Editing Calgary Zoo

{{Short description|Zoo in Alberta, Canada}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}}
{{Infobox zoo
|zoo_name=Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo
|logo=Wilder Institute-Calgary Zoo Logo.png
|logo_width=280px
|image=Bow with Zoo.JPG
|image_width=280px
|image_caption=Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo on St. George's Island
|date_opened=9 January 1929<ref name=CalgaryZoo2020>{{cite tweet |user=calgaryzoo |number=1215314812839874573 |date=2020-01-09 |title=Happy birthday to us!🎉🎈Today in 1929 the Calgary Zoological Society was formed & we look pretty good for 91!😏We have evolved into a conservation organization who works to take & inspire action for wildlife & wild places. We can't wait to see where this chapter takes us!}}</ref>
|location=[[Calgary]], [[Alberta]], Canada
|coordinates={{coord|51|02|45|N|114|02|00|W|scale:5000_region:CA_type:landmark}}
|area={{convert|0.3|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}}
|num_animals=Over 4,000<ref name="WilderInstitueAnimals">{{cite web |title=Animals at the Calgary Zoo |url=https://www.calgaryzoo.com/care-conservation/our-animals/ |website=Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo |access-date=26 September 2024}}</ref>
|num_species=Over 100<ref name="WilderInstitueAnimals" />
|annual_visitors=1.54 million<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wilhelm |first1=Steven |title=Calgary Zoo remains most visited in Canada after record attendance in 2023 |url=https://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/calgary-zoo-remains-most-visited-in-canada-after-record-attendance-in-2023 |agency=Calgary Herald |publisher=Postmedia Network Inc.}}</ref>
|members=[[World Association of Zoos and Aquariums|WAZA]],<ref name="waza_list"/> [[Association of Zoos and Aquariums|AZA]],<ref name="aza_list"/> [[International Union for Conservation of Nature|IUCN]]
|exhibits=Penguin Plunge, Land of Lemurs, Wild Canada, Prehistoric Park, Destination Africa, Exploration Asia
|website=https://www.calgaryzoo.com/
}}

The '''Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo''' is located in [[Bridgeland, Calgary|Bridgeland]], [[Calgary]], [[Alberta]], Canada, just east of the city's [[Downtown Calgary|downtown]] and adjacent to the [[Inglewood, Calgary|Inglewood]] and [[Downtown East Village, Calgary|East Village]] neighborhoods.  It is accessible via Calgary's [[C-Train]] light rail system, by car via [[Memorial Drive (Calgary)|Memorial Drive]], and by bicycle and footpath via the [[Bow River pathway]]. A large portion of the zoo is located on St. George's Island in the [[Bow River]].

The zoo is operated by the Calgary Zoological Society, an independent [[Nonprofit organization|not-for-profit organization]] that is Alberta's oldest registered charity.<ref>{{Cite web|title=T3010 Registered Charity Information Return|url=https://apps.cra-arc.gc.ca/ebci/hacc/srch/pub/dsplyRprtngPrd?q.srchNm=calgary+zoological+society&q.stts=0007&selectedCharityBn=118824192RR0001&dsrdPg=1|access-date=2021-04-28|website=apps.cra-arc.gc.ca}}</ref> The [[Association of Zoos and Aquariums|AZA]]-, [[World Association of Zoos and Aquariums|WAZA]]-, and [[Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums|CAZA]]-accredited (formerly) zoo was among the first in Canada to be accredited by all three associations. It is home to over 1,000 animals, excluding individual fish and insects, and 272 different species. The 125-acre zoo is organized into distinct zones: Destination Africa, Wild Canada (formerly Canadian Wilds), Penguin Plunge, Dorothy Harvie Botanical Gardens and ENMAX Conservatory, Exploration Asia, and Prehistoric Park. The zoo is open every day except for Christmas Day.

As of 2023, it is Canada's most visited zoo.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wilhelm |first1=Steven |title=Calgary Zoo remains most visited in Canada after record attendance in 2023 |url=https://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/calgary-zoo-remains-most-visited-in-canada-after-record-attendance-in-2023 |publisher=Calgary Herald}}</ref> The zoo has also received international recognition as one of the top zoos in the world for conservation research.<ref name=":0" /> In 2013, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums said "the Calgary Zoo sets itself apart as one of the top zoos in the world."<ref name="calgaryzoo.com">{{cite press release |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=2013-09-10 |title=AZA Grants Accreditation to the Calgary Zoo |url=https://www.calgaryzoo.com/media-releases/aza-grants-accreditation-calgary-zoo |location=Calgary, AB |agency=Calgary Zoo |access-date=2017-05-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304002011/http://www.calgaryzoo.com/media-releases/aza-grants-accreditation-calgary-zoo |archive-date=2016-03-04 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2015 the zoo was named one of the top three most respected organizations in Alberta<ref name="calgaryzoo.com"/> and one of Alberta's 10 most beloved brands.<ref>{{cite press release |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=2015-03-10 |title=Ipsos Reveals the Most Loved Brands in Alberta |url=http://www.ipsos-na.com/news-polls/pressrelease.aspx?id=6786 |location=Calgary, AB |agency=Ipsos |access-date=2017-05-26}}</ref>

