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.

Animal Viewing Impacts and Closures

Grizzly Bears: Our grizzly bear cubs are currently off-habitat to support their first winter sleep.

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.

Rough-scaled plated lizard

Bite-Sized

Saying Goodbye to ‘Fynbos’

February 26, 2026 | 1 minute read

On January 26, we said goodbye to our 23-year-old rough-scaled plated lizard ‘Fynbos’.

The median life expectancy is 20 years for rough-scaled plated lizards. Fynbos had been receiving supportive treatments for a chronic poor appetite and slowed gastrointestinal function since last summer. Necropsy findings confirmed degenerative multi-organ failure affecting his heart, kidneys, and liver.

Fynbos joined the African Savannah family in 2020 and was a popular resident for guests, staff, and volunteers. He will be greatly missed.

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