Adjusted Hours

Penguin Plunge: Penguin Plunge will open at 9:30 a.m. on the following days to accommodate our Penguin Breakfast events:

June 28
July 6, 13, and 19
August 2, 10, and 16

Thank you for your understanding.

Animal Viewing Impacts:

Exploration Asia
The Exploration Asia Redevelopment project is officially underway! While there are some viewing impacts in the area, you can still visit many of your favourite species.

  • Species Viewable: Bactrian camels, Komodo dragons, white-handed gibbons, Malayan tapirs, red-crowned cranes, Turkmenian markhors, Amur tigers, wild boar, and Pallas’s cats. Plus, our Dalmatian pelicans can be found in their temporary home at Land of Lemurs!
  • Species Not Viewable: Snow leopards and red pandas have been relocated during construction, but don’t worry – these beloved species will be back in 2026.

West Gate Closure

Due to significant construction activities in and around Exploration Asia, the zoo’s West Gate will remain closed for the 2025 season and is expected to remain closed until at least 2028/2029. This necessary step supports the safe movement of visitors while we undertake exciting improvements to animal habitats and visitor experiences.

Hadada Ibis at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo

Accessibility

We are committed to making the zoo accessible for all.

Disability Assistance

Wheelchair and Power Chair Rentals

Wheelchairs are available for rent from the North Gift Shop near the North Gate, for a $20 fee. This cost includes a $10 refundable deposit and GST.
Power chairs are also available for rent, for a $25 fee.

Please note that all rental equipment is in limited supply and is rented out on a first come, first served basis. Reservations are not taken, nor is there a waiting list.

Qualified Attendants

We welcome all guests with disabilities and any support person that may be accompanying them. Qualified attendants are given complimentary access to the zoo upon presentation of proper identification, such as the Access 2 Entertainment Card.

Guide Dogs & Service Dogs

Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo recognizes the life-changing difference that service dogs and guide dogs make to their handlers, and we welcome approved guide dogs and service dogs on park. Service dogs must be healthy with no signs of illness at the time of admission to ensure the safety and health of the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo’s animal populations.

Eligible Handler Teams

Public access service dog handler teams is governed provincially through the Alberta Service Dog Act.

To enter zoo grounds, a handler team must be certified through an Assistance Dogs International organization OR an  International Guide Dog Federation accredited organization OR be from one of the approved organizations that meet the requirements of the Alberta Training Standard found here: Approved service dog organizations | Alberta.ca OR have successfully completed the Alberta Qualification Assessment.

Pre-Registering for Faster Entry

To pre-register for your visit, please contact Guest Relations at guestrelations@calgaryzoo.com with the following information:

  • Anticipated date of visit
  • Dog’s name and date of birth
  • Handler name
  • Copy of Service Dog Certification card

Service Dogs in Training

Service dogs in training are not permitted on grounds during regular zoo hours. We provide several evenings a year where up to eight service dogs in training from ADI-accredited organizations and their handlers may have a guided zoo experience led by a zoo staff member. To sign up and find more information, please contact Guest Relations at (403) 232-9300, extension 2, or GuestRelations@CalgaryZoo.com.

Family Services

Wagons

Wagons for children are available for rent at the North Gift Shop, near the North Gate, for a $10 fee.

Please note that all rental equipment is in limited supply and is rented out on a first come, first served basis. Reservations are not taken, nor is there a waiting list.

Changing Stations

Washrooms are located throughout zoo grounds and all washrooms are equipped with diaper changing facilities. A caregiving room is available at Kitamba Cafe, and contains a universal change table, infant change table, sink, and chairs.

Please note that washrooms are closed at the Discovery Centre.

Sensory Bags

Sensory bags will be available to borrow, free of charge, during your zoo visit. These are available to all guests who may feel overwhelmed during their visit, and include fidget and tactile items, and over-the-ear noise-cancelling headphones. They are available to sign out at the North Gift Shop near the North Gate and must be returned by 5:00 p.m.

Sensory Areas

Our five main buildings – Penguin Plunge, African Savannah, African Rainforest, ENMAX Conservatory, and Gateway to Asia – may have heightened scents, sounds, and humidity. These buildings are indicated on the map with a speaker icon.

For guests who are feeling overstimulated and need a quiet space, our staff and volunteers are happy to point you in the direction of areas that will give you the chance to rest.