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.

School children with Komodo Dragon

Chevron Open Minds
Zoo School

Make the zoo your classroom for an entire week and create an educational adventure your students will never forget.
Chevron Open Minds
Open Minds Zoo School

About Zoo School

Chevron Open Minds Zoo School is a full-time Campus Calgary/Open Minds learning site available to students from grades 1 to 12. Each spring, we solicit applications from educators across the city who would like their students to experience a weeklong field study at the zoo which can be extended into a yearlong catalyst for learning and engagement. Zoo School will engage your students, connect them with the natural world, inspire curiosity, and build their problem-solving skills, with impacts that will be felt long after they leave zoo grounds.

For more information about Chevron Open Minds Zoo School and how to apply, please visit Campus Calgary-Open Minds or contact ZooSchool@CalgaryZoo.com.

This program would not be possible without our generous community partnerships.

Visit for More Information

Zoo School Resources

Acceptance into the program will include a professional development sessions, a classroom planning visit, various Calgary Campus/Open Minds workshops throughout the year, and other site-specific resources, such as biofact kits and biofact story boxes.

Chevron Open Minds Zoo School also creates an easy gateway into the Conservation Champions Festival, which takes place annually at the Wilder Institute /Calgary Zoo. The Conservation Champions Festival provides you with a chance to celebrate any conservation action your students have undertaken, no matter how small.

To make sure that you and your students get the most from this unique experience, we provide in-depth planning assistance throughout the school year.

Komodo Dragon