Adjusted Hours and Impacts

Early Zoo Closure: Last entry to the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo will be at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, June 5th, to accommodate set up for our Zoo Brew (18+) event. Last entry to Destination Africa will be at 3:30 p.m. and the zone will be closed by 4:30 p.m. The remainder of zoo grounds will be cleared by 5:30 p.m. Thank you for your understanding.

North American Porcupine: Our female North American porcupine ‘Nettles’ is temporarily not viewable during routine habitat maintenance. Thank you for your understanding.

Jihad Shibley Rocky Mountain Aviary: The Jihad Shibley Rocky Mountain Aviary is temporarily closed. Thank you for your understanding.

Avian Influenza Protocols: The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza within 200 kilometres of the Wilder Institute/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:

Penguin Plunge and the Rainforest Aviary have foot baths at entrances for guests to use
The Jihad Shibley Rocky Mountain Aviary is closed until further notice
Birds will continue to have outdoor access where appropriate and weather permitting

Our dedicated Animal Care, Health & Welfare team will continue to monitor the situation and prioritize the health and well-being of the animals in our care. Thank you for your understanding and continued support as we work to keep the animals we all care about safe.

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.

Bite-Sized

Dalmatian Pelicans Make Their Zoo Debut

August 19, 2024 | 1 minute read

There are some new beaks in town! We are now home to four Dalmatian pelicans!

If you’re wondering why these pelicans aren’t sporting any spots, it’s because their name comes from the Dalmatia Coast of Croatia, where this species once thrived. Sadly, Dalmatian pelicans are now listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List, having disappeared from their native region.

Join us in welcoming these four magnificent females, named after bodies of water in their native range: ‘Kerkini’ (brown leg tag), ‘Adria’ (black leg tag), ‘Tisza’ (green leg tag), and ‘Volga’ (yellow leg tag).

These impressive birds are the largest of the pelican family, boasting wingspans of up to 11 feet! You can find these new feathered friends in the marsh in Exploration Asia!

Dalmatian Pelicans Make Their Zoo Debut

Categories

Related News

Welcoming Three Great Grey Owl Chicks

Protecting Our Birds from Avian Influenza