==History==
St. George's Island was Calgary's first park, used by the community for picnics, relaxing, and socializing. The first collection of animals began with two [[mule deer]] on the island in 1917.<ref>{{cite web |title=Small steps took zoo from two deer to world-renowned refuge |work=Calgary Herald |date=4 June 1989 |page=81 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/calgary-herald-calgary-zoo-history-1989/27038808/}}</ref> The collection expanded with more local wildlife as the popularity amongst park-goers increased. The Calgary Zoological Society was established on 9 January 1929 and took over administration of the facility from the [[City of Calgary]].<ref name=CalgaryZoo2020 /> 

Several animals died during floods in June 1929 when St. George's Island was swamped.<ref>"Hundreds of City Homes Menaced by Rivers", The Calgary Herald, 3 June 1929</ref>

In 1937, the closure of the Banff Zoo in [[Banff National Park]] led to the transfer of more species and allowed the Calgary Zoo to cement itself as the largest zoological collection in the region.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Banff's Bears {{!}} Banff, AB - Official Website |url=https://banff.ca/480/Banffs-Bears |access-date=2025-05-16 |website=banff.ca}}</ref>

In 1972, the zoo launched the "Ban the Bars" campaign to modernize its facilities with more natural enclosures.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Colpitts |first=George William |date=2023-12-21 |title=Bittersweet Lessons from 1973: Calgary's New Polar Bear Enclosure |url=https://niche-canada.org/2023/12/21/bittersweet-lessons-from-1973-calgarys-new-polar-bear-enclosure/ |access-date=2025-05-16 |website=NiCHE |language=en-US}}</ref>

Destination Africa opened in 2003 to include two new facilities The Rainforest and the African Savannah. The zoo opened Penguin Plunge, an Antarctic penguin addition in 2012.

In April 2013, the Calgary Zoo announced a master plan for rebuilding the zoo over 20 years. The initial focus on the master plan was preparing for the arrival of two [[giant panda]]s in 2018 for a five-year stay. Four giant pandas arrived in 2018 after the successful birth of twins at the [[Toronto Zoo]]. The cubs left the Calgary Zoo for China in January 2020, followed by their parents in November 2020 due to a lack of bamboo availability during the [[COVID-19]] pandemic.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 27, 2020 |title=Giant pandas at Calgary Zoo begin journey home to China |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/calgary-zoo-pandas-return-home-to-china-1.5818992#:~:text=Er%20Shun%20and%20Da%20Mao,Giant%20Panda%20Breeding%20in%20January.}}</ref> 

The Calgary Zoo Foundation rebranded itself as the Wilder Institute and instituted the new joint Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo branding in 2021.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://livewirecalgary.com/2021/11/09/calgary-zoo-foundation-re-brands-to-reflect-expanding-purpose/ |title=Calgary Zoo Foundation re-brands to reflect expanding purpose |date=2021-11-09|access-date=2024-06-22|work=Livewire Calgary}}</ref>

In 2025, the Wilder Institute, in collaboration with [[Parks Canada]], [[University of Alberta]], [[University of Kentucky]], and [[University of California, Los Angeles]], announced the discovery of a new species of [[Theclinae|hairsteak butterfly]] known as ''Satyrium curiosolus'' or Curiously Isolated Hairstreak.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 23, 2025 |title=SECRETS OF THE BLAKISTON FAN: ISOLATED BUTTERFLY REVEALED AS NEW SPECIES |url=https://wilderinstitute.org/blog/secrets-of-the-blakiston-fan-isolated-butterfly-revealed-as-new-species/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Ali |first=Rukhsar |date=April 25, 2025 |title='Curiously isolated' butterfly species discovered in Waterton Lakes National Park |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/scientists-discover-new-butterfly-species-waterton-1.7516184 |work=CBC News}}</ref>

