The zoo will close early on Friday, August 9, 2024, to accommodate setup for Wild After Hours: Corks for Conservation (18+). The last entry into the grounds will be at 3:00 p.m. and the grounds will begin to be cleared at 4:00 p.m. Thank you for understanding.
Indoor Gorilla Habitat: From July 2 until approximately the end of the month, the western lowland gorilla troop will not be viewable in their indoor African Rainforest habitat while work is done on the viewing windows. The troop will be viewable in their outdoor habitat throughout the project (weather and animal participation permitting). The rest of the African Rainforest building will remain open and accessible throughout the project. Thank you for your understanding.
African Savannah Yard: Hartmann’s mountain zebras and ostriches will be off-view until the end of the year 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.
Bite-Sized
We are saddended to share the news that we had to say goodbye to our 13-year-old female rock hyrax, ‘Hestia’. Well into her golden years, Hestia was considered geriatric for her species and had been receiving supportive care from the Animal Care, Health & Welfare (ACHW) team for many age-related health challenges. When it became clear that her quality of life could no longer be maintained, the ACHW team made the compassionate decision that euthanasia was in her best interest.
Hestia was born here at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo on June 7, 2010. At 13 years of age, she had more than doubled the median life expectancy of her species under human care which is 5.4 years. Her exceptionally long and wonderful life can be attributed to the exemplary care she received from the ACHW team.
Saying goodbye is never easy, especially when it’s to those who have spent their entire lives with us. Hestia was loved by many and will be dearly missed by all of us. Please keep our Animal Care, Health & Welfare team in your thoughts during this difficult time.
Rock hyrax, ‘Hestia’
