Map of Life
We hope you’ll find this news as fascinating as we do. In order to help endangered species all over the world, we must first understand where they are and one of our researchers has been involved in an amazing project – creating a Map of Life.
Interview requests are being organized directly through our Conservation Research Department – please see the release for contact info.
See a screen shot of the map here.
Elephants to Relocate
Calgary Zoo officials today announced their long-term intention to relocate the zoo’s endangered Asian elephants to another zoological facility; the move to an accredited facility that meets specific criteria will occur within four to five years. The elephants will continue to be part of a program which supports the survival of this species.
Read Release
On behalf of the Canadian Wildlife Federation, The Calgary Zoo is pleased to host the launch of their 2012 Get To Know contest, celebrating year 13!
Read details here of the April 23rd launch event.
The ENMAX Conservatory’s Garden Gallery is a-flutter with the colours of spring – our
butterflies are back as well as a myriad of spring flowers!
See the links inside the release for photos and video of the new Amur tiger cubs.
Read the release here.
The Calgary Zoo is pleased to advise that between approximately 4:30 am and 7:00 am today three Amur tiger cubs were born to female Katja; father is Baikal. The birth of these tiny cubs, each weighing and estimated 750 grams is potentially great news for this highly-endangered species.
Watch Video Read Release
First Young of the Year
Read the press release here
Get Your Happy Feet to the Zoo this weekend, March 10 and 11.
Read the press release here.
Sad news in the African Savannah.
Read press release here.
Penguin Plunge exhibit opens to the public at 11:00 AM, February 17.
Read press release here.
The Calgary Zoological Society is pleased to confirm that the black and white pandas will be returning to Calgary.
Read more
The Calgary Zoo is deeply saddened to advise that our 16-year-old male lion, Okonko, died this afternoon. Following intricate surgery earlier today where veterinarians removed his cancerouspleen, the lion’s heart failed.
Read More
It’s fast approaching – the opening of Penguin Plunge at the Calgary Zoo! We have targeted Friday, February 17 for the grand opening celebration but stay tuned for confirmation of that date and more details as we wait for the penguins give us the “wings up” that they have completely settled in and are ready to meet their adoring community!
Read More
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Species Survival Commission has established a special task force of the Reintroduction and Invasive Specialist Groups to review and revise the 1998 Guidelines for Reintroduction and IUCN policy on translocation* of species.
Read More
Bring your Valentine for an evening of romance – animal style!
Join us for dinner and a special program about sex in the zoo! We’ll begin with a delicious candlelight dinner served in the new ENMAX Conservatory and finish with anaughty talk about the mind boggling world of romance in the animal kingdom.
Read More
Santa paid the Calgary Zoo an early visit this morning and delivered a 280-pound black and white gift to welcome visitors to Penguin Plunge, due to open in February 2012.
Santa came to say, “Well, I had to give Dasher and Dancer an extra feed of hay this morning after carrying such a weighty gift in my sleigh! Ho, ho ho…”
Read Release
Calgary Zoo officials today announced the resignation of a keeper following a disciplinary meeting held as a result of the keeper failing to follow animal-handling instructions which contributed to the death of a corn snake.
Read Release
Government of Canada Announces Woodland Caribou Captive Breeding Partnering Arrangement
between Parks Canada, BC Government and Calgary Zoo. Innovative project a cornerstone of Parks Canada’s Conservation Strategy for Southern Mountain Caribou in Canada’s National Parks.
Read news release here.
Read about the Strategy Background here.
Read about Captive Breeding here.
On Tuesday, October 18 as the sun was setting over the prairie, coyotes howled in the distance and head-lamps pierced the gathering darkness, participants from the Calgary Zoo, Parks Canada, Toronto Zoo, Husky Energy, Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment and over 75 local-area youth released 15 captive-bred black-footed ferrets into Grasslands National Park in Saskatchewan, bolstering Canada’s population of the “prairie bandit” for the third year in a row. This year, 2011, marks the 30th anniversary of the re-discovery of black-footed ferrets, once thought to be extinct in North America.
