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
It’s with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our nearly 4-year-old male ferret, ‘Leo’.
Leo had started to show severe weakness in his hind limbs, and an inability to urinate properly, prompting our Animal Care, Health & Welfare team to conduct an in depth examination that included a CT scan. Unfortunately, they found a significant bony lesion in his spine that was impinging on his spinal cord, causing the profound clinical signs. While the team did everything they could to maintain a superior quality of life for Leo, he did not respond to treatment as they had hoped. Due to his poor prognosis and declining health, the difficult but compassionate decision was made to euthanize Leo on July 27, 2023.
Born in 2019, Leo came to the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo in 2020 from the Ferret Rescue & Education Society. During his short time with us, he made an impact on wildlife education as a program animal ambassador helping to educate students and visitors about the importance of responsible pet ownership and wildlife conservation.
Leo was described as a sweet ferret, and he will be dearly missed by all who cared for him. Please keep his dedicated care team in your thoughts during this difficult time.
Ferret ‘Leo’
