Alberta Biodiversity Festival Returns: A Celebration of Conservation and Connection

5 SEPTEMBER 2024 (Calgary, AB) – The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, in collaboration with the Government of Alberta and Bow Habitat Station, is excited to announce the return of the Alberta Biodiversity Festival. From September 6th to 8th at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo and concluding with a special finale event at Bow Habitat Station on September 14th, this annual festival invites Albertans to connect with the province’s rich and diverse ecosystems.

This year marks the festival’s third edition, a testament to the shared commitment to conservation and education. The festival offers a dynamic lineup of interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and educational workshops designed to deepen Albertans’ understanding and appreciation of the province’s fish, water, wildlife, and ecosystems.

“Alberta is a unique and beautiful place, home to more than 60,000 wild species of all kinds and among the most diverse landscapes and ecosystems anywhere in Canada,” said Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas. “The Alberta Biodiversity Festival is a great event for the whole family to learn more about and celebrate Alberta’s unmatched biodiversity and world-class conservation as we continue to protect our environment for generations to come.”

Conservation experts, outdoor enthusiasts, and families will find the festival to be an inspiring environment where fun and curiosity meet learning.

“Empowering young people to take an active role in wildlife conservation is vital for the future of our province’s biodiversity,” said Laura Glick, Manager of Conservation Education at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. “By engaging the whole family, we can cultivate a lifelong passion for protecting and preserving the natural world.”

Festival attendees will explore the intricate relationships between Alberta’s wildlife and their habitats, focusing on wetlands, grasslands, and boreal forests. This immersive experience is designed to inspire visitors to learn about, care for, and take action in preserving the unique flora and fauna in their own backyards.

“Our goal is to ensure that both wildlife and future generations can revel in the benefits and enjoyment that strong biodiversity provides,” Glick added. “Incredible successes can be achieved when people are inspired to support wildlife conservation, together.”

All festival activities are included with the purchase of daytime admission at both the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo and Bow Habitat Station. For more details, visit the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo or the Bow Habitat Station websites.

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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.