Early Asian Highlands Closure: Last entry to Asian Highlands will be at 4 p.m. on Sunday, September 20, and Sunday, September 27, to accommodate set up for Wild After Hours: Snow Leopards (18+). The area will be cleared by 5 p.m. Thank you for understanding.
Late Zoo Opening: The Wilder Institute’s Calgary Zoo will open to members and the day admission ticket holders at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 3, to accommodate our Wild Walk event. Thank you for your understanding.
Black Bear and Grizzly Bear Viewing Impact: From Monday, September 21 through Wednesday, September 23, our black bears and grizzly bears will rotate through the grizzly bear habitat to accommodate maintenance work in the black bear habitat. Thank you for your understanding.
Polar Bear Viewing Impact: Our polar bears will not be viewable in the main habitat on Wednesday, September 23, to accommodate habitat maintenance. Thank you for your understanding.
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.
Due to significant construction activities in and around Imagine 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.
Announcements
24 SEPTEMBER 2026 (CALGARY, AB) —There’s an extra special reason to celebrate this World Gorilla Day: 25-year-old western lowland gorilla Dossi is expecting!
The pregnancy was confirmed by the zoo’s Animal Care, Health & Welfare (ACHW) team on June 7 through a urine pregnancy test. Dossi is now approximately 16 to 17 weeks pregnant, with the arrival of her infant expected between late January and early March 2027. The father-to-be is Jasiri, the troop’s 28-year-old silverback.
“We’re thrilled to share this special news about Dossi on World Gorilla Day,” said Jana Swart, Animal Care Manager, Rainforest/Penguins. “Pregnancy and birth are significant moments for any gorilla, and our Animal Care, Health & Welfare team is giving Dossi the care, monitoring and support she needs throughout this important time. We’re looking forward to this next chapter for Dossi and the troop while allowing them to guide the experience every step of the way.”
Dossi is doing well, with only minor changes observed so far as her pregnancy progresses. Her dedicated care team is closely monitoring her health and will adjust monitoring and training as she gets closer to giving birth. As part of routine preparation for any animal pregnancy, the team is also preparing for a range of birth scenarios so they are ready to support Dossi, her infant and the troop throughout the process.
The health and welfare of Dossi, her infant, and the troop will guide all care decisions before, during and after the birth. Dossi is expected to remain with the troop throughout her pregnancy and after the birth, allowing her to maintain her usual social relationships and routines. Guests will continue to be able to see Dossi during her pregnancy, although viewing hours may change depending on what the ACHW team observes and what is best for the troop and their comfort, particularly in the early days following the birth.
Western lowland gorillas are critically endangered, with wild populations facing significant threats due to poaching, habitat loss and disease. The Wilder Institute’s Calgary Zoo participates in the Western Lowland Gorilla Species Survival Plan (SSP), a collaborative effort that supports a healthy, genetically diverse population in human care, acting as an assurance population for gorilla survival in the future.
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For media inquiries contact:
Cindy Antonello
Senior Manager, Communications
403-232-7766 | mediarelations@calgaryzoo.com
The Wilder Institute’s Calgary Zoo is a 125-acre wildlife park in Calgary, Alberta. Founded in 1929, it is Canada’s most visited zoo and is home to more than 4,000 animals representing over 100 species. Led by the Wilder Institute, the zoo advances exceptional animal care, wildlife conservation, and public engagement, creating meaningful experiences that inspire people to care for and protect the natural world. Learn more at WilderInstitute.org and CalgaryZoo.com
