Embark on a WILD New Virtual Adventure
Debuting on March 21st, our virtual reality (VR) Experience will transport you from the ENMAX Conservatory to incredible adventures across the world. Using interactive films and responsive, moving seating, the VR “pods” will immerse you in the dynamic world of sharks or gorillas.
By witnessing these magnificent species up close, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for their behaviours, challenges, and the critical role they play within their native ecosystems. You’ll leave this immersive experience feeling inspired to protect wildlife and wild places.
What does my ticket include?
Experience Details
Purchasing a ticket entitles you to one experience (Gorilla Trek or Shark Dive) per ticket purchased.
- Duration: 8 minutes
- When: Debuting March 21st
- Where: The ENMAX Conservatory atrium
- Price: $11.99 per experience
- Bundle Price: Purchase 2 tickets for $20
- Members: Receive 20% off both single and bundle pricing
- Restrictions: Age, height and weight restrictions apply. Talk to a team member at the VR pods for more information.
Tickets can be purchased directly from the ENMAX Conservatory at the pod location. The VR Experience is not included with general admission.
Gorilla Trek
Travel to the extinct volcanoes of Rwanda in central Africa. Trek with world-renowned primatologist Dr. Tara Stoinski, CEO of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, up 10,000 feet to visit with a remarkable family of mountain gorillas.
For the first time in 3D virtual reality, you’ll witness the unique family dynamics that pit one silverback mountain gorilla against another for control of the gorilla family. There are just over one thousand mountain gorillas left in the world, and it is vitally important to study the behaviour of these amazing animals so that we can help save them from extinction.
Duration: 8 minutes
Shark Dive
Swim alongside marine biologists from Bimini Shark Lab as they explore the legendary Tiger Beach, a vibrant hub of marine life and powerful predators. You’ll plunge into the crystal-clear waters of the Bahamas, where tiger and hammerhead sharks glide effortlessly beneath the surface.
With the world’s first VR POV Shark Cam, experience the ocean like never before—right from the sharks’ perspective. Observe these apex predators up close as they patrol their underwater world, displaying intricate behaviours and interactions rarely seen by human eyes.
Duration: 8 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a VR Experience?
Virtual Reality (VR) immerses you in a digitally created environment that feels real. For our VR Experience, you’ll wear a headset and sit in a motion-synchronized platform seat within an egg shaped pod. The immersive films and realistic sounds transport you to animal habitats, while the seat moves to enhance the experience, making it feel like you’re right there with the animals
Why are we bringing this experience to the zoo?
The VR Experience offers a unique opportunity to explore animals in their natural environments in ways you can’t experience elsewhere. By bringing visitors closer to these magnificent species, we can help foster empathy and inspire a deeper commitment to protecting wildlife and their habitats. It’s a fun and engaging way to connect with conservation efforts here at the zoo and beyond.
Why is the zoo offering an experience featuring animals they don’t have on-site?
While the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo may not be home to species like sharks or mountain gorillas, this VR Experience allows us to bring the wonders of the natural world to our visitors in a unique way. These immersive adventures highlight the critical challenges facing wildlife in their natural habitats, and they serve as a reminder of the global conservation efforts that extend far beyond our gates.
By stepping into the lives of these incredible animals—whether it’s great apes in Africa or sharks in the Bahamas—visitors gain a broader perspective on wildlife conservation. The experience fosters empathy and awareness, helping to inspire action for species preservation, no matter where they live. As part of a global movement to protect endangered species, we aim to connect people with wildlife in meaningful ways that drive positive change
How long is the VR Experience?
The experience lasts approximately 8 minutes per session. Please allow a few minutes for any pre-experience instructions and to ensure the best fit for your headset.
What are the operating hours for the VR Experience?
The VR Experience is open as follows:
• March 21 to 30: Daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last ride at 4:45 p.m.
• Starting March 31 and onward: Fridays to Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the last ride at 3:45 p.m. (*excluding Easter weekend, with extended hours).
• April 18-20 (Easter weekend*): Friday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last ride at 4:45 p.m.
Please note: Operating hours may change during high season, holidays, or special events. Be sure to check the website for updates ahead of your visit.
What is the cost?
The cost of the VR Experience is $11.99 per session. We also offer a special 2-for-$20 bundle! Tickets can be purchased directly in the ENMAX Conservatory. Please note that the VR Experience is not included with general admission or memberships.
Can I pay admission for the VR Experience and participate more than once during my visit?
Each $11.99 ticket grants you one session in the VR Experience. If you’d like to enjoy it again, an additional ticket is required for each session. We also offer a special 2-for-$20 bundle! Please ask a team member in the ENMAX atrium if you have any questions.
Are there any restrictions for who can participate?
Minimum height: 3 ft./91 cm.
Maximum weight: 600 lbs./272 kg.
One guest per pod per experience. See a team member in the ENMAX Conservatory atrium for more information.
Are there age restrictions for the VR Experience?
To participate, you must be at least 3 ft. (91 cm.) tall. The VR Experience is recommended for ages 5 and up, as the headset is designed to fit comfortably on those 5+. Additionally, participants under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult guardian for the duration of the experience.
Can I participate if I wear glasses?
Yes, the virtual reality headsets are designed to comfortably fit over most glasses, so you can enjoy the experience without any issues.
What languages is the Experience available in?
The VR Experience is available in English.
Will I get motion sickness?
You could feel mild dizziness or nausea due to the motion and visuals, especially if you are particularly sensitive. If you experience any discomfort, simply remove the headset and stay seated until the experience ends
Where will the VR Experience be located?
The pods will be located in the ENMAX Conservatory atrium.
How many VR Experience pods do you have?
We have a total of 8 VR pods.
How do I order tickets?
Tickets are available for purchase directly at the ENMAX Conservatory VR Experience location. They are not available for purchase online or at the ticket windows. Please note that the VR Experience is not included with general admission or memberships.
Is there a member discount available?
Absolutely! Members enjoy a 20% discount per ticket for the VR Experience. Additionally, we offer a special 2 for $20 bundle ticket, and the member discount applies to the bundle price too.