Read release
It’s Hippo Happiness all weekend long!To kick off our Spotlight on Hippos for the months of October and November, the Calgary Zoo is excited to celebrate the birthday of its oldest resident Foggy the river hippo who turned 46 on Saturday, September 17th. Foggy is one of the oldest hippos in captivity in North America. Born at the Houston Zoo in 1965, Foggy was transferred to Calgary nine months later on May 19, 1966.
Read release Calgary Zoo Wins AZA North American Conservation Award
The Calgary Zoo was awarded recognition last week along with their colleagues at the Toronto Zoo for their work in the recovery of the Vancouver Island marmot – one of North America’s most endangered mammals. The Calgary Zoo previously won this award in 2006 for its work with the recovery of swift fox.
Read release
The filtration system for our hippo pool is getting an extensive upgrade to improve water quality for Sparky, Foggy and the fish that keep them company. Most of the required work will take place in the large behind-the-scenes area which houses the life support system so we wanted to explain what was going on. These improvements will take several weeks, but are expected to be completed before the end of September.
As of Tuesday, September 6th, the pool was drained and emptied in preparation for full demolition of the filters and system piping. Thanks to all members of the internal Zoo crew that worked tirelessly to drain the pool, catch the fish, give them a check up and relocate them to their temporary location at Elephant Crossing.
Botting and their subcontractors are now in full demolition and construction mode with the project and will be working from 6am to 2am each day in two shifts over the next couple of weeks. We’ll also be taking the opportunity to clean thoroughly clean the pool and exhibit glass while it is empty.
While the pool is drained, the hippos will be staying in their off-exhibit area which has a smaller pool but which has limited visibility to the public. During the upgrade, visitors to the Zoo can still see the other residents of the African Savannah building – the giraffes, hyrax, African crested porcupines, Red River hogs and meerkats.
HUSKY ENERGY MAKES SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO CONSERVATION RESEARCH
The Calgary Zoo today welcomed a significant contribution to its Centre for Conservation Research in support of the Husky Energy Endangered Species Program. This $1.25 million gift from Husky Energy is the largest program donation ever received by the Calgary Zoo.
Read release
To celebrate their 75th anniversary, CBC TV asked Canadians to submit a moment in time during a 24 hour period all happening on April 30th What resulted is a social time capsule, a unique 24 hour snapshot of our country capturing ordinary and extraordinary happenings people were experiencing on that day. We submitted a wonderful "waking up with the elephants" segment and they seem very keen to include it in the special to run nationally, Sunday, August 21 at 8pm on CBC. If it runs, it will have been chosen from many hundreds of entries. Watch it
here!
IF YOU GO DOWN TO THE ZOO TODAY…
…you’re sure of a big surprise! For every bear that ever there was, will gather there for certain, because… today’s the day the teddy bears have their picnic.
You and your teddy bear are invited to come to the Calgary Zoo on Saturday and Sunday, August 13th and 14th for our biggest ever Teddy Bear Picnic. Grab your picnic blanket, your teddy andcome down to the zoo!
more info
On July 7 and 8 the zoo is hosting a couple of large events that necessitate the closure of two parts of the zoo. Our Destination Africa zone shall be closed from 1:30pm (July 7) to allow us to prepare for an annual stampede event, and the Enmax Conservatory shall closed from 4pm to enable preparations for an event to be hosted by the Premier of Alberta.
On July 8 the Premier of Alberta is hosting a private event, for a range of guests including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The Calgary Zoo is delighted to have been selected by the Premier of Alberta to host such an event.
On July 8 the West Parking lot shall be closed to the public until 2pm however our large North Lot is open and zoo visitors should use that parking facility. Day visitors may have limited access to the west side of Zoo Island up until 1pm. Thank you in advance for your understanding.
