Zoo Remains Canada’s “Most Visited Zoo”, Welcoming the Highest Number of Visitors in History

09 JANUARY 2024 (Calgary, AB) – Canada’s most visited zoo celebrated another milestone in 2023 – the highest attendance in its 90+ year history!

“We warmly welcomed 1.54 million visitors in 2023,” said Dr. Clément Lanthier, President & CEO of the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. “We’re humbled by the trust our community places in us to provide a safe, fun space to learn and explore.”

Other 2023 accomplishments for Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo include:

1. Completed construction on the biggest project in its history, Wild Canada: 26 capital projects, $41-million dollars, 26 months and over 1,000 people were involved in the project.
2. Released the 100th burrowing owl in its head-starting program
3. Welcomed the births and hatches of several new arrivals – two Humboldt penguin chicks (’Rafael’ and ‘Antonio’), a king penguin chick (‘Augustus’), two Hartmann’s mountain zebra foals (‘Moco’ and ‘Otavi’), a Critically Endangered black-and-white ruffed lemur pup (‘Sariaka’), two red panda cubs (‘Anshu’ and “Aahana’) and western lowland gorilla, ’Okabe’.
4. 17 Vancouver Island Marmots were born at the Archibald Biodiversity Centre
5. The inaugural Teddy Bear Clinic raised over $1,200
6. Supported women of the Wechaiu shea butter processing and marketing cooperative in the production of over 140,000kg of shea butter
7. 55 wild hippos were spotted at the Wechiau Community Hippo Sanctuary – the highest number ever recorded!
8. Launched WildScapes, the only topiary festival of its kind in Alberta
9. Welcomed 38,000 youth through school programs and 2,250 youth for camps
10. 112 couples said “I do” at the zoo in 2023 – the busiest wedding year in its history. The zoo also held 642 external events, beating its previous all-time record of 540 in 2022.
11. 2023 Travelers’ Choice Award recipient recognizing that the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo ranks within the top 10% of attractions worldwide on the Trip Advisor website based on reviews, ratings and saves.

Each visit to the zoo helps to support the critical conservation work they do locally and around the world.

– 30 –

For more information contact:
Alison Archambault
Director, Brand & Engagement
403.232.7766 | 403.919.9482 | mediarelations@calgaryzoo.com