Destination Africa

See the majesty of the animal kingdom up close. From towering giraffes to powerful lions, you’ll discover the world’s most incredible creatures.

From desert mysteries to jungle adventures

Destination Africa mirrors the incredible landscapes of the continent, featuring rocky terrain for our African crested porcupines and lush rainforests for our tropical birds. Whether you’re watching the Red River hogs roll around in mud or seeing our conspiracy of lemurs swing in the walkthrough, you’ll see Africa’s jewels like never before. 

Zebra Masai Giraffe, Nabo Western lowland gorilla
Hartmann's Mountain Zebra
Southern Ostrich

    Introducing Savannah Crossing & Savannah Plains

    A Bold New Chapter Begins

    Discover the brand-new Savannah Crossing building and the newly refreshed Savannah Plains habitats in Destination Africa. Explore the dynamic new spaces, featuring new and enhanced viewing points, offering a closer look at where diverse species meet, interact, and share their world.

    In these mixed-species habitats, zebras, ostriches, and African grey crowned cranes live together, while the giraffe tower may also roam Savannah Plains (weather permitting).

    Destination Africa

    Mammals

    African Crested Porcupine

    African Crested Porcupines

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    Black White ruffed lemur, Menabe

    Black-and-White Ruffed Lemurs

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    Eastern black-and-white colobus monkey

    Eastern Black-and-White Colobus Monkeys

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    Hartmann's Mountain Zebra

    Hartmann’s Mountain Zebras

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    Red-Fronted Lemur

    Red-Fronted Lemurs

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    Ring-Tailed Lemur

    Ring-Tailed Lemurs

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    Slender-Tailed Meerkats

    Slender-Tailed Meerkats

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    Western Lowland Gorilla

    Western Lowland Gorillas

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    Destination Africa

    Reptiles

    East African Black Mud Turtle

    East African Mud Turtles

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    Egyptian Tortoise

    Egyptian Tortoises

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    Sheldon the Tortoise

    Leopard Tortoises

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    Rough-Scaled Plated Lizard

    Rough-Scaled Plated Lizards

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    West African Dwarf Crocodile

    West African Dwarf Crocodiles

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    Destination Africa

    Birds

    African Pygmy Geese

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    African Spoonbill

    African Spoonbills

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    Alexandrine parakeet

    Alexandrine Parakeets

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    East African Grey Crowned Crane

    East African Grey Crowned Cranes

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    Golden Breasted Starling

    Golden-Breasted Starlings

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    Southern bald ibis

    Southern Bald Ibis

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    Southern Ostrich

    Southern Ostriches

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    Spur-Winged Lapwings

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    Taveta Golden Weaver

    Taveta Golden Weavers

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    White-faced whistling ducks

    White-Faced Whistling Ducks

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    Destination Africa

    Fish

    Animals at the Calgary Zoo. Photo Credit: Sergei Belski Photographed by: Sergei Belski - No credit required Taveta golden weaver - Unknown Photographed by: Sergei Belski - No credit required

    Rainforest Aviary

    You know what they say – birds of a feather flock together. Here in the Rainforest Aviary, you’ll see an incredible diversity of bird species in this stunning mixed species habitat where feathered friends are busy building nests, preening, and going for a swim.

    Snow Leopard

    Care & Conservation

    How we care for them

    From the West African dwarf crocodile to the black-and-white colobus monkey, no two species in Destination Africa are the same. Discover how we meet the different needs of the animals in our care. 

    Wilder Institute Africa

    Conservation in Africa

    Learn more about our community conservation efforts in Africa, like the Wechiau Community Hippo Sanctuary and the Avu Lagoon Community Protected Area.
    Community Conservation Efforts

    Destination Africa

    Things To Explore

    Destination Africa is a big place with lots to do. What will you do when you visit?

    Giraffe

    African Savannah

    See the majesty of the animal kingdom up close, from towering giraffes to powerful hippos.

    Savannah Crossing

    In these mixed-species habitats, zebras, ostriches, and African grey crowned cranes live together.

    Zebra + Zebra Introduction

    Savannah Plains

    Have you ever seen a giraffe race a zebra? Visit the yard to see how species mix.

    Black and White Ruffed Lemur

    Land of Lemurs

    They swing, they climb, they sing – see lemurs like never before when you visit the walkthrough.

    African Rainforest

    Discover a new view of our troop and enjoy storytelling, special events, and more.

    Western Lowland Gorilla

    Gorilla Amphitheatre

    Discover a new view of our troop and enjoy storytelling, special events, and more.

    Animal zones

    More To Discover

    Exploration Asia

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