On Friday, June 17 at about 3:30 pm, the Calgary Zoo posted a short video on YouTube and our Facebook page of one of our young gorillas playing in water – just one of the many enrichment activities provided by zookeepers. Since Friday afternoon, the video seems to be steadily gaining in popularity and our adorable break-dancing gorilla video has this morning been viewed over 15,000 times – that’s sure to be over 15,000 smiles! YouTube Link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNKyG4C2VlA read more
Calgary Zoo kicks off Spotlight on Gorillas in May and June
Following a successful Spotlight on Tigers in February and March, the Calgary Zoo is now turning the spotlight on another endangered species, gorillas. To launch this exciting two-month focus on gorillas, the zoo shares the story of an amazing young girl from Red Deer who decided she could join the zoo’s efforts to help save gorillas.
read release
watch video
The Calgary Zoo is very excited today to announce the winning Big name for our Big baby giraffe! JENGO was submitted by the Brade family of five who took some good family time and energy to research the perfect name for the curious and independent new zoo addition. Eight other entries were for the same name, however the zoo animal care staff who were the judges were impressed by the explanation given by the Brade family.
read release
The Calgary Zoo today issued a Call to Artists for a major public art piece to be located near the zoo’s north entrance. This exceptional opportunity to create a large-scale art piece is open to local, regional, national and international artists.
Read Release
In recognition of National Volunteer Week, April 10-16, we are celebrating the more than 3,000 volunteers from across Canada who donate more than 160,000 hours of their time to accredited zoos and aquariums each year. Zoo and aquarium volunteers come from all walks of life and span every generation, but whatever their background they share a common love for animals and nature.
Read release
Hop on down to the Calgary Zoo for an egg-stra special Easter! Pick up the Easter program and map to find clues to the Cadbury tent where you will receive a special treat. Watch fun entertainment on the main stage from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm and enjoy activities like Plant a Pot, Bounce Houses and an Easter Egg Dig with prizing and don’t miss the Alberta Egg Producers Egg-cellent activities too! So much to do and so much fun to be had this Easter with your friends at the Calgary Zoo!
Read release
Dr. Axel Moehrenschlager, Head of the Centre for Conservation Research (CCR) at the Calgary Zoo has received international attention from the foremost global conservation organization.
read article...
Gland, Switzerland (March 15th 2011): After the earthquake and tsunami that has affected the North of Japan on March 11th, WAZA is joining forces with its Japanese regional association (JAZA) and its member institutions to help the zoos and aquariums in the North of Japan.
Read article...
After nearly 30 years at the Calgary Zoo, Brian Keating today announced his retirement as Head of Conservation Outreach. While his responsibilities will be assumed by his long-time colleague, Kevin Strange, Brian will maintain close links with the Zoo in the capacity of Honourary Conservation Advisor and through his support of the Zoo’s Conservation Fund. Read
more...
A landmark, bi-national project to reintroduce the endangered whooping crane to its historic marshland habitat in Louisiana has been launched, thanks in part to the efforts of wildlife experts at the Calgary Zoo, who have carefully fostered dozens of eggs from a captive breeding centre for transport to the United States. Read
article
Thank you to the Calgary Herald editorial board for hosting Dr. Clement Lanthier, President and CEO of the Calgary Zoo and Simon Scott, Director of Marketing and Communications for a discussion on the future of the Calgary Zoo. Here is the resulting
article .
Zoo staff faced the reality of the circle of life this week as they welcomed the birth of a baby giraffe and had to say a sad goodbye to two senior zoo residents.
Read the press release here.
Calgary, AB – On January 18 and 19, experts from across the country have gathered at the Calgary Zoo to review research findings and plan for the future of black-footed ferrets and black-tailed prairie dogs - two species at risk in Canada. Along with the research team from the Calgary Zoo, representatives from Parks Canada, Agriculture and Agri-food Canada, the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS), the Saskatchewan government, US Fish & Wildlife Service, World Wildlife Fund US (WWF US) and the Toronto Zoo are attending.
