Wildlife And Human Life, Together.
Cool nights. Warm Lights.
ZOOLIGHTS
ZOOLIGHTS, presented by Olympia Trust Company, is set to be BIGGER, BRIGHTER, and BOLDER than ever before! Back for its 28th season, the city’s favourite sparkling spectacle is sure to ignite your festive spirit as the zoo transforms into a magical winter wonderland.
Experience the magic of twinkling lights and dazzling displays, where the festive spirit brings you closer to family, friends, and the heart of the community. With ice skating, axe throwing, delicious treats, animal facts, and more, there are so many memories to be made on chilly nights under the twinkling lights!
Returning this year
Sunlight to ZOOLIGHTS
Spend your afternoon exploring the zoo and visiting your favorite animals, then stick around to experience the wonder of ZOOLIGHTS in one unforgettable visit.
Available from November 15th, 2024, to January 5th, 2025, the Sunlight to ZOOLIGHTS combo ticket allows you to visit the zoo during the day starting at 1 p.m. and stay for ZOOLIGHTS that evening with a single discounted ticket.
Save big by purchasing your tickets in advance!
Snow. Glow. Whoah.
Snow Globes
Snow Globes are back to make your next romantic date night, friends’ night out, family celebration or other occasion seasonally special. Enjoy your private oasis surrounded by twinkling lights at this one-of-a-kind experience.
Your reservation includes admission to ZOOLIGHTS along with a one and a half hour Snow Globe rental and your selected food and beverage package.
Find the Perfect Gift
Holiday Gift Guide
The most wonderful time of the year is here, and we’re here to make your holiday shopping a breeze. Whether you’re searching for gifts that will make a loved one’s eyes sparkle or you’re treating yourself to something special, our Holiday Gift Guide has something for everyone.
Zoo Map
Getting Around
Join us on our sustainability mission with our digital map.
Important zoo updates
What you need to know
Zoo Closure: December 25, 2024
The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo will be closed on Wednesday, December 25th, for both day admission and ZOOLIGHTS, presented by Olympia Trust Company. Normal operations will resume on December 26th. Thank you for your understanding.
Early Closure: December 31, 2024
On Tuesday, December 31st, last entry for day admission and members will be at 3 p.m. with grounds cleared at 4 p.m. to accommodate set up for our Zoo Year’s Eve event, presented by Orange Frog. Thank you for your understanding.
Outdoor Viewing Closures: Land of Lemurs Walkthrough and Gorilla Amphitheatre
Land of Lemurs Walkthrough & the outdoor Gorilla Amphitheatre will close for the season beginning on October 15. Lemurs and gorillas will be viewable in their indoor habitats.
Animal Viewing Impact: African Savannah Yard
Hartmann’s mountain zebras and ostriches will be off-view until early 2025 while we complete exciting upgrades in the African Savannah Yard, including the construction of a new Savannah Barn for the animals. Our giraffe tower will continue to be viewable throughout the project. Thank you for your understanding.
Public Notice
Pesticide application to control the invasive species Flowering Rush (Butomus umbellatus) will occur within the property boundary of the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo under approval from Alberta Environment and Protected Areas. For full details or information on appeals, click here.
Gift Shop Closure – January 6th-10th, 2025
Calgary Zoo gift shops will be closed on a rotational basis between January 6th and January 10th to conduct physical inventory. During that time access to powerchair, wheelchair and wagon rentals may be limited. During this time frame please inquire at Guest Relations ticket booths on availability.
Plan your visit
Get Up Close With Wildlife
It’s time to make some memories. Everything you need to know about tickets, parking, our animals, and more to plan an unforgettable day at the zoo can be found here.
Memberships
Wild Journey Membership Program
To simplify our membership program, we’re moving to a two-tiered structure – Wild Explorers and Wild Adventurers. Discover your new membership and sweet, sweet perks.
Animal Zones
Discover Our Animals
From Penguin Plunge to Exploration Asia, our animal zones are home to over 100 species.
Events
Find What’s On Now
Whether you’re into brunch or seeing the zoo after hours, there’s an experience for everyone.
Host an event
Host your event at the zoo
Wow your guests with one of the most unique locations in Calgary. From corporate events to holiday parties and weddings, we partner with you to create remarkable events.
Care & Conservation
Our Approach
We’re not just a zoo – we’re a conservation organization committed to making the world a wilder place.
The Wilder Institute
Let’s make the world a little wilder
The animals we care for aren’t only in the zoo. As a global authority on wildlife conservation, our efforts extend across Canada and around the world.