The Jihad Shibley Rocky Mountain Aviary is presently closed.
Why the closure? It’s nesting season for our owls! Our great grey owls, especially the younger members of our parliament, can become protective of their nests and territory during this time.
To support their natural behaviors and prioritize safety for both our birds and visitors, we’re taking a proactive step by temporarily closing the habitat. Thank you for your understanding.
Wild Canada will close early on the following dates to accommodate set up for the Wild After Hours: Polar Bears event (18+). The last entry to the zone will be 4:00 p.m.
Penguin Plunge (indoor) will be closed from February 20 through to May 16, 2024, while we complete upgrades to the building’s mechanical system to ensure it is in tip-top shape for the four species that call it home. Penguins will be viewable outdoors only (weather permitting). Thank you for your understanding.
Announcements
30 January 2024 (Calgary, AB) – After more than two decades of leading one of the most-respected wildlife conservation charities in North America, Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Clément Lanthier, has announced his intention to retire at the end of 2024.
“It has been an exceptional honour and privilege to lead and work alongside the thousands of amazing staff, volunteers, researchers, educators, partners, donors and others who have dedicated their lives to wildlife conservation and inspired millions of people who experienced the zoo over the years”, said Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo President & CEO, Dr. Clément Lanthier.
“My decision to retire was made with heavy consideration. It’s the right decision, at the right time for the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, and for me and my family. I look forward to seeing the organization’s impact growing, the amazing talent flourishing and embracing endangered species stewardship in and ex-situ while continuing to provide fantastic and unique experiences for visitors to the zoo.”
“The Board of Directors would like to thank Dr. Lanthier for his tremendous service over the last 20 years and his contribution to the unprecedented growth of this organization,” said Barbara Conkie, Board Chair of the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. “Carrying on Clément’s legacy, we will continue to make the world a wilder place.”
The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo Board of Directors has formed an executive search committee to identify a CEO successor with assistance from an international executive search firm. Dr. Lanthier will continue to lead the organization until his successor is appointed.
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For more information contact:
Alison Archambault
Director, Brand & Engagement (403) 232-7766 | (403) 919-9482 | MediaRelations@CalgaryZoo.com
For more than 30 years, the internationally accredited Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo has been a leading authority in wildlife conservation, reintroducing threatened species to the wild and empowering communities to conserve natural resources to positively impact both the environment and local inhabitants.
While our work is global, our roots run deep in the Albertan conservation community. Sitting on 125 acres in the heart of the city, we operate one of the oldest charities in Alberta, the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo – a not-for-profit charitable wildlife conservation organization that works to fight the extinction of plants and animals worldwide. In addition to the zoo, we proudly operate the Archibald Biodiversity Centre (ABC), Canada’s largest conservation breeding and research facility. Nestled on 330 acres in the Albertan prairies, the ABC is a stronghold for biodiversity and a temporary home to some of Canada’s most iconic species-at-risk.
The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is passionate about inspiring and educating generations of visitors about the importance of biodiversity and conservation. Together, we will continue to be a force of nature for making the world a wilder place. Learn more at WilderInstitute.org and CalgaryZoo.com.