===2013 flooding===
The Calgary area suffered extensive flooding in June 2013 resulting in over $50 million in damage to the island section of the Calgary Zoo and parts of its Canadian Wild zone (see [[2013 Alberta floods]]).<ref>{{cite news |title=Flood-ravaged Calgary Zoo laying off almost 300 staff |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/flood-ravaged-calgary-zoo-laying-off-almost-300-staff-1.1349961 |work=CBC News |date=2013-07-04 |access-date=2017-05-26}}</ref> In a 12-hour period, with flood waters rising, zoo staff managed to move 140 animals to higher ground.<ref>{{cite news |title=Flood at the Zoo: The inside story |url=https://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/flood-at-the-calgary-zoo-the-inside-story |work=Calgary Herald |date=2013-11-22 |access-date=2017-05-26}}</ref> In the end, the only animals lost were a number of [[fish]], two [[peacock]]s, and a [[pot-bellied pig]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Wood |first=Damien |title=Peacock, fish die in Calgary Zoo flooding |url=http://www.calgarysun.com/2013/06/24/peacock-fish-die-in-calgary-zoo-flooding |work=Calgary Sun |date=2013-06-23 |access-date=2013-07-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402114311/http://www.calgarysun.com/2013/06/24/peacock-fish-die-in-calgary-zoo-flooding |archive-date=2015-04-02 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The zoo was closed for most of July 2013; the northern 60 acres of the zoo reopened to the public for August through November. The zoo fully reopened in November 2013<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/calgary-zoo-reopens-after-junes-devastating-flood-damage/article15656742/ | title=Calgary Zoo reopens after June's devastating flood damage | first=Bill | last=Graveland | newspaper=The Globe and Mail | date=28 November 2013 | access-date=11 October 2020 }}</ref> with new animals, exhibits, and features unveiled in 2014, including [[mandrill]]s and [[Komodo dragon]]s.

==Destinations==
{{more sources needed|section|date=May 2025}}

===Destination Africa===
[[File:Calgary Zoo Africa.jpg|thumb|The Destination Africa Savannah Building.]]
Opened in 2003, the Destination Africa project was among the zoo's most ambitious expansions.  The complex of four buildings includes the ''Rainforest'' and the ''African Savannah''. The Rainforest occupies 2,900 square metres (31,000 square feet) and features a collection of African rainforest flora and fauna. The African Savannah building is home to [[Hippopotamus|hippos]], [[Masai giraffe]]s, [[red river hog]]s, and a [[Adansonia|baobab tree]]. A 340,000-litre (80,000-gallon) indoor pool for hippos offers view of the creatures underwater.

In the warmer months, the doors lift to connect the building with the rest of the Savannah exhibit, home to [[Hartmann's mountain zebra]]s, [[grey crowned crane]]s and [[ostrich]]es. Many other animals of the grasslands, including African [[lion]]s, also reside in the Savannah exhibit. In the  Rainforest, there are primates such as [[western lowland gorilla]]s, [[Mantled guereza|eastern black-and-white colobus]], and [[mandrill]]s, and a number of reptiles including [[leopard tortoise]]s, [[Sanzinia madagascariensis|Malagasy tree boas]],and a pair of [[dwarf crocodile]]s, as well as an aviary containing various species of African birds.

====Land Of Lemurs====
In 2017, the Land of Lemurs was opened to the public, with 3 different species of [[lemur]]s residing within; the [[black-and-white ruffed lemur]], the [[ring-tailed lemur]], and the [[red-fronted lemur]].

===Wild Canada (formerly Canadian Wilds)===
[[File:Calgary Zoo (206406087).jpeg|thumb|A cougar in the ''Canadian Wilds''.]]
The Canadian Wilds were built in the 1990s to house the majority of zoo's collection of North American birds and mammals. The area includes outdoor enclosures in three zones: the ''[[Aspen]] [[Woodland]]s'', the ''Northern [[Forest]]'', and the ''[[Canadian Rockies|Rocky Mountains]]''. Animals in the enclosures include [[North American river otter|river otter]]s, [[caribou]], [[bighorn sheep]], [[mountain goat]]s, [[grizzly bear]]s, [[American black bear|black bears]], [[polar bear]]s, [[North American porcupine|north american porcupine]], [[muskox]]en, [[moose]], [[whooping crane]]s, [[American black bear|black bear]]s, [[Canada lynx]], [[wood bison]], and [[wolf|grey wolves]].

====Jihad Shibley Rocky Mountain Aviary====
This aviary includes [[great grey owl]], [[snowy owl]], and [[rough-legged buzzard|rough-legged hawk]].

