The zoo will close early on Friday, August 9, 2024, to accommodate setup for Wild After Hours: Corks for Conservation (18+). The last entry into the grounds will be at 3:00 p.m. and the grounds will begin to be cleared at 4:00 p.m. Thank you for understanding.
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
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the unexpected passing of our beloved 12-year-old slender-tailed meerkat, ‘Kruger’.
Kruger was born at the London Zoo, UK in August 2011 where he spent his first year before becoming part of the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo family in November 2012. During his time with us, Kruger was a ‘conservation superstar” having successfully sired an incredible 17 pups in four litters, between 2014-2015, as part of a Species Survival Plan (SSP). A necropsy revealed that heart failure due to cardiac disease was the cause of his sudden death.
The median life expectancy for his species is 9.8 years under human care (versus an average of 6-8 years in the wild). At 12-years of age, Kruger lived a long and wonderful life with us – a testament to the exemplary care he received from his dedicated caregivers.
Saying goodbye to the animals we love and care for is never easy, but it is especially hard when the loss is unexpected. We know that our community will be as saddened by this news as we are. Please keep our Animal Care, Health & Welfare team in your thoughts during this difficult time.
Photo: unidentified individuals.
