Oh Baby! New Arrivals, Expecting Moms, and a Summer Full of Surprises at the Zoo

10 JUNE 2025 (Calgary, AB) – Hold onto your hats! This summer at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is bursting with baby animals, unforgettable experiences, and feel-good moments around every corner. From fuzzy newborns to exciting pregnancies, there’s something new and adorable to meet every time you visit—making now the perfect time to fall in love with wildlife all over again.

“It’s baby season at the zoo, and we couldn’t be more excited!” said Patrick Thompson, Animal Care Manager (South America/Rainforest). “Everywhere you look, there’s something new to discover—tiny paws, little beaks, curious eyes. These arrivals aren’t just adorable; they’re part of important conservation work. We hope they spark a love for wildlife in every visitor.”

Earlier this year, the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo announced the pregnancy of their endangered Malayan tapir, ‘Sempurna’, who is expecting her first calf later this summer. This pregnancy is not by chance; it’s the result of collaboration with other accredited zoos through the Species Survival Plan (SSP) to find the perfect match for male Malayan tapir, ‘Tanuck’. With Malayan tapirs listed as endangered, each birth represents a significant stride towards ensuring a brighter future for the species.

And that is just the beginning of the baby boom at the zoo! Already this year, the zoo has welcomed a near-threatened southern bald ibis chick, three tiny spur-winged lapwing chicks, two lively North American river otter pups, two threatened wood bison calves, three critically endangered black-and-white ruffed lemur pups, and most recently a vulnerable Humboldt penguin chick along with a second near-threatened southern bald ibis chick! Every birth or hatch is the culmination of meticulous planning, collaboration, and unwavering dedication to create the right conditions for success. At the heart of it all lies a deep commitment to protecting species and inspiring people to care for the natural world.

And the excitement continues! The zoo is eagerly celebrating the pregnancies of other incredible species. While cautiously optimistic, both of their resident female rock hyraxes are pregnant, and, while not confirmed, their hooves are crossed for Turkmenian markhor kids following observed breeding. These pregnancies highlight the expertise and passion of the Animal Care, Health & Welfare team and reinforce the zoo’s enduring commitment to securing a future for wildlife.

“Zoo babies are stealing the spotlight this summer—and we’re here for it!” added Thompson. “They bring a sense of energy and wonder, making each visit feel fresh and full of surprises. It’s a great time to reconnect with your favourite species—or discover a new one.”

And while baby animals are winning hearts this summer, they’re not the only new arrivals to get excited about. Several big new residents are set to join the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo family later this year—but the zoo isn’t sharing details just yet, so you’ll have to stay tuned to see who’s moving in!

Don’t miss out—there’s something new waiting around every corner at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo this summer! Plan your visit to discover the joy of baby animals, reconnect with your favourite species, and make unforgettable memories. To learn more or book your tickets, head to www.calgaryzoo.com.

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For more information contact:

Alison Archambault

Director, Brand & Engagement 403.232.7766 | 403.919.9482 | mediarelations@calgaryzoo.com

For more than 30 years, the internationally accredited Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo has been a leading authority in wildlife conservation, reintroducing threatened species to the wild and empowering communities to conserve natural resources to positively impact both the environment and local inhabitants.

While our work is global, our roots run deep in the Albertan conservation community. Sitting on 125 acres in the heart of the city, we operate one of the oldest charities in Alberta, the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo – a not-for-profit charitable wildlife conservation organization that works to fight the extinction of plants and animals worldwide. In addition to the zoo, we proudly operate the Archibald Biodiversity Centre (ABC), Canada’s largest conservation breeding and research facility. Nestled on 330 acres in the Albertan prairies, the ABC is a stronghold for biodiversity and a temporary home to some of Canada’s most iconic species-at-risk.

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is passionate about inspiring and educating generations of visitors about the importance of biodiversity and conservation. Together, we will continue to be a force of nature for making the world a wilder place. Learn more at WilderInstitute.org and CalgaryZoo.com.