Read More
We are sorry to have to share with you the very sad news that our tiger cub died last night. Our team worked round the clock and did all they could. Read Update Zoo staff intervene to provide emergency care for tiger cub
Senior animal care staff were compelled to make the difficult decision to intervene tonight as the health of the newly born Amur (Siberian) tiger cub was seen to deteriorate.
Read Update
The Calgary Zoo staff are excited at the birth of one Siberian tiger cub in the early hours of Monday, January 10. This is potentially great news for a highly endangered species.
read release -
View Photo
Black-Footed Ferrets Give Birth in the Wild & Second Release Bolsters Population
Monitoring Update – March, August & September 2010 Results
In March/April 2010, over a two week monitoring period, ferret trackers positively identified a minimum of 12 individuals ferrets, corresponding to a 35% survival rate from ferrets originally released in the previous October 2009. This overwinter survival rate is similar to other reintroduction sites in the United States.
In the early morning hours of July 25, 2010, a playful litter of kits was observed on a black-tailed prairie dog colony. For the first time in more than 70 years, black-footed ferrets had been born in the wild in Canada!
read release
Dr. Jake Veasey, an animal welfare scientist and conservation biologist, has joined the Calgary Zoo as he Director of Animal Management, Conservation and Research. For the past 10 years Jake was the Head of Animal Management & Conservation at Woburn Safari Park in England UK, and brings an exceptional track record in zoo animal welfare and international conservation.
read release
"The nations of the world have just gathered in Nagoya, Japan for the international Convention on Biological Diversity to grapple with the monumental question of how to save the Earth's endangered plants and animals, and further to determine how we know when we achieve success,” said Kevin Strange, Head of Conservation Outreach at the Calgary Zoo. “At Wechiau in Northern Ghana, we have a small community-based initiative where it has now been demonstrated scientifically that community-based conservation can work."
read release
read research paper
The Zoo's Prehistoric park will be closed on Monday October 18 due to electrical upgrades.
Prehistoric Park will open again on Tuesday October 19 foreseeing no problems during the upgrade.
Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.
Two red panda cubs come out to play
Double the cuteness; double the fun! Two red panda cubs come out to play
The two red panda cubs born on May 30 are ready to come out to play. The cubs – one male and one female – have been in the den area since their birth and have been completely raised by their mother Malikha.
Debut of red panda cubs
Thursday, October 7, 2010 at 11:00 a.m.
Red Panda exhibit
read release
On September 23, for the second successive year, a group of 15 black-footed ferrets were reintroduced to the Canadian prairies in Grasslands National Park. As part of the international recovery team, Calgary Zoo researchers and Parks Canada officials led the planning and coordination of this second reintroduction. In October 2009, 34 black-footed ferrets were released to the park – bringing ferrets back to the Canadian prairies after an absence of more than 70 years.
read release
Please be advised that effective Tuesday, October 12, 2010 our west gate entrance/parking lot will be closed for the winter season.
The west gate and parking lot will open again in the spring on March 25, 2011.
Visitors can use the north parking lot.
Zoo staff devastated as tiger cub loses fight for life
This morning we want to share with you the very sad news that Katja’s cub did not make it through her third night. Our veterinary team provided round-the-clock care following her arrival on Tuesday morning and is devastated - as is everyone at the zoo.
Having worked through the night our veterinary team believe the cub succumbed to complications from severe head trauma, similar injuries to her sibling. From birth her clinical signs were consistent with head rauma and that is how our veterinary team had been treating her while trying to remain hopeful she would recover.
read release
Following the birth of two tiger cubs yesterday our veterinary teams have worked through the night to provide care to the surviving cub and establish the cause of death of the one cub who died shortly after birth.
