On June 5, the City of Calgary experienced a significant water emergency which continues today. We’re working very closely with the City of Calgary and Calgary Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) to adjust our daily operations to ensure compliance with the Stage 4 City Mandatory Water Restrictions in place, while ensuring the safety, health and well-being of the animals we love and care for.
Here’s how we’re adapting:
We appreciate your understanding as we make these necessary adjustments to support our community.
Indoor Gorilla Habitat: From July 2 until approximately the end of the month, the western lowland gorilla troop will not be viewable in their indoor African Rainforest habitat while work is done on the viewing windows. The troop will be viewable in their outdoor habitat throughout the project (weather and animal participation permitting). The rest of the African Rainforest building will remain open and accessible throughout the project. Thank you for your understanding.
African Savannah Yard: 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. Thank you for your understanding.
Bite-Sized
19 May 2023 (Calgary) It is with truly heavy hearts that we share that our Masai giraffe, ‘Emara’, was found deceased in the African Savannah yard early this morning.
Having just celebrated her 12th birthday yesterday, Emara joined the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo family in 2016 and has been a treasured member of our tower since then. Losing any of the animals we love and care for is heartbreaking but it’s especially so when the passing is unexpected. Our Veterinary team won’t know her cause of death firmly until a necropsy is completed, and we’ll share more information when we know it.
Our Animal Care, Health & Welfare Team will be carefully monitoring ‘Nabo’ and ‘Moshi’ following the loss of their habitat mate. The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo’s giraffe tower is adored by staff, volunteers, members, donors, visitors and our online community from around the world. We know this loss will be felt by many, especially Emara’s dedicated caregivers. Please keep them in your thoughts on this very difficult day.
Masai giraffe ‘Emara’
