Calgary Zoo | Calgary

The Calgary Zoo is one of Canada’s top zoos, located in Prince Island Park, near downtown Calgary, Alberta. It is a beloved institution for both locals and tourists, providing a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages. Known for its conservation efforts, diverse animal exhibits, and engaging programs, the Calgary Zoo is one of the city's most popular attractions.

Overview of the Calgary Zoo

Location: The Calgary Zoo is located along the Bow River, just a short distance from downtown Calgary. It is situated on St. George’s Island in Prince Island Park, which provides visitors with a scenic backdrop as they explore the zoo’s various exhibits.

Founded: The zoo was founded in 1929 and has grown significantly over the years, now encompassing a large area with diverse animal habitats and gardens.

Size: The zoo covers approximately 120 acres, housing over 1,000 animals representing more than 270 species from all over the world.

Mission: The Calgary Zoo’s mission focuses on conservation, education, and research. It aims to inspire visitors to care about wildlife, protect habitats, and understand the importance of preserving biodiversity for future generations.

Key Features and Exhibits

The Calgary Zoo is home to a wide range of animal exhibits, each designed to replicate the natural environments of the animals it houses. Some of the zoo’s most popular exhibits include:

1. Canadian Wilds

This exhibit showcases Canada’s diverse wildlife, from the Arctic to the Pacific coast and the Rocky Mountains. Visitors can see a variety of animals native to Canada, including:

Bison: The plains bison is an iconic species of the Canadian prairies.

Wolves: The zoo features timber wolves, known for their role in the Canadian wilderness.

Bears: There are grizzly bears and polar bears, both of which are key species in Canada's northern regions.

Beavers, elk, and other wildlife: This section highlights many of the animals that play significant roles in Canada’s ecosystems.

2. Destination Africa

Destination Africa is one of the zoo's most popular and dynamic exhibits, showcasing a variety of animals from the African continent. Visitors can get up close to:

Giraffes: The Calgary Zoo is home to reticulated giraffes, one of the tallest land animals in the world.

Lions: The exhibit features African lions, often one of the most iconic animals associated with Africa.

Zebras, cheetahs, and meerkats: Other animals in this exhibit include Grant’s zebras, cheetahs, meerkats, and rhinos.

Hippos: The hippopotamuses live in a large water enclosure that mimics their natural habitat in Africa.

Birds: The zoo also features various African birds, including hornbills and bustards.

3. Eurasia

The Eurasia exhibit highlights the diverse wildlife from Asia and Europe. It includes:

Red Pandas: One of the highlights is the red panda, an endangered species native to the Himalayas.

Tigers: The zoo houses Amur tigers, a critically endangered species found in the forests of eastern Russia and China.

Snow Leopards: Another key feature is the snow leopard, a rare species that inhabits the mountains of Central Asia.

Gibbons: The zoo is home to white-cheeked gibbons, which are known for their impressive acrobatic skills and vocalizations.

4. The Prehistoric Park

The Prehistoric Park at the Calgary Zoo provides an educational experience that takes visitors back in time to the age of the dinosaurs. Life-size, animated dinosaur replicas can be found throughout this section, offering a glimpse into prehistoric life. The exhibit focuses on the history of the Mesozoic Era (the age of dinosaurs) and features:

Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops: Life-size, roaring replicas of some of the most famous dinosaurs are featured here.

Educational Displays: The area also includes interactive exhibits that teach about the evolution of species and the connection between ancient reptiles and modern animals.

5. Penguin Plunge

The Penguin Plunge exhibit is a highlight of the zoo, offering an up-close look at penguins in their natural habitat. The exhibit features:

African Penguins: These penguins are native to the southern coast of Africa.

Underwater Viewing Area: The exhibit includes an underwater viewing area where visitors can watch the penguins swim and dive.

Cold Weather Adaptation: While African penguins are not from cold regions like other penguin species, the exhibit educates visitors on how penguins can thrive in various environments.

6. Butterfly Garden

The Calgary Zoo also features an indoor Butterfly Garden, a tropical environment that allows visitors to get close to hundreds of butterflies in all stages of development.

Tropical Environment: This exhibit showcases a variety of tropical butterflies, as well as plants that attract these beautiful creatures.

Education: The Butterfly Garden is designed to teach visitors about the life cycle of butterflies, their role in pollination, and the importance of conservation.

7. ENMAX Conservatory

The ENMAX Conservatory is a beautiful botanical garden within the zoo, featuring exotic plants and flowers from around the world. Visitors can explore a tropical rainforest, a desert garden, and a variety of other plant displays.

Tropical Plants: The conservatory features lush plants from tropical climates, offering a vibrant escape from the city's colder weather.

Seasonal Displays: The conservatory is home to seasonal displays, including holiday-themed decorations and flower shows.

Conservation and Education

The Calgary Zoo is not only a place for entertainment, but also a leader in wildlife conservation. The zoo is actively involved in conservation efforts both in the wild and within the zoo itself. Some of the zoo’s conservation initiatives include:

Species Survival Programs: The zoo is involved in various Species Survival Plans (SSPs), which are designed to protect endangered species through breeding programs, habitat restoration, and education.

Habitat Restoration Projects: The zoo supports initiatives aimed at restoring natural habitats for wildlife, particularly for species that are threatened or endangered in the wild.

Educational Programs: The zoo offers a wide range of educational programs for all ages, including summer camps, school programs, guided tours, and workshops on topics like animal behavior, conservation, and biodiversity.

Visitor Information

Admission: The Calgary Zoo charges an admission fee, with discounts available for children, seniors, and members. There are also family passes and annual memberships that offer additional savings.

Opening Hours: The zoo is typically open every day of the year, with extended hours during the summer months and special events. Hours of operation can vary seasonally, so it is best to check ahead of time.

Accessibility: The zoo is wheelchair accessible, and the grounds include accessible paths and facilities for visitors with mobility challenges.

Dining: The zoo has a variety of food outlets offering snacks, meals, and beverages, ranging from casual dining to picnic-style options.

Location: The Calgary Zoo is located at 1300 Zoo Road NE, Calgary, Alberta, and is easily accessible via public transit and by car. Parking is available on-site, but it can fill up during peak times, such as weekends and holidays.

Special Events: Throughout the year, the zoo hosts special events, including ZooLights (a holiday light display), family-friendly festivals, and seasonal activities that make the zoo an exciting destination year-round.

Conclusion

The Calgary Zoo is a fantastic destination for animal lovers, families, and anyone interested in learning more about wildlife conservation and natural habitats. With its diverse range of animals, educational programs, and beautiful grounds, it offers a unique experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you're exploring the African savanna, getting close to Canadian wildlife, or enjoying one of the zoo’s special events, the Calgary Zoo is a must-visit attraction in the city.