===Dorothy Harvie Botanical Gardens and ENMAX Conservatory===
The outdoor gardens are among the zoo's most popular attractions and include the ''Dorothy Harvie Gardens''. The zoo's sheltered location supports many marginally hardy plant species. The conservatory comprises the indoor component of the zoo's gardens. It includes a number of "themed" areas such as the ''tropical garden'', the ''rainforest'', the ''arid garden'', and the ''butterfly garden''. A number of animals including birds and invertebrates are housed in the conservatory. The ENMAX Conservatory was completely renovated in 2009 and features an increased emphasis on teaching visitors the importance of plants and improving energy efficiency. The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo achieved LEED ([[Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design]]) Gold in energy conservation and responsible building practices, the first facility of its kind to achieve this level of certification.

===Exploration Asia (Formerly Eurasia)===
[[File:The red panda. (53613424761).jpg|thumb|[[Red panda]] (''Ailurus fulgens'') at the zoo.]]
The western portion of St. George's Island is dedicated to [[Eurasia]]n animals. Animals in this area include [[Siberian tiger|Amur tigers]], [[snow leopard]]s, [[Pallas's cat]]s, [[Japanese macaque]]s, [[red panda]]s, [[Japanese serow]]s, [[Bactrian camel]]s, and [[Komodo dragon]]s. This section was also home to four [[giant panda]]s which debuted in early May 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/giant-panda-family-arrives-at-calgary-zoo-1.3855641|title=Giant panda family arrives at Calgary Zoo {{!}} CTV News|website=www.ctvnews.ca|access-date=2019-11-01|date=2018-03-23}}</ref><ref name="calgaryherald.com">{{Cite news|url=https://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/calgary-zoo-expects-crush-of-visitors-to-panda-passage-habitat|title=Calgary Zoo expects crush of visitors to Panda Passage exhibit|newspaper=Calgary Herald|first=Shawn|last=Logan|date=2018-05-08|language=en|access-date=2019-11-01}}</ref> The giant pandas were on loan from the [[Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding|Chengdu Research Base]] in Chengdu, Sichaun, China.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/giant-panda-exhibit-at-calgary-zoo-opens-monday|title=Giant panda exhibit at Calgary Zoo opens Monday|newspaper=Calgary Herald|first=Sammy|last=Hudes|date=2018-05-07|language=en|access-date=2019-11-01}}</ref> Panda Passage featured adult male [[Da Mao]], cubs [[Jia Yueyue and Jia Panpan]] as well as their mother [[Er Shun]].<ref name="calgaryherald.com"/> The pandas returned to China because of bamboo supply chain issues arising from COVID-19.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Joshua Berlinger|title=Canada's Calgary Zoo to return two pandas to China|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/13/world/calgary-zoo-pandas-intl-hnk-scli/index.html|access-date=2022-01-14|website=CNN|date=13 May 2020 }}</ref>  Formerly residing in the Panda's habitat area was a herd of [[Asian elephant]]s (relocated to the [[Smithsonian National Zoo]]) and later a male [[Indian rhinoceros]] named Sabari (now residing in Safari Niagara, [[Ontario]]). The area known as Panda Passage has since been renamed to Gateway to Asia and has seen the addition of [[Malayan tapir]] and [[white-handed gibbon]]s.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Alvarez|first=Alejandrina|date=July 22, 2021|title=Meet the Calgary Zoo's newest residents, featured in a new exhibit|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/calgary-zoo-gateway-to-asia-1.6113731|url-status=live|website=CBC|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210723002410/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/calgary-zoo-gateway-to-asia-1.6113731 |archive-date=23 July 2021 }}</ref>

In February 2025, the zoo announced a multi-phase redevelopment of the Exploration Asia zone starting with the 'Asia Highlands' phase focussing on species of Southeast Asia, the Eastern Himalayas, and Northeast Asia. This first phase is expected to be completed in summer 2026.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Exploration Asia Reimagined: The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo's Next Chapter Unveiled |url=https://www.calgaryzoo.com/news/exploration-asia-reimagined-the-wilder-institute-calgary-zoos-next-chapter-unveiled/ |access-date=2025-05-16 |website=Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Prehistoric Park===
[[File:Calgary Zoo Pre.jpg|thumb|The Prehistoric Park.]]
The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo's six-acre Prehistoric Park features life-sized dinosaurs in their re-created geographical environment, including replicas of an inland sea and volcanic mountain, and more than 100 species of living plants. Dinosaurs include ''[[Albertosaurus]]'', ''[[Allosaurus]]'', ''[[Ankylosaurus]]'', ''[[Apatosaurus]]'', ''[[Baryonyx]]'', ''[[Centrosaurus]]'', ''[[Corythosaurus]]'', ''[[Deinonychus]]'', ''[[Dilophosaurus]]'', ''[[Edmontosaurus]]'', ''[[Elasmosaurus]]'', ''[[Euoplocephalus]]'', ''[[Iguanodon]]'', ''[[Metriacanthosaurus]]'', ''[[Nothosaurus]]'', ''[[Omeisaurus]]'', ''[[Pachyrhinosaurus]]'', ''[[Parasaurolophus]]'', ''[[Protoceratops]]'', ''[[Pteranodon]]'', [[Pterosaur]], ''[[Stegosaurus]]'', ''[[Struthiomimus]]'', ''[[Styracosaurus]]'', ''[[Tanystropheus]]'', ''[[Triceratops]]'', ''[[Tylosaurus]]'', ''[[Tyrannosaurus rex]]'', and ''[[Yangchuanosaurus]]''.

