Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo FAQ

Below you’ll find answers to important health and safety questions, along with other commonly asked questions.

Visit our Hours and Admission page to plan your visit or purchase tickets.

Enhanced Public Safety Measures FAQ

  • Will the Calgary Zoo require proof of vaccination for entry?

    Yes, effective November 15, 2021, the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo will require all visitors 12 years of age and older to provide proof of one of the following before being permitted entry:

    • Alberta government-issued QR code (either paper or digital) proving COVID-19 double vaccination (with the second dose received two (2) weeks or more prior to date of attendance);
      • Valid identification that matches the vaccine record is required for adults 18 years and over.
      • First Nation, out-of-province and Canadian Armed Forces vaccine records are accepted proofs of vaccination, as is the ArriveCan app and valid international travel identity document.
    • Proof of a negative COVID-19 test, taken within the previous 72 hours prior to entrance (either PCR or Rapid Test); or
    • Valid proof of medical exemption.


    Those who are unable to show proof of one of the items listed above will be denied entry. This applies to all visitors aged 12 years and older.

    A friendly reminder that mask wear is required for ages 2+ inside all animal buildings, washrooms, retail and food spaces.

    Thank you for being kind and courteous to staff and visitors as we all navigate this change to our operations and thank you for supporting wildlife conservation!

  • If I have purchased a day admission ticket online and am denied entry or no longer wish to visit the Calgary Zoo, can I obtain a refund?

    For guests that have pre-purchased daily admission tickets (general admission), please contact our Guest Relations team to explore your options. Guest Relations can be reached at [email protected] or via phone at 403-232-9300.

  • Who will be checking and enforcing proof of vaccination requirements?

    Proof of vaccination requirements will be verified by Guest Relations at the North Entrance (for day admission, ZOOLIGHTS, and after hours special experiences) and by Security at the South Parking Lot entrance (for vendors and on-site contractors). Those who do not meet the proof of vaccination requirements at those points will not be permitted entry into the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo.

  • Will those under the age of 12 be required to show proof of vaccine?

    Children under 12 years of age will not be required to show proof of vaccine in order to gain entry to the Calgary Zoo. 

    Note: Those accompanying them (ages 12 and older) will be required to show the required proof to gain entry into the Calgary Zoo:

  • What if my child is visiting the Calgary Zoo with their school class?

    Children under the age of 12 years who are visiting the Calgary Zoo with school field trips will not be required to show proof of vaccination. Note: Adults accompanying school field trips will be required to show proof of one of the following to gain entry into the Calgary Zoo:

    • Alberta government-issued QR code (paper or digital) proving COVID-19 double vaccination (with the second dose received two (2) weeks or more prior to date of attendance);
      • Valid identification that matches the vaccine record is required for adults 18 years and over.
      • First Nation, out-of-province and Canadian Armed Forces vaccine records are accepted proofs of vaccination, as is the ArriveCan app and valid international travel identity document.
    • Proof of a negative COVID-19 test, taken within the previous 72 hours prior to entrance (either PCR or Rapid Test); or
    • Valid proof of medical exemption.

     


    Those who are unable to show proof of one of the items listed above will be denied entry. This applies to all visitors aged 12 years and older.

    A friendly reminder that mask wear is required for ages 2+ inside all animal buildings, washrooms, retail and food spaces.

    Thank you for being kind and courteous to staff and visitors as we all navigate this change to our operations and thank you for supporting wildlife conservation!

  • I hold an annual Membership. Do I need to show proof of vaccine?

    Yes, all membership holders 12 years of age and older will be required to show proof of one of the following to be permitted entry to the Calgary Zoo:

    • Alberta government-issued QR code (either paper or digital) proving COVID-19 double vaccination (with the second dose received two (2) weeks or more prior to date of attendance);
      • Valid identification that matches the vaccine record is required for adults 18 years and over (including members).
      • First Nation, out-of-province and Canadian Armed Forces vaccine records are accepted proofs of vaccination, as is the ArriveCan app and valid international travel identity document.
    • Proof of a negative COVID-19 test, taken within the previous 72 hours prior to entrance (either PCR or Rapid Test); or
    • Valid proof of medical exemption.
    • Valid proof of medical exemption.


    Those who are unable to show proof of one of the items listed above will be denied entry. This applies to all visitors aged 12 years and older.

    A friendly reminder that mask wear is required for ages 2+ inside all animal buildings, washrooms, retail and food spaces.

    Thank you for being kind and courteous to staff and visitors as we all navigate this change to our operations and thank you for supporting wildlife conservation!

     

  • With this new requirement in effect, I no longer want to be a Member. Can I obtain a refund?

    If you would like to discuss your membership, please contact our Memberships team at [email protected].

  • I have an upcoming event (corporate, wedding, birthday party) booked at the Calgary Zoo, do my guests and I need to show proof of vaccine?

    Yes, all guests 12 years of age and older attending special events at the Calgary Zoo (weddings, corporate functions, barbeques, birthdays, etc.) will be required to show proof in the form of one of the following to be granted entry:

    • Alberta government-issued QR code (either paper or digital) proving COVID-19 double vaccination (with the second dose received two (2) weeks or more prior to date of attendance);
      • Valid identification that matches the vaccine record is required for adults 18 years and over.
      • First Nation, out-of-province and Canadian Armed Forces vaccine records are accepted proofs of vaccination, as is the ArriveCan app and valid international travel identity document.
    • Proof of a negative COVID-19 test, taken within the previous 72 hours prior to entrance (either PCR or Rapid Test); or
    • Valid proof of medical exemption. 


    Those who are unable to show proof of one of the items listed above will be denied entry. This applies to all visitors aged 12 years and older.

    A friendly reminder that mask wear is required for ages 2+ inside all animal buildings, washrooms, retail and food spaces.

    Thank you for being kind and courteous to staff and visitors as we all navigate this change to our operations and thank you for supporting wildlife conservation!

  • With this new requirement in effect, I no longer wish to hold my event at the Calgary Zoo. Can I obtain a refund?

    The Calgary Zoo is happy to work with you to reschedule your upcoming event to a later date, however refunds will not be provided. Please reach out to the Sales team if you have questions or concerns about your event at [email protected].

  • Do visitors have to wear masks when they visit the Calgary Zoo?

    Mask wear is mandatory for all visitors aged 2+ inside all Calgary Zoo buildings (including animal habitats, indoor dining, washrooms, and retail shops) in accordance with the provincial and AHS guidelines, which came into effect on September 4, 2021 at 8:00 a.m.

    Calgary Zoo employees, volunteers, and contractors must wear a mask indoors at all times. In addition, Calgary Zoo staff and volunteers who work in close proximity with vulnerable species, including primates, cats, and mustelids, will continue to wear PPE as required.

    Thank you for being kind and courteous to staff and visitors as we all navigate this change to our operations and thank you for supporting wildlife conservation!

  • Will buildings be closing again?

    All buildings have been open at the Calgary Zoo since Stage 2 of the provincial reopening plan on June 10, 2021 and will continue to remain open for Calgary Zoo visitors to enjoy. A friendly reminder that mask wear is required by all zoo visitors over the age of 2 years, except those with medical exemptions, in all indoor buildings including animal habitats, retail, food spaces, and washrooms.

Admission & Plan Your Visit FAQ

Be kind, stay safe, and have a WILD visit!