Hippo at the zoo

Destination Africa

See the majesty of the animal kingdom up close. From towering giraffes to powerful lions, you’ll discover the world’s most incredible creatures.

From desert mysteries to jungle adventures

Destination Africa mirrors the incredible landscapes of the continent, featuring rocky terrain for our African crested porcupines and lush rainforests for our tropical birds. Whether you’re watching the Red River hogs roll around in mud or seeing our conspiracy of lemurs swing in the walkthrough, you’ll see Africa’s jewels like never before. 

Western Lowland Gorilla Masai Giraffe, Nabo Zebra

Destination Africa

Mammals

African Crested Porcupine

African Crested Porcupines

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Black White ruffed lemur, Menabe

Black-and-White Ruffed Lemurs

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Eastern black-and-white colobus monkey

Eastern Black-and-White Colobus Monkeys

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Hartmann's Mountain Zebra

Hartmann’s Mountain Zebras

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Red-Fronted Lemur

Red-Fronted Lemurs

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Ring-Tailed Lemur

Ring-Tailed Lemurs

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Slender-Tailed Meerkats

Slender-Tailed Meerkats

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Western Lowland Gorilla

Western Lowland Gorillas

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Destination Africa

Reptiles

East African Black Mud Turtle

East African Mud Turtles

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Egyptian Tortoise

Egyptian Tortoises

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Sheldon the Tortoise

Leopard Tortoises

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Chameleon

Panther Chameleons

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Rough-Scaled Plated Lizard

Rough-Scaled Plated Lizards

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West African Dwarf Crocodile

West African Dwarf Crocodiles

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Destination Africa

Birds

African Pygmy Geese

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African Spoonbill

African Spoonbills

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Alexandrine parakeet

Alexandrine Parakeets

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East African Grey Crowned Crane

East African Grey Crowned Cranes

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Golden Breasted Starling

Golden-Breasted Starlings

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Southern bald ibis

Southern Bald Ibis

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Southern Ostrich

Southern Ostriches

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Spur-Winged Lapwings

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White-faced whistling ducks

White-Faced Whistling Ducks

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Destination Africa

Fish

Animals at the Calgary Zoo. Photo Credit: Sergei Belski Photographed by: Sergei Belski - No credit required Taveta golden weaver - Unknown Photographed by: Sergei Belski - No credit required

Rainforest Aviary

You know what they say – birds of a feather flock together. Here in the Rainforest Aviary, you’ll see an incredible diversity of bird species in this stunning mixed species habitat where feathered friends are busy building nests, preening, and going for a swim.

Snow Leopard

Care & Conservation

How we care for them

From the West African dwarf crocodile to the black-and-white colobus monkey, no two species in Destination Africa are the same. Discover how we meet the different needs of the animals in our care. 

Wilder Institute Africa

Conservation in Africa

Learn more about our community conservation efforts in Africa, like the Wechiau Community Hippo Sanctuary and the Avu Lagoon Community Protected Area.
Community Conservation Efforts

Destination Africa

Things To Explore

Destination Africa is a big place with lots to do. What will you do when you visit?

Black and White Ruffed Lemur

Land of Lemurs

They swing, they climb, they sing – see lemurs like never before when you visit the walkthrough.

Western Lowland Gorilla

Gorilla Amphitheatre

Discover a new view of our troop and enjoy storytelling, special events, and more.

Zebra + Zebra Introduction

Savannah Yard

Have you ever seen a giraffe race a zebra? Visit the yard to see how species mix.

Animal zones

More To Discover

Exploration Asia

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