Calgary Zoo: A Wildlife Adventure in the Heart of Calgary

A Visitor’s Guide to the Calgary Zoo: Exhibits, Conservation, and Family Fun

The Calgary Zoo is one of Canada’s top destinations for wildlife enthusiasts, offering visitors a chance to see over 1,000 animals from around the world. Located on the scenic St. George’s Island in the Bow River, just east of downtown Calgary, the zoo is a family-friendly attraction that combines exciting animal exhibits with a strong focus on conservation, education, and environmental sustainability. Whether you’re looking to learn more about endangered species or enjoy a day of adventure with your family, the Calgary Zoo provides an engaging and unforgettable experience.

A World-Class Zoo with a Focus on Conservation

Founded in 1929, the Calgary Zoo is known for its leading conservation efforts and contributions to protecting endangered species. The zoo is home to a wide range of habitats, from the Canadian wilderness to the African savannah, where visitors can see animals in environments that mimic their natural habitats. The Calgary Zoo’s commitment to animal welfare, scientific research, and public education makes it not only an entertaining place to visit but also a vital institution for wildlife conservation in Canada and globally.

What to See and Do at the Calgary Zoo

1. Animal Exhibits and Habitats:
   • The Calgary Zoo offers several distinct zones, each representing different regions of the world. Some of the must-see animal exhibits include:
   • Penguin Plunge:
     • One of the most popular attractions, the Penguin Plunge allows visitors to see four species of penguins—king, gentoo, humboldt, and rockhopper penguins—up close. Visitors can watch these playful birds dive, swim, and waddle through a chilled indoor-outdoor habitat, designed to replicate the cold climates they thrive in.
   • Canadian Wilds:
     • The Canadian Wilds section showcases North America’s wildlife, featuring animals native to Canada’s vast wilderness. Visitors can see grizzly bears, cougars, grey wolves, elk, bighorn sheep, and more in naturalistic enclosures that mimic the Rockies and northern forests.
     • The bison exhibit highlights the importance of conservation efforts to restore this majestic animal, once nearly extinct, to its rightful place in Canada’s prairies.
   • Destination Africa:
     • In Destination Africa, visitors are transported to the African savannah, where they can see giraffes, hippos, zebras, African lions, and more. The Savannah Building houses a variety of species, including the ever-popular meerkats and red river hogs. This area of the zoo also features a beautiful hippopotamus pool, where visitors can watch hippos swim underwater.
     • The African Rainforest section includes animals such as western lowland gorillas, which live in a lush indoor environment designed to mimic the dense, tropical forests of Africa.
   • Land of Lemurs:
     • In this immersive exhibit, visitors can walk through a lemur enclosure, where they may encounter ring-tailed lemurs and ruffed lemurs up close. The exhibit highlights the conservation challenges facing lemurs and their native habitat of Madagascar, while giving visitors a unique opportunity to see these playful primates in an open environment.
   • Panda Passage (until 2023):
     • Previously home to giant pandas on loan from China, this exhibit focused on panda conservation efforts and their habitat needs. While the pandas have since returned to China, the exhibit remains a popular area in the zoo and has hosted various animals.
2. The ENMAX Conservatory:
   • The ENMAX Conservatory is a beautiful indoor space that combines botany with wildlife, featuring tropical plants, flowers, and butterflies. Visitors can stroll through the lush gardens and enjoy seasonal displays of exotic plants, while learning about the importance of plant conservation and biodiversity. The conservatory is also home to the Butterfly Garden, where hundreds of butterflies flutter freely in a tropical environment.
3. Prehistoric Park:
   • The Prehistoric Park is an exciting area for families and children, where life-sized models of dinosaurs give visitors a glimpse into the distant past. This outdoor exhibit showcases some of the prehistoric creatures that once roamed Alberta, offering an educational and interactive journey through the age of dinosaurs.
4. Conservation and Education Programs:
   • The Calgary Zoo is a leader in conservation initiatives, working to protect endangered species and their habitats. The zoo participates in various Species Survival Plans and has successfully bred and reintroduced endangered animals such as the whooping crane, black-footed ferret, and Vancouver Island marmot into the wild.
   • The zoo offers a range of educational programs for children, families, and adults, including zookeeper talks, interactive exhibits, and guided tours. These programs are designed to engage visitors in understanding the importance of conservation and the role humans play in protecting wildlife.
   • During school breaks, the zoo offers day camps and workshops that encourage young learners to explore animal behavior, habitats, and conservation science.
5. Special Events and Seasonal Experiences:
   • The Calgary Zoo hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including:
     • Zoolights: One of the zoo’s most popular winter events, Zoolights transforms the grounds into a magical winter wonderland with millions of twinkling lights, ice skating, holiday activities, and festive treats. It’s a family-friendly event that runs during the holiday season.
     • Easter Eggstravaganza: Held in the spring, this family event features Easter-themed activities, animal presentations, and egg hunts throughout the zoo.
     • Summer Safari Brunch: During the summer months, visitors can enjoy a brunch with a view of the zoo’s animals, including the giraffes and elephants. Special behind-the-scenes tours may also be offered.
6. Playgrounds and Family Fun:
   • The zoo features several family-friendly play areas, including interactive water fountains, nature-based playgrounds, and picnic spots, making it an ideal destination for young children and families. The Giraffe Enclosure also features a kid-friendly viewing area where children can get a close-up look at the giraffes.

Dining and Shopping at the Calgary Zoo

• Kitamba Café: The zoo’s main dining area, offering a variety of food options, from snacks and sandwiches to full meals. Visitors can enjoy their food indoors or on the outdoor terrace, which overlooks parts of the zoo.
• Penguin Café: Located near the Penguin Plunge, this café serves light refreshments and snacks.
• Wildlife Trading Post: The zoo’s gift shop offers a range of souvenirs, educational toys, books, and apparel, with a portion of sales supporting the zoo’s conservation efforts.

How to Get There

The Calgary Zoo is located just minutes from downtown Calgary and is easily accessible by car, public transportation, or even on foot or bike via the Bow River Pathway.

• Address: 210 St. George’s Drive NE, Calgary, AB T2E 7V6
• Public Transport: The zoo is accessible via Calgary Transit on the Blue Line CTrain, with the Zoo Stationconveniently located near the entrance.
• Parking: Paid parking is available on-site.

Visiting Hours and Admission

The zoo is open year-round, though hours may vary depending on the season and special events. Admission fees apply, with discounts available for children, seniors, and families. Special events, such as Zoolights, may have separate admission fees.

• Hours: Open daily; check the website for seasonal hours.
• Admission: Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate.
• Official Website: https://www.calgaryzoo.com/

Best Time to Visit

The zoo is enjoyable year-round, but the spring and summer months offer the best weather for exploring the outdoor exhibits and seeing animals at their most active. Winter visits can be equally rewarding, as the zoo transforms into a magical landscape with events like Zoolights and opportunities to see animals that thrive in colder weather, such as penguins.

A Must-Visit for Families and Wildlife Lovers

With its diverse animal exhibits, conservation programs, and immersive experiences, the Calgary Zoo offers a fun and educational adventure for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re walking through the Canadian Wilds, meeting animals from Africa, or enjoying the hands-on activities in the Land of Lemurs, the zoo provides a unique opportunity to connect with wildlife and learn about the importance of protecting our natural world.