The female cub is stable and in intensive care at the Animal Health Centre. She is receiving round the clock care from the zoo’s veterinary team.
read releaseview photo
Calgary Zoo animal care staff are working around the clock to save a young Siberian tiger cub born to 10 year old Katja last evening. This morning Zoo staff had a bittersweet surprise when they learned that Katja had given birth to a cub overnight. As keepers moved quickly to secure a den for her so that she could care for her cub in comfort, they discovered another cub had sadly not survived. Finding the surviving cub struggling, the staff took the cub to the Zoo’s Animal Health Centre to be examined where staff are continuing to monitor it. It is hoped that should the cub recover well, it will be returned to Katja as soon as possible as it is preferable that the cub be mother-raised.
read release
On August 19, 2010, the Calgary Zoo had reported that their 15 year old tiger Kita was suffering from a serious chest infection and was being watched closely by keepers and veterinarians. Since that time, animal care staff are pleased to report that she has returned to her healthy eating habits and they have seen an increase in her activity levels. It is vital that she continue to eat well, as this is how her antibiotics are administered. Animal care staff are cautiously optimistic, keeping in mind that she is old for a tiger and that often these kinds of health issues can be more serious with an aging animal.
Zoo Concerned About Aging Tiger
Animal care and veterinary staff at the Calgary Zoo are very concerned about Kita, our 15 year old female Siberian tiger, who is currently suffering from a serious chest infection. She is responding well to treatment but veterinary staff are waiting for further pathology and bacteriology results to confirm the cause of her illness.
What job at the Calgary Zoo takes an eight-person zoo team, a machinist, a welder, and a 10-tonne hoist on standby? Simple . . . giving our bull elephant new tusk caps!
Read the press release here.
Watch the YouTube video.
Two red panda cubs make it 11 since 1994!
Read the press release here.
Dr. Clement Lanthier, President and CEO of the Calgary Zoo, today shared the results of a review of the Zoo’s animal care practices and a 36-point Action Plan to address areas of concern contained in the review.
more
Girl Guides from the Calgary area have a very special spot to commemorate 100 years of guiding. The shade garden along Discovery Trail has been planted with an array of pansies to commemorate this milestone in Girl Guide history.
Read Release
A contest that’s bad to the bone!
The Calgary Zoo’s Dinosaurs Alive exhibit has been thrilling visitors since opening in February. Now, the Calgary Zoo, in partnership with the Royal Tyrrell Museum and Dinosaur Provincial Park, want to expand your dinosaur experience! Check out the recently unveiled Tyrannosaurus rex dig site playground at the Zoo, OR the Royal Tyrrell Museum’s newest exhibit Alberta Unearthed.
read release
For the first time since 1994, three Asian Wild Horse foals have been born at the Calgary Zoo’s endangered species breeding facility – the Devonian Wildlife Conservation Centre (DWCC). The adorable new additions, now frolicking in the meadows at the zoo’s ranch, expand the herd from 8 to 11 horses.
Click
here to read the press release.
Two orphaned cougar cubs are now calling the Calgary Zoo home.
Click
here to read the press release.
Kinsmen ZooVenture Playground will Reopen on Tuesday May 4th.
Our Creatures of the Night Exhibit has delighted our visitors for over 31 years, featuring exotic nocturnal and Australian species in the dark ambience that people have found mysterious and alluring. Now, we have had to make a decision to close this old enclosure and look forward to new exciting projects ahead. After careful examination, this aging building is nearing the end of its life expectancy, with significant deterioration occurring to the flooring and the heating and ventilation systems. To put the funds towards restoration does not make sense in this case and would divert money from other pressing plans for newer infrastructure. We are currently working diligently on a plan to re-house our animal inhabitants. Stay tuned...just around the corner - penguins of the Antarctic Landing in 2012!
The butterflies are back in the Garden Gallery of the ENMAX Conservatory. Take a few minutes to enjoy these delicate beauties in the zoo’s aromatic spring garden setting this Earth Day.
read more
Early on April 1, Red River hog mom Mvula (6 years old) gave birth to her second litter of absolutely adorable little hoglets! Mvula and her three babies are now ready to come out to play after spending time bonding in their offdisplay nursery over the past two weeks. Read more.
When: Saturday, April 10, 2010, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Where: Calgary Zoo (North entrance).
