Waddle on Over for the 13th Annual Penguin Walk!

10 JANUARY 2025 (Calgary, AB) – It’s that time of year again! Each January, the king penguins at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo take centre stage as they waddle through zoo grounds for the beloved annual Penguin Walk, presented by WestJet!

Now in its 13th season, the royal procession officially begins on January 11, 2025, and is scheduled to take place daily at 10:30 a.m., continuing until mid-March (weather permitting). The 20-minute walk starts at Penguin Plunge, travels to the Discovery Trail Bridge, and loops back to the penguin habitat, offering visitors a rare opportunity to witness the king penguins up close.

“The Penguin Walk offers an exciting way for our king penguins to engage in natural behaviors while providing our visitors with a memorable, up-close experience,” said Kim Walker, Senior Manager, Animal Care & Welfare. “It’s always a joy to see the penguins so enthusiastic to begin their walk, showing us that they’re just as excited about this enriching activity as our guests are. We hope this experience sparks a deeper connection for visitors, inspiring them to care about the well-being of these incredible birds and the wild places they call home.”

This winter tradition also serves as a great enrichment activity for the zoo’s king penguin colony, a species known in the wild for walking vast distances to find open water. Participation in the walk is entirely up to the birds, who are free to choose whether or not to participate. Fortunately for visitors, the colony loves their daily strolls and all of the birds usually choose to join in.

“WestJet is thrilled to support the annual Penguin Walk at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, a cherished tradition that connects Calgarians and visitors alike to the wonders of wildlife,” said Sabir Ebrahim, Leader of Pricing and Systems at WestJet Cargo. “As the presenting sponsor, we’re proud to help bring this unique and enriching experience to life, inspiring joy and a deeper appreciation for these incredible animals.”

Visitors can catch up to 14 king penguins participating in the daily walk, including Louis, Phillipe, Henri, Diana, Arthur, Solomon, Grace, Cleopatra, Napoleon, George, Boudicca, Rupert, Alfred, and Augustus.

Weather and Schedule Notes: The Penguin Walk depends on both the birds’ interest and weather conditions. If temperatures rise up to +5°C, drops to or below -25°C, or winds are too strong, the walk will be canceled. Notifications about cancellations will be posted on the zoo’s website and social media channels by 9:00 a.m. or, at the latest, 10:00 a.m.

Penguin Walk viewing is included with day admission or memberships. Visit calgaryzoo.com for more information.

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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.