Adjusted Hours and Impacts

PETRONAS Gateway to Asia: Last entry to PETRONAS Gateway to Asia will be at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 25th, to accommodate setup for Wild After Hours: Malayan Tapirs (18+).

PETRONAS Gateway to Asia Malayan Tapir Viewing: ‘Sempurna’ and her calf will have daily access to the main indoor habitat from 10:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. They’ll also have access to their behind-the-scenes space and may choose to spend time there, especially when the calf is nursing, so viewing isn’t always guaranteed. Thank you for your understanding.

Prehistoric Park Seasonal Closure: Prehistoric Park will be closed for the season from October 27th, 2025, pending favorable weather conditions.

Animal Viewing Impacts:

Taylor Family Foundation Polar Bear Sanctuary: Polar Bear
Our male polar bear ‘Siku’ will not be viewable from October 20-22 while his habitat undergoes maintenance. Thank you for your understanding.

PETRONAS Gateway to Asia: Malayan Tapirs
On Wednesday, October 22, our Malayan tapirs will not be viewable while we complete seasonal maintenance on their habitats. Both indoor and outdoor pools will be refreshed: the outdoor pool filled with substrate for a cozy winter, and the indoor pool cleaned and refilled—perfect for ‘Nyawa’ to splash in! Thanks for your understanding as we ensure our habitats are the best they can be for the animals we love and care for!

Protecting our Birds: Viewing Updates Effective October 21
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza in close proximity to the zoo. The health and well-being of the animals in our care remains our top priority. Out of an abundance of caution, we’re proactively implementing the following measures to protect our avian species:

The Rainforest Aviary and the Jihad Shibley Rocky Mountain Aviary are closed;
All birds have been moved indoors, where possible, and may not be viewable (including Chilean flamingoes, ostrich, African grey-crowned cranes, greater rheas, whooping crane, red-crowned cranes, Dalmatian pelicans, and peacocks); and
The indoor habitat at Penguin Plunge remains open with increased pathway disinfection and disinfectant mats at the entrance.

By limiting access to our beloved birds, we’re helping to protect them from potential contamination from outside the zoo. Thank you for your understanding and continued support as we work to keep the animals we all care about safe.

Exploration Asia
The Exploration Asia Redevelopment project is officially underway! While there are some viewing impacts in the area, you can still visit many of your favourite species.

Species Viewable: Bactrian camels, Komodo dragons, white-handed gibbons, Malayan tapirs, red-crowned cranes, Turkmenian markhors, Amur tigers, wild boar, and Pallas’s cats. Plus, our Dalmatian pelicans can be found in their temporary home at Land of Lemurs!
Species Not Viewable: Snow leopards and red pandas have been relocated during construction, but don’t worry – these beloved species will be back in 2026.

West Gate Closure

Due to significant construction activities in and around Exploration Asia, the zoo’s West Gate will remain closed for the 2025 season and is expected to remain closed until at least 2028/2029. This necessary step supports the safe movement of visitors while we undertake exciting improvements to animal habitats and visitor experiences.

Bite-Sized

Double Digits for Komodo Dragons

December 09, 2023 | 1 minute read

There are two special birthdays in Gateway to Asia this month – our Komodo dragons are 10 years old!

‘Shruikan’ had his birthday on December 2nd, and ‘Thorn’ turns 10 today! It’s hard to believe that these two are only now reaching double digits, but that’s what happens when you’re the world’s largest lizard!

Being a large lizard comes with a long tongue. Komodo dragons use their long, forked tongues to taste the air. When their tongues touch the Jacobson’s organ in the top of their mouth, they analyze the chemical makeup of the airborne molecules to pinpoint where prey is.

Join us in wishing Shruikan and Thorn a happy birthday!

Double Digits for Komodo Dragons

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