Animal Viewing Impacts

North American Porcupine: Our female North American porcupine Nettles will not be viewable on Tuesday, October 27, to accommodate tree pruning around the habitat. Thank you for your understanding.

Polar Bears: Our polar bears will be temporarily off view in the main habitat in the morning of Wednesday, October 28, to accommodate tree pruning in the area. They may be viewable through the courtyard window. Thank you for your understanding.

Tortoises: Our leopard tortoise and pancake tortoise are temporarily off-view while their habitat in the African Rainforest Building undergoes modifications. Thank you for your understanding.

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.

Bite-Sized

Farewell to ‘Norman’

February 29, 2024 | 1 minute read

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of our 17-year-old geriatric peacock, ‘Norman’.

At 17, Norman was considered geriatric for his species. He had been receiving supportive care and treatment for advanced degenerative changes in his spine and legs. Earlier this month, our Animal Care, Health & Welfare team made the compassionate decision to euthanize him as he was no longer responding to these treatments.

Norman hatched right here at the zoo in spring of 2006 and spent his whole life with us. Anyone who has visited our grounds during the spring and summer months will know that our free-roaming peafowl each have an area of the zoo that they seem to prefer to frequent. Identifiable by his purple leg band, Norman was known to roam the beautiful green spaces around the Chilean flamingo habitat and the nearby gorilla amphitheatre.

Saying goodbye is never easy, especially when it’s to those who have grown old with us. Norman was loved by many and will be dearly missed. Please keep our Animal Care, Health & Welfare team in your thoughts during this difficult time.

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