===Penguin Plunge===
Penguin Plunge and a renovated gift shop were opened in the spring of 2012 and is located at the entrance of the Zoo. The exhibit includes [[king penguin]]s, [[Humboldt penguin]]s, [[gentoo penguin]]s, and [[rockhopper penguin]]s . Penguin Plunge consists of two main areas, an indoor climate-controlled habitat and an outdoor open-air habitat. In summer, the outdoor exhibit holds the warm-weather South American [[Humboldt penguin]]s which are housed inside during the winter. On winter days when the temperature is between +10&nbsp;°C and -25&nbsp;°C without wind above 20&nbsp;km/h, the [[king penguin]]s go on scheduled walks for exercise and enrichment.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.calgaryzoo.com/news/waddlers-unite-penguin-walk-returns|title=Waddlers Unite - Penguin Walk Returns {{!}} Calgary Zoo|website=www.calgaryzoo.com|language=en|access-date=2019-11-01|archive-date=1 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191101103715/https://www.calgaryzoo.com/news/waddlers-unite-penguin-walk-returns|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.familyfuncanada.com/calgary/march-of-the-penguins/|title=Does It Get Any Cuter? Penguin Walk at the Calgary Zoo Returns for Another Season January to March 2019!|last=Calgary|first=Family Fun|date=2019-01-07|website=Family Fun Calgary|language=en-US|access-date=2019-11-01}}</ref>

===Other/former animals===
[[File:Calgary Zoo Peacock 2.JPG|thumb|Peacock in public.]]
The zoo contains a flock of [[Chilean flamingo]]s next to the enclosure containing both a herd of [[alpaca]]s and [[greater rhea]]s. [[Indian peafowl]] are allowed to venture around openly and freely across the zoo grounds, and are taken to an off-site facility for the winter months.

Prior to the 2013 flooding, the zoo also had an area section dedicated to South American animals such as [[giant anteater]]s, [[red-bellied piranha]]s and various [[New World monkey]]s, as well as a number of birds including several species of [[macaw]] and two [[Andean condor]]s. There also used to be an Australian animal portion, notorious for the '''''Creatures of the Night''''' exhibit, mostly consisting of various nocturnal animals such as [[bat]]s. Also present were a number of [[kangaroo]]s, [[emu]]s, [[monitor lizard]]s, and for a brief temporary time, [[koala]]s.

[[Kamala (elephant)|Kamala the elephant]] lived at Calgary Zoo from 1976 to 2014. While there, she gave birth to a male named Calvin in 1986, a female named Maharani in 1990.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fields |first=Odyssey |date=2024-11-05 |title=Asian elephant Kamala dies at Smithsonian's National Zoo |url=https://www.aol.com/asian-elephant-kamala-dies-smithsonian-142953928.html |access-date=2024-11-05 |website=www.aol.com |language=en-US}}</ref> Calvin, then called Chanda, was indefinitely loaned to Ontario's [[African Lion Safari]] in 1989 as part of a breeding program.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Craig |first=Sue |date=1990-07-15 |title=130-kilogram pachyderm makes early debut |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/calgary-herald-130-kilogram-pachyderm-ma/168315133/ |access-date=2025-03-19 |work=Calgary Herald |pages=1}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=1989-11-17 |title=The Mating Game |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/calgary-herald-the-mating-game/168315015/ |access-date=2025-03-19 |work=Calgary Herald |pages=87}}</ref> Maharani had a calf in 2007, which died shortly after birth due to [[elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2008-11-03 |title=Calgary zoo visitors, staff mourn elephant calf |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/calgary-zoo-visitors-staff-mourn-elephant-calf-1.739776 |work=[[CBC News]]}}</ref>
{{clear}}

