P.M.

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 dance will take place outside, on an uneven surface (lawn). No experience is required to watch, learn, and cheer on participants!

 

  • 10:45 A.M. – 11:00 A.M. (Skip Wolfleg, Charity Weaselchild and guests)
  • 11:45 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. (Skip Wolfleg, Charity Weaselchild and guests)
  • 12:45 P.M. – 1:00 P.M. (Skip Wolfleg, Charity Weaselchild and guests)
  • 1:45 P.M. – 2:00 P.M. (Skip Wolfleg, Charity Weaselchild and guests)

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.

This session is at 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.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 11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

Michelle Robinson

Indigenous Peoples as Political Warriors

More information about Michelle Robinson’s talk coming soon.

This session is at 12:00 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.

Canada Day | Indigenous Events 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 Asia Lawn
10:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M. Community Coloring Board Asia Lawn
10:45 A.M. Friendship Round Dance Asia Lawn
11:00 A.M. Elder Session: Our Relationship with Plants Asia Lawn
11:45 P.M. Friendship Round Dance Asia Lawn
12:00 P.M. Elder Session: Indigenous Peoples as Political Warriors Asia Lawn
12:45 P.M. Friendship Round Dance Asia Lawn
1:00 P.M. Elder Session: TBC Asia Lawn
1:45 P.M. Friendship Round Dance Asia Lawn