Last entry to the African Savannah Building and the Savannah Loop pathway will be at 4:00 p.m. on March 22nd & March 29th to accommodate setup for Wild After Hours: Giraffes and Zebras (18+). Thank you for understanding.
Land of Lemurs Walkthrough & the outdoor Gorilla Amphitheatre are closed for the season. Lemurs and gorillas are viewable in their indoor habitats.
Hartmann’s mountain zebras and ostriches are off-view 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.
Announcements
20 MARCH 2025 (Calgary, AB) – The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is about to take visitors on a brand-new adventure in the heart of Africa—right here in Calgary! Tomorrow, the zoo unveils the brand-new Savannah Crossing building and the newly refreshed Savannah Plains, inviting guests to experience the sights, sounds, and interconnected lives of iconic African species in a revitalized setting.
Originally built in 1993 and refurbished in 2002, the African Savannah barn and yard were due for a transformation. Over the past nine months, a significant effort involving 39 companies and over 200 dedicated professionals helped to bring this vision to life.
“This marks an exciting new era for our Destination Africa experience,” said Dr. Kyle Burks, President & CEO of the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. “Savannah Crossing and Savannah Plains have been designed to deepen our visitors’ connection with wildlife, showcasing the dynamic relationships between species in spaces that reflect their natural environments. Every step of this project reinforces our commitment to exceptional animal care, conservation education, and inspiring people to take action for wildlife.”
As part of the zoo’s ongoing mission to create meaningful connections between people and nature, the refreshed spaces have been renamed to better reflect the ecosystems they represent:
A Fresh Look, an Elevated Experience
The new Savannah Crossing building, spanning 4,445 square feet, features a 560-square-foot exterior courtyard, a spacious interior habitat, and a visitor viewing area for an up-close look at the daily lives of its residents. Currently home to Hartmann’s mountain zebras, ostriches, and African grey-crowned cranes, the space is designed with the flexibility to welcome new species in the future.
The Savannah Plains has undergone a substantial transformation, enhancing both the habitat and the well-being of its residents. This outdoor mixed-species habitat features refreshed landscaping and 220 feet of custom-engineered fencing with mesh, designed to support animal welfare and well-being. Special considerations have been made for the Plains’ smallest residents, the African grey-crowned cranes, with exclusive access to designated areas where they can retreat from larger species if they choose. Visitors can also enjoy two new viewing areas, providing even better opportunities to observe some of their favorite animals.
With the opening of Savannah Crossing and Savannah Plains, the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo continues to raise the bar—providing exceptional care for its animal residents, creating immersive visitor experiences, and fostering a deeper appreciation for wildlife. For more information or to plan your visit, go to calgaryzoo.com.
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For more information contact:
Alison Archambault
Director, Brand & Engagement
403.232.7766 | 403.919.9482 | mediarelations@calgaryzoo.com
For more than 30 years, the internationally accredited Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo has been a leading authority in wildlife conservation, reintroducing threatened species to the wild and empowering communities to conserve natural resources to positively impact both the environment and local inhabitants.
While our work is global, our roots run deep in the Albertan conservation community. Sitting on 125 acres in the heart of the city, we operate one of the oldest charities in Alberta, the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo – a not-for-profit charitable wildlife conservation organization that works to fight the extinction of plants and animals worldwide. In addition to the zoo, we proudly operate the Archibald Biodiversity Centre (ABC), Canada’s largest conservation breeding and research facility. Nestled on 330 acres in the Albertan prairies, the ABC is a stronghold for biodiversity and a temporary home to some of Canada’s most iconic species-at-risk.
The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is passionate about inspiring and educating generations of visitors about the importance of biodiversity and conservation. Together, we will continue to be a force of nature for making the world a wilder place. Learn more at WilderInstitute.org and CalgaryZoo.com.