==Conservation==
[[File:B75A5374 - 49364847217.jpg|thumb|The zoo was a part of a multi-organization conservation effort that was involved in releasing [[Fisher (animal)|fishers]] back into the Nisqually Tribal Use Area at Mount Rainier National Park.]]
44 species are cared for within Species Survival Plans,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Species Survival Plan Programs {{!}} AZA|url=https://www.aza.org/species-survival-plan-programs?locale=en|access-date=2021-04-28|website=www.aza.org}}</ref> a global initiative to protect at-risk genetic diversity. Twenty-nine species at the zoo are in danger of extinction. Other species are considered "ambassadors" for endangered species. The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo uses a team of educators including animal care technicians, interpreters, teachers, and volunteers to increase awareness among visitors about the beauty of nature and threats to wildlife. Each year the zoo's formal programs connect directly with more than 575,000 adults and children.

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is home to a team of biologists who have earned international recognition as North America's leaders in the science of species recovery and reintroduction. The science journal ''Nature'' rates the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo as one of the top five zoos in the world for conservation research, alongside [[Wildlife Conservation Society|New York]], [[San Diego Zoo Global|San Diego]], [[Frankfurt Zoological Society|Frankfurt]], and [[Zoological Society of London|London]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal|last=Mascarelli|first=Amanda|date=2013|title=Ecology: Conservation in captivity|journal=Nature|volume=498|issue=7453|pages=261–263|doi=10.1038/nj7453-261a|pmid=23776941|doi-access=free}}</ref> In June 2012, the head of the Calgary Zoo's Centre for Conservation Research, Dr. Axel Moehrenschlager, was awarded the Canadian Wildlife Federation's Roland Michener Conservation Award<ref>{{Cite web|title=2012 Winner of Roland Michener Conservation Award|url=https://cwf-fcf.org/en/explore/awards/winners/2012/2012-winner-axel.html|access-date=2021-04-28|website=cwf-fcf.org|language=en}}</ref> which recognizes individuals who have shown a commitment to "promote, enhance, and further the conservation of Canada's natural resources". Dr. Moehrenschlager is chair of the Reintroduction Specialist Group within the International Union for the Conservation of Nature,<ref>{{Cite web|title=International Union for Conservation of Nature|url=https://www.iucn.org/|access-date=2021-04-28|website=IUCN|language=en}}</ref> the world's largest conservation network. He is the first North American to hold this position.

The zoo focused on saving eight highly endangered Western Canada species: [[whooping crane]], [[Vancouver Island marmot]], [[swift fox]], [[black-footed ferret]], [[black-tailed prairie dog]], [[burrowing owl]], [[northern leopard frog]] and [[greater sage grouse]]. It also works on conservation projects around the world, including:
* Wechiau Community [[Hippo]] Sanctuary, [[Ghana]]
* [[Snow leopard]]s in [[Central Asia]], and
* [[Gorilla]]s in the [[Democratic Republic of Congo]]

In 2008, the zoo's Wechiau Community Hippo Sanctuary project, a collaboration involving 17 Ghana villages, was awarded the United Nations Equator Prize as one of the world's top 25 conservation initiatives.<ref>{{cite web |title=Wechiau Community Hippo Sanctuary (WCHS) |url=https://www.equatorinitiative.org/2017/05/30/wechiau-community-hippo-sanctuary-wchs/ |website=Equator Initiative |access-date=26 September 2024}}</ref> It has become a model for community-based conservation throughout Africa.

==Notable animal births==
In March 2012, Amur tiger Katja gave birth to three Amur tiger cubs at the zoo. The species is so highly endangered (there are an estimated 350 individuals worldwide), the births represented a 1% jump in the global population. In 2014, it became necessary to separate Vasili and Samkha, the two male tiger cubs, now almost full grown, from sister Kira and mom Katja (12 years old). Based on the Species Survival Plan recommendation, which manages genetics for future breeding, they were moved to [[Assiniboine Park Zoo]] in [[Winnipeg]].<ref name="cbc.ca">{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/tiger-assiniboine-park-zoo-moving-toronto-vasili-1.4674235|title=Tiger at Assiniboine Park Zoo moving to Toronto|website=CBC News|access-date=2019-11-01}}</ref> In May 2018 Vasili was moved to [[Toronto Zoo]] in [[Toronto]].<ref name="cbc.ca"/>