Why: To celebrate National Wildlife Week, to commemorate International Year of Biodiversity and to award the zoo’s Centre for Conservation Research with additional funding from CWF’s new Endangered Species Program.
Read more.
Dow Chemical Canada ULC announced today, a partnership with the Calgary Zoo in the naming of the Dow Learning Centre, a classroom located inside the ENMAX Conservatory at the Calgary Zoo.
Read more.
Two orphaned cougars have arrived today at the Calgary Zoo from the Northern Lights Wildlife Shelter in Smithers, B.C. The young male and female siblings were born in early 2009 in the Powell River area and arrived at the B.C. sanctuary on June 5, 2009 where they have spent the last 9 months. They were estimated to be 5 months old at the time they were orphaned so are about 14 months old now. Read more.
Having spent 20 years at the Calgary Zoo and successfully worked her way to the position of director, Cathy Gaviller has resigned her position as Director of Conservation & Research to pursue other opportunities.
Read more
At approximately 8:15 a.m. before the zoo was open to the public, two young gorillas (Shana and Zola) were in their outdoor habitat. Shana, a 7-year-old male, took a leap from a pile of ice that had accumulated in the moat that borders the gorilla yard. He managed to reach, and perch upon the glass perimeter screen before seeing a member of staff and leaping safely back into his yard.
read more
Mar 8, 2010
Silver Spring, MD – As clocks 'spring forward' on March 14, 2010, take the opportunity to learn more about the amphibians in your own community through FrogWatch USA, the flagship citizen science program of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums(AZA). Read more here
Discovery Passport members are invited to attend the Calgary Zoological Society's Annual General Meeting.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Location: Calgary Zoo, Safari Lodge
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Please enter the zoo through the former south entrance (at the Security Building). For any questions pertaining to the AGM, please call the Calgary Zoo at 232-9300.
A new tiger joins the zoo
There’s a new roar being heard at the Calgary Zoo
Four hundred thirty pounds of handsome male tiger has arrived from the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo in New York as part of the Siberian or Amur tiger Species Survival Plan (SSP). This impressive male tiger Baikal (pronounced bay-kal), named after the deepest and oldest freshwater lake in Russia, is destined to eventually mate with resident female tiger Katja, born April 20, 2000 at the Calgary Zoo. Click here to read more.
2010 International Elephant Foundation Grants Backed by Zoo Donations
Silver Spring, MD (January 6, 2010) – The International Elephant Foundation (IEF) and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) today announced their support for 16 elephant conservation projects for 2010
Read News Release
The newest addition to the Calgary Zoo’s giraffe herd made her entrance at approximately 4:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 5, 2009. Experienced mother Mardi managed the delivery on her own and is now doting on her new calf in the privacy of the nursery. The adorable little female giraffe measures 5 ft 10 inches tall and weighs 130 lbs.
Read Release
After being extinct in Canada for more than 75 years, black-footed ferrets have been reintroduced to the Canadian prairie. Grasslands National Park in Saskatchewan was chosen for the release because it is native habitat for black-tailed prairie dogs, the ferrets' main prey species. Read the press release here.
See photos of the Black Footed Ferret in the wild at night. here
Watch video of the release and learn about the Black Footed Ferret here
Prehistoric Park will be closed until February 2010 to prepare for something BIG!!
We apologize for any inconvenience.
Officials from the Calgary Zoo and ENMAX Corporation, sponsors for the ENMAX Conservatory, along with representatives from civic and provincial governments proudly participated today in the opening of this exciting new facility at the Calgary Zoo. The Honourable Cindy Ady, Minister of Tourism, brought greetings from the provincial government to one of the province’s top tourist attractions, and Mayor David Bronconnier spoke on behalf of The City of Calgary about this new and exciting addition to the city’s landscape.
To read the news release, click here.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. on Monday, October 5, 2009, two men made an unauthorized entry to the zoo. At this point our information is that they went to the tiger enclosure and one of the men climbed over the outer perimeter safety fence and approached the exhibit fence. He did not enter the exhibit, but did come into contact with one of the tigers and sustained significant injuries to his arms. Read the full statement
here.
