Animal Viewing Impacts & Building Closures

African Savannah: 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 & Outdoor Gorilla Amphitheatre: The two outdoor animal viewing areas are closed for the season. Lemurs and gorillas will be viewable in their indoor habitats.

African Savannah Yard: Our 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.

Exploration Asia: The Exploration Asia Redevelopment project is officially underway! The first phase of this transformation has begun, and our Japanese Serow and Japanese Macaques have left the zoo. 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.
Masai giraffe

Bite-Sized

A Devastating Loss in Destination Africa

May 19, 2023 | 1 minute read

19 May 2023 (Calgary) It is with truly heavy hearts that we share that our Masai giraffe, ‘Emara’, was found deceased in the African Savannah yard early this morning.

Having just celebrated her 12th birthday yesterday, Emara joined the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo family in 2016 and has been a treasured member of our tower since then. Losing any of the animals we love and care for is heartbreaking but it’s especially so when the passing is unexpected. Our Veterinary team won’t know her cause of death firmly until a necropsy is completed, and we’ll share more information when we know it.

Our Animal Care, Health & Welfare Team will be carefully monitoring ‘Nabo’ and ‘Moshi’ following the loss of their habitat mate. The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo’s giraffe tower is adored by staff, volunteers, members, donors, visitors and our online community from around the world. We know this loss will be felt by many, especially Emara’s dedicated caregivers. Please keep them in your thoughts on this very difficult day.

Masai giraffe

Masai giraffe ‘Emara’

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