In early 2016, a [[western lowland gorilla]] infant was born to Kioja.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.calgaryzoo.com/blog/protecting-the-wild/the-baby-gorilla-has-arrived/|title=The baby gorilla has arrived!|last=Zoo|first=Calgary|date=2016-03-11|website=Calgary Zoo - Blog|language=en-US|access-date=2019-11-01|archive-date=26 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626094123/https://www.calgaryzoo.com/blog/protecting-the-wild/the-baby-gorilla-has-arrived/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Named Kimani, she was underweight at birth, but quickly recovered. Kimani died in 2022 after a struggle with cancer.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 22, 2022 |title=Calgary Zoo gorilla dies after struggle with cancer |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/gorilla-western-lowland-calgary-zoo-dies-cancer-1.6498367 |access-date=February 25, 2025 |website=CBC}}</ref>

In August 2016 a [[king penguin]] chick named Edward hatched, born to mother Grace.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.calgaryzoo.com/node/362|title=King penguin chick is named Edward {{!}} Calgary Zoo|website=www.calgaryzoo.com|language=en|access-date=2019-11-01}}</ref> The following year another [[king penguin]] chick hatched and was named Cleopatra to follow a theme of royal names.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.660citynews.com/2017/11/14/girl-calgary-zoo-names-newest-king-penguin-cleopatra/|title=It's a girl! Calgary Zoo names newest king penguin Cleopatra - 660 NEWS|website=www.660citynews.com|date=14 November 2017 |access-date=2019-11-01}}</ref>

In May 2017 a [[Przewalski's horse]] foal was born at the Calgary Zoo's Wildlife Conservation Centre.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.calgaryzoo.com/node/360|title=Przewalski's horse foal born {{!}} Calgary Zoo|website=www.calgaryzoo.com|language=en|access-date=2019-11-01}}</ref> While not visible to the public, this is an important addition to the genetic diversity of the endangered wild horse.<ref>{{cite iucn |author=King, S.R.B. |author2=Boyd, L. |author3=Zimmermann, W. |author4=Kendall, B.E. |year=2015 |title=''Equus ferus'' ssp. ''przewalskii'' |errata=2016 |volume=2015 |page=e.T7961A97205530 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2015-2.RLTS.T7961A45172099.en |access-date=13 January 2020}}</ref>

In June 2018 a [[bactrian camel]] calf was born to Eva.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://calgary.ctvnews.ca/calgary-zoo-welcomes-new-baby-camel-to-the-eurasian-section-1.3956683|title=Calgary Zoo welcomes new baby camel to the Eurasian section|date=2018-06-02|website=Calgary|language=en|access-date=2019-11-01}}</ref> He was later named Gobi.{{citation needed|date=August 2021}}

==Events==
===Zoolights===
Zoolights is a [[Christmas]] lights festival held annually at the Zoo. It usually closes around the end of December or the beginning of January. The month-long, animal-themed show features more than one million lights and is the largest seasonal light show in western Canada.

==Incidents==
Following a series of high-profile incidents in 2008 and 2009, some commentators criticized the zoo's conduct and operations.

Past incidents cited included:
* In January 2009, a two-year-old male [[Turkmenian markhor]] died after becoming entangled in an exhibit's play toy.
* In 2009, a knife was accidentally left in the western [[lowland gorilla]] enclosure. 
* On 5 December 2009, an 18-month-old female [[capybara]] died after being crushed by a hydraulic door. A worker did not follow a long-standing procedure in operating the door.<ref>{{cite news |title=Door mishap killed giant rodent at Calgary Zoo |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/door-mishap-killed-giant-rodent-at-calgary-zoo-1.829849 |work=CBC News |date=2009-12-11 |access-date=2017-05-26}}</ref>
* In September 2010, Calgary Zoo staff announced the overnight death of a second tiger cub born earlier in the week to a [[Siberian tiger]]. Zookeepers were not aware that Katja, the 10-year-old mother, was expecting, saying it is hard to detect pregnancy in tigers.  Katja did not nurse her young. Zoo staff noticed her carrying the first kitten in her mouth, which is likely how it died. The zoo's veterinary team says both Siberian tiger cubs suffered similar head trauma.<ref>{{cite news |title=Calgary Zoo staff unable to reverse tiger cub's failing health |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/flood-ravaged-calgary-zoo-laying-off-almost-300-staff-1.1349961 |work=Montreal Gazette |date=2013-09-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100913044951/http://www.montrealgazette.com/travel/Tiger%2Bdead/3505973/story.html |archive-date=2010-09-13 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* On 12 November 2024, a two-year-old female gorilla died after being struck by a hydraulic door, after a worker mistakenly activated the wrong door while the gorilla was being separated for individual training.<ref>{{cite news |title= 2-year-old gorilla Eyare died after hydraulic door mistakenly activated, Calgary zoo confirms |url=https://www.cbc.ca/lite/story/1.7388409|work=CBC News |date=2024-11-20 |access-date=2024-11-20}}</ref>

