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
On May 14, we unexpectedly said goodbye to our female woodland caribou, ‘Vanilla’.
At nearly 10 years old, Vanilla was considered in her early geriatric years for her species. Our Animal Care, Health & Welfare (ACHW) team had noted a change in Vanilla’s behaviour, with intermittent signs of discomfort. Based on these observations, her dedicated team decided a comprehensive veterinary examination under anesthesia was necessary to evaluate her health and provide treatment and supportive care. Although the anesthesia and examination went smoothly, Vanilla tragically passed away during recovery. Her exam and necropsy found conditions associated with aging.
Vanilla was born here at the zoo in 2014. Throughout her life with us, she contributed to the conservation of her Vulnerable species by giving birth to three female offspring: ‘Mica’ (born in June 2020), ‘Primrose’ (born in June 2021), and ‘Avens’ (born in May 2022) – all of whom we are fortunate to continue to care for.
Vanilla will be dearly missed but her legacy will live on through her offspring and all those who had the opportunity to care for or visit her over the last decade. Saying goodbye to the animals we love and care for is never easy, and it is especially heartbreaking when the loss is unexpected. Our hearts go out to her dedicated care team during this difficult time.