Wildlife And Human Life, Together.
Cool Nights, Warm Lights
ZOOLIGHTS
ZOOLIGHTS, presented by Olympia Trust Company, is set to be BIGGER, BRIGHTER, and WILDER than ever before! Back for its 29th season, Calgary’s largest sparkling spectacle is sure to ignite your festive spirit as the zoo transforms into a magical winter wonderland.
Experience the wonder of twinkling lights and dazzling displays over 125 acres, where the joy of the season brings you closer to family, friends, and the heart of the community. With axe throwing, daily interactive activities, delicious treats, animal facts, and more, there are so many memories to be made on chilly nights under the warm glow of shimmering lights!
Only little for so long!
Babies at the zoo
After months of anticipation and a whole lot of watermelon emojis, the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is thrilled to announce the arrival of its very first Malayan tapir calf — a female born on August 28th to first-time mom ‘Sempurna’.
Our baby tapir ‘Nyawa’ is not the only one we have at the zoo. Watch our baby meerkats become bold savannah explorers on your next visit, and don’t miss out on our bouncing baby bison this fall.
Dinner in a real life snow globe!
ZOOLIGHTS Snow Globes
Another holiday special is back for the season at the zoo, enjoy a luxurious dinner in a real life Snow Globe under the
ZOOLIGHTS! Plan your next romantic date night, friends’ night out, family celebration or other seasonally special
occasion. Enjoy a private dining oasis surrounded by twinkling lights at this one-of-a-kind experience.
Your reservation includes admission to ZOOLIGHTS along with a one and a half hour Snow Globe rental and your
selected food and beverage package.
Zoo Map
Getting Around
Join us on our sustainability mission with our interactive digital map.
Important Zoo Updates
What You Need to Know
Penguin Plunge Closure
The indoor Penguin Plunge habitat will be closed from Monday, November 3rd through to the end of day on Thursday, November 6th, to accommodate upgrades to the cooling system. Thank you for your understanding.
Malayan Tapir Viewing: What to Expect
Malayan tapir, ‘Sempurna’, and her calf, ‘Nyawa’, will have daily access to the main indoor habitat from 10:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. They’ll also have access to their behind-the-scenes space and may choose to spend time there, especially when the calf is nursing, so viewing isn’t always guaranteed.
Protecting Our Birds from Avian Influenza: What to Expect
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza in close proximity to the zoo. The health and well-being of the animals in our care remains our top priority. Out of an abundance of caution, we’re proactively implementing the following measures to protect our avian species:
- The Rainforest Aviary and the Jihad Shibley Rocky Mountain Aviary are closed;
- All birds have been moved indoors, where possible, and may not be viewable (including Chilean flamingoes, ostrich, African grey-crowned cranes, greater rheas, whooping crane, red-crowned cranes, Dalmatian pelicans, and peacocks); and
- The indoor habitat at Penguin Plunge remains open with increased pathway disinfection and disinfectant mats at the entrance.
By limiting access to our beloved birds, we’re helping to protect them from potential contamination from outside the zoo. Thank you for your understanding and continued support as we work to keep the animals we all care about safe.
Late Building Opening: Rainforest Building
The Rainforest Building will open at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 4th, to give our western lowland gorilla troop the space, comfort, and privacy they need as they meet their newest member, ‘Johari’. Thank you for your understanding.
Exploration Asia Redevelopment: What to Expect
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.
Thank you for your understanding.
West Entrance 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.
Prehistoric Park Seasonal Closure
Prehistoric Park will be closed for the season as of October 27th, 2025.
Plan your visit
Get Up Close With Wildlife
It’s time to make some memories. Everything you need to know about daily hours, tickets, parking, our animals, and more to plan an unforgettable day at the zoo can be found here.
Memberships
Wild Journey Membership Program
To simplify our membership program, we’re moving to a two-tiered structure – Wild Explorers and Wild Adventurers. Discover your new membership and sweet, sweet perks.
Animal Zones
Discover Our Animals
From Penguin Plunge to Exploration Asia, our animal zones are home to over 100 species.
Events
Find What’s On Now
Whether you’re into brunch or seeing the zoo after hours, there’s an experience for everyone.
Host an event
Host your event at the zoo
Wow your guests with one of the most unique locations in Calgary. From corporate events to holiday parties and weddings, we partner with you to create remarkable events.
Care & Conservation
Our Approach
We’re not just a zoo – we’re a conservation organization committed to making the world a wilder place.
The Wilder Institute
Let’s make the world a little wilder
The animals we care for aren’t only in the zoo. As a global authority on wildlife conservation, our efforts extend across Canada and around the world.