The zoo's director said all the incidents are unrelated. An independent review was solicited by the zoo in December 2009 and was conducted by the [[Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/critics-question-calgary-zoo-probe-1.834514|title=Critics question Calgary Zoo probe|author=CBC News|author-link=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=2010-03-18 | date=14 December 2009}}</ref>  The report, released in 2010, spotlighted systemic problems. In response, the zoo developed a 36-point plan that included improving animal care procedures and collection planning, addressing staffing issues like training and structure, enhancing security systems and safety drills, and upgrading aging zoo infrastructure. Later that year, the zoo hired noted animal welfare specialist, Dr. Jake Veasey, who has since instituted major changes and spearheaded new investment in animal facilities.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kaufmann |first=Bill |title=Brit to lead troubled Calgary Zoo |url=http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2010/11/20/16235026.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130729195716/http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2010/11/20/16235026.html |url-status=usurped |archive-date=29 July 2013 |work=Canoe.com |date=2010-11-20 |access-date=2017-05-26}}</ref>

Additional incidents and animal deaths also include:

* In October 2011, a zookeeper resigns following the death of a [[corn snake]], as the keeper had left it unattended near a heat source.<ref>{{Cite web|title=LIST: Animal deaths at the Calgary Zoo|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/2524125/list-animal-deaths-at-the-calgary-zoo/|access-date=2020-09-02|website=Global News|language=en-US}}</ref>
* In September 2014, a problem with an ozone sensor in the [[hippopotamus]] pool is blamed for the deaths of 85 [[tilapia]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=An otter, a goat and cownose rays: A list of some animal deaths at the Calgary Zoo|url=https://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/an-otter-a-goat-and-cownose-rays-a-list-of-some-animal-deaths-at-the-calgary-zoo|access-date=2020-09-02|website=Calgary Herald|language=en-CA}}</ref>
* In February 2016, an [[otter]] drowned after becoming tangled in pants given to it by a zookeeper.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Otter at Calgary Zoo drowns after getting tangled in pants from zookeeper|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/2523005/otter-at-calgary-zoo-drowns-after-getting-tangled-in-pants-given-by-zookeeper/|access-date=2020-09-02|website=Global News|language=en-US}}</ref>
* In December 2016, seven [[Humboldt penguin]]s died, drowning in a holding pool.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Kassam|first=Ashifa|date=2016-12-09|title=Seven penguins drown in latest deadly incident at Calgary zoo|language=en-GB|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/dec/09/penguins-drown-at-calgary-zoo-canada|access-date=2020-09-02|issn=0261-3077}}</ref>
* In May 2023, a [[Masai Giraffe]] died of a broken neck after getting its [[ossicone]] caught in a cable around their enclosure.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bell |first=David |date=2023-05-29 |title=Calgary zoo giraffe dies of broken neck in 'tragic accident' |work=[[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|CBC]] |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/calgary-zoo-giraffe-dies-of-broken-neck-in-tragic-accident-1.6857933 |access-date=2023-07-26}}</ref>
* In July 2024, one of the zoo’s popular [[polar bears]], Baffin, died by drowning after what zoo officials described as “rough play” with another bear.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2024/07/26/baffin-polar-bear-dies-calgary-zoo-canada/74554901007/ | title=Polar bear dies by drowning after 'rough play' at Calgary Zoo | author=Emily DeLetter | website=[[USA Today]]}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist |refs=

<ref name="waza_list">{{Cite web
 |url=http://www.waza.org/en/site/zoos-aquariums
 |title=Zoos and Aquariums of the World
 |work=waza.org
 |publisher=[[World Association of Zoos and Aquariums]]
 |access-date=6 September 2010
 |archive-date=3 March 2016
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303215751/http://www.waza.org/en/site/zoos-aquariums
 |url-status=dead
 }}</ref>

<ref name="aza_list">
 {{Cite web
 |url=http://www.aza.org/current-accreditation-list/
 |title=List of Accredited Zoos and Aquariums
 |work=aza.org
 |publisher=[[Association of Zoos and Aquariums]]
 |access-date=6 September 2010
 }}
</ref>

}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Calgary Zoo}}
* {{official website|https://www.calgaryzoo.com}}

{{Zoos of Alberta}}
{{CAZA}}

{{Alberta parks}}
{{Calgary landmarks}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Culture of Calgary]]
[[Category:Zoos in Alberta]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Calgary]]
[[Category:Educational organizations established in 1929]]
[[Category:Zoos established in the 1920s]]
[[Category:1929 establishments in Alberta]]