A Big Birthday for a Little Gorilla
It's a big day for our tiniest troop member – 'Okabe' is one year old today! We eagerly awaited his arrival, and he was worth every moment of the wait. Although he's…
Read MoreOn June 5, the City of Calgary experienced a significant water emergency which continues today. We’re working very closely with the City of Calgary and Calgary Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) to adjust our daily operations to ensure compliance with the Stage 4 City Mandatory Water Restrictions in place, while ensuring the safety, health and well-being of the animals we love and care for.
Here’s how we’re adapting:
We appreciate your understanding as we make these necessary adjustments to support our community.
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’re saddened to share that we recently said goodbye to our 13-year-old female Chilean flamingo,‘Piura’.
Pirua had been receiving ongoing care and monitoring for advanced arthritis in her right leg. When the Animal Care, Health & Welfare team noticed that she was showing progressive signs of declining joint health, she was transported to the Animal Health Centre for additional treatment. Unfortunately, her condition continued to worsen and her previously “good” left leg also was being affected from overcompensating for the right leg. Due to the poor prognosis for a good quality of life, the Animal Health team made the compassionate decision to euthanize Piura on November 8th, 2023.
Piura joined the zoo from San Antonio in 2020 with her offspring, resident nine-year-old female ‘Franca’. She will be missed by the flamboyance and by those who have loved and cared for her during her time with us. Please keep her team in your thoughts during this difficult time.