With over 2,000 online votes cast, the newest addition to the Red panda family at the Calgary Zoo officially has a name. Our adorable little female cub will make her media debut on Friday, September 25, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. and her name will be revealed at that time. Read the release
here.
Kioja, Dossi, Zola and Shana were in quarantine at the zoo’s Animal Health Centre for three months following their arrival in May. However, they now may be seen in the TransAlta Rainforest Building, along with the Calgary troop. Click
here to read the release.
Two capybaras have arrived at the Calgary Zoo and have now taken up residence in the South American pavilion. Weighing in at up to 140 pounds – or the size of a very large dog - capybaras are distinguished as the largest rodent in the world. However, you might not know it to look at them. With slightly webbed feet, barrel-shaped bodies, and lacking a tail, they don’t look like a mouse or a rat – in fact one might actually call them cute. Read the full release
here.
Zoo officials are delighted to announce the five year sponsorship of KidzKonnect, the Calgary Zoo’s Youth Volunteer Program, by the Imperial Oil Foundation. On Friday, July 24 at 11:00 a.m., media are invited to meet some of our youth volunteers, zoo officials andrepresentatives from the Imperial Oil Foundation at a brief inaugural ceremony to be held at Alberta Plaza – the zoo’s north entrance. Read the release
here.
There are lots of new things hopping in the Australia section of the zoo these days. Visitors to Calgary’s “Down Under” will be delighted to see some new additions - all marsupials - and if they’re lucky they just might catch a glimpse of a young joey in its mother’s pouch. Read the news release
here.
When a species comes to the brink of extinction, it takes the dedicated and combined effort of many individuals and institutions to rescue it. In total, 65 Vancouver Island marmot pups were born this year at four partnering facilities across Canada including the Calgary Zoo, the Toronto Zoo, Mountain View Conservation & Breeding Centre in Langley, B.C. and the Tony Barrett Mt. Washington Recovery Centre on Vancouver Island. Read the full news release here.
Prehistoric Park may have certain pathways closed for upgrade work until November 6, 2009. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience.
Beren and Foxy Cleopatra, the pair of adult swift foxes at the Calgary Zoo, are the proud parents of four healthy and active pups born the week of April 22, 2009. The Calgary Zoo is one of only 20 institutions accredited with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) which are involved in the Swift Fox Species Survival Plan (SSP) and currently exhibiting the species. Click
here to read the press release.
Red panda cub born at the zoo. Read the press release here .
The Calgary Zoo is pleased to announce its partnership with Calgary Co-op to develop the Calgary Co-op Kids Zone which will feature the first wildlife carousel in Canada and also include a new train shelter for the children’s zoo train and a toddler playground. Read the release
here.
Brandon University confers an Honorary Doctor of Science degree upon Brian Keating. Read the press release
here .
For over 15 years, a pair of nesting osprey have chosen to build their summer home on a platform constructed by the Calgary Zoo on a pole erected by ENMAX Power Corporation at the extreme east end of St. George’s Island. Read the press release
here .
Blizzard will leaving the Calgary Zoo on Tuesday, May 19 and returning to his home at the Assiniboine Park Zoo in Winnipeg. Read the press release
here .
Calgary, AB – Senior management at the zoo have made the decision to close the Cownose ray exhibit in the next few weeks to make way for a new exhibit later this year. Zoo management is considering a number of options to replace the ray exhibit, which opened in February 2008.
Read News Release
With the launch of Alberta Seniors' Week, this is a great time to introduce many of our zoo seniors and talk about how we care for them.
Read more here
Four Western Lowland gorillas to join the Calgary Troop
Four Western Lowland gorillas have arrived in Calgary from the Bronx Zoo in New York City. The “Bronx Four” includes two boys – Shana and Zola, both six years of age, and two girls – Dossi and Kioja, both 8 years old. Their move to Calgary comes as a result of a recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Species Survival Plan for Western Lowland gorillas. Read release...
