Temporary Closure: Jihad Shibley Rocky Mountain Aviary

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.

Early Zone Closure, Wild Canada (see post for dates)

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.

  • Friday, March 15
  • Saturday, April 6
  • Friday, April 12
  • Saturday, April 27
  • Friday, May 3

Building Closure, Penguin Plunge: February 20 to May 16

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.

Rock Hyrax

Strategic Gifts

No matter how you choose to give, a gift to the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo makes the world wilder. Your decision to leave behind a gift will benefit people and wildlife for generations to come.
African Crested Porcupine

Gifts of Securities

Gifts of securities are a cost-effective opportunity to transform your assets into immediate and significant support towards a wilder future. By donating securities, mutual funds, or stock options, you can eliminate capital gains tax and receive a charitable tax receipt for your donation. A gift of securities allows you to make a larger gift for less, while amplifying your support to the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo.

Download Securities Form
Egyptian Tortoise

Gifts of RRSPs

Registered retirement investments are subject to heavy taxation, making them less efficient for transferring wealth to future generations. While they can be transferred tax-free to a spouse, any remaining funds will be fully taxed as part of your estate.

 

By naming Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo as a beneficiary of registered plans, you will retain ownership and use of the funds during your lifetime, receive a tax receipt for the value of the plan, avoid probate fees by removing these assets from your estate, and reduce your overall estate taxes. You can make a gift to the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo by naming us as the beneficiary directly on the form provided by your financial institution. This process is straightforward, confidential, and allows you to change the beneficiary designation at no additional cost.

Gentoo Penguin

Life Insurance

A life insurance policy can be an excellent way for a donor to make a significant future gift to the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo with a relatively small annual financial contribution. By using life insurance as a tool for tax and estate planning, you can maximize your gift for conservation while also reducing taxes and leaving more for your family and loved ones.

 

You have two options for making a gift of life insurance to the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. You can transfer a new or existing policy to the organization and receive a tax receipt for the value of the policy and any premium payments. Alternatively, if you prefer to retain ownership of the policy, you can name the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo as a beneficiary, and your estate will receive a tax receipt to help reduce or eliminate taxes.

*This content is intended to provide general information.

We encourage you to talk to your loved ones about your gift plans and seek guidance from a professional advisor.

Sonia Law

Contact Us

Sonia Law
Senior Development Officer, Philanthropy & Planned Giving
(403) 294-7677
SoniaL@CalgaryZoo.com

Contact Us