Avian Influenza Protocols

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed the presence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) within 200 kilometres of the Wilder Institute’s Calgary Zoo.

The health and well-being of the animals in our care remains our top priority. Out of an abundance of caution, we’re proactively implementing the following measures to protect our avian species:

  • Footbaths have been installed at the entrances to The Larry Ruskin Penguin Plunge, the Jihad Shibley Rocky Mountain Aviary, and the African Rainforest Aviary for all staff, volunteers, guests, and contractors entering these spaces.
  • Birds will continue to have outdoor access where appropriate and weather permitting.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support as we work to keep the animals we love safe.

West Gate Closure

Due to significant construction activities in and around Imagine Asia, the zoo’s West Gate will 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.

Amur tiger, Samkha, departed for another zoo

Bite-Sized

Bon Voyage, ‘Samkha’

January 30, 2024 | 1 minute read

Goodbye Calgary, hello new adventures! ‘Samkha’, our 11-year-old male Amur tiger, will soon be on the move to a new home. He will be departing during the week of February 4, so plan to stop by to wish him well on his travels!

While we will miss Samkha, we are excited to welcome back a returning face to the tiger habitat! Samkha’s brother, 11-year-old ‘Vasili’, joined us late last year.

Transfers like these between accredited zoos, while sometimes bittersweet, are a critical part of maintaining healthy and diverse Amur tiger populations in human care. Amur tigers are listed as Endangered by the IUCN Red List, and we’re thrilled to partner with our peers to ensure that this species can continue to thrive. As ambassadors for their species, they play an important role in helping to build connections, create awareness and inspire action to help make a difference for wildlife.

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