Click here to view photos and a video...
Calgary Zoo staff diligently continue species revitalization efforts with whooping cranes undaunted by the loss of two of the precious eggs that froze after a spring storm on April 22 forced the parents to abandon the nest.
Read Release...
To Australia With Love Grand Prize winners are Frank Ostrowski and Tanis Whitwell. Runner-ups are Karin Gonsalves and Yvonne Mechalchuk.
(to see the Calgary Herald announcement, click here )
The lucky winner of the Golden Easter Egg Contest is Lawrence Wong of Calgary.
Congratulations to all our winners and thanks to our sponsors:
Downunder Travel
Qantas Airways
Calgary Herald
Energy 101.5 FM
Stella Hospitality
Calgary Hotel Association
March 26 2009 The Calgary Zoo is now accepting applications for youth volunteers. Click "read more" and check the Public Service Announcements.
Animal Enrichment at the Zoo
Calgary, AB – Enrichment at the Zoo every day of the year for all of our animals is really “a big hairy deal” to us.
Read Media Release
The pitter-patter of little feet can again be heard in the Calgary Zoo’s TransAlta Rainforest. An Eastern black and white Colobus monkey was born in the early hours of Friday, February 13th, and is the first Colobus monkey to be born at the Calgary Zoo.
Learn more about the Colobus
The Calgary Zoo has reopened its popular ray exhibit after completing an extensive seven-month investigation into the deaths of 41 rays last May.
Read news release
The Calgary Zoo is pleased to advise Calgarians that a very unique and rare white bison named Blizzard from the Assiniboine Park Zoo in Winnipeg will be visiting for approximately five months. Blizzard will make his public debut on Monday, December 8 at 10:30 a.m. A special transfer ceremony will be conducted by Elders from several of the Treaty 7 Nations in the Calgary area.
Partnership finds rare birds a safe haven
The Calgary Zoo and the Calgary Humane Society have partnered to help two big, beautiful Hyacinth Macaws find a life-long home at the zoo.
The Hyacinths, who may live to be more than 60 years old, will reside at the Calgary Zoo where they will receive the best of care by avian experts. After the standard 30-day quarantine, they will become part of the zoo’s Education Department and ambassadors for their species in the important work of educating the community about exotic birds.
Many people have asked how they can help the research into EEHV. Donations to the Calgary Zoo’s conservation fund help in conservation work in our own backyard and in many parts of the world where the need is greatest. Your donation to this fund will go directly toward projects we support, including the International Elephant Foundation which helps worldwide elephant conservation efforts and is working on research into the elephant herpes virus that caused Malti’s death. Call 403-232-7774 for more information on how you can make a difference. All donations $10 or more will receive a tax creditable receipt. Charitable registration #: 118824192 RR0001
It is with great sadness that Calgary Zoo officials advise that Saturday, November 1, 2008, Malti and her caregivers lost the battle against the devastating elephant herpesvirus that had afflicted the young elephant in the week preceding her death. A special video tribute to Malti can be viewed at Elephant Crossing, or here on the website.
Those wishing to send their condolences and thoughts to Zoo staff may email malti@calgaryzoo.ab.ca, or a designated mailbox will be set up in Elephant Crossing.
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Wechiau Hippo Sanctuary Wins Two Prestigious United Nations Awards
'“Thank you Calgarians for helping the Calgary Zoo’s Conservation Outreach program reach across the world.”
CALGARY – On October 6, 2008, Calgary Zoo President Dr. Clément Lanthier and Ghanaian tribal leader, Chielinah Bandanaa, proudly attended the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Barcelona, Spain to represent the Wechiau Hippo Sanctuary as one of the top 25 initiatives awarded the United Nations Equator Prize for 2008 (with a $5,000 prize). At the Congress, they were thrilled to learn that the Sanctuary was among the top five to receive an additional special recognition award from the United Nations (a further $15,000 U.S. prize).
