Announcements

PETRONAS Canada Fuels Support for Conservation

September 11, 2024 | 4 minute read

11 SEPTEMBER 2024 (Calgary, AB) – A substantial boost to the zoo’s conservation efforts has arrived through a generous contribution from PETRONAS Energy Canada Ltd. (‘PETRONAS Canada’). The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo announced today that PETRONAS Canada is contributing $1 million to be directed towards conservation efforts within the Exploration Asia destination. This significant contribution will support crucial ex-situ conservation initiatives and contribute to the welfare and care of the zone’s unique residents.

“The profound impact of this gift from PETRONAS Canada will bolster our vital work in safeguarding species-at-risk and promoting sustainable practices that benefit both people and wildlife,” said Jamie Dorgan, Interim President & Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. “Additionally, it enables us to continue delivering exceptional on-park experiences that educate and inspire our visitors.”

In recognition of this support, the zoo has renamed a building within Exploration Asia as “PETRONAS Gateway to Asia.” This building houses white-handed gibbons, Komodo dragons, and Malayan tapirs, all of which are listed as Endangered. As ambassadors for their species, they captivate visitors of all ages, inspiring supporters worldwide to take action to protect and conserve their wild counterparts and their forest homes.

“PETRONAS Canada is proud to partner with the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo in support of their world-class conservation efforts,” says Shannon Young, Vice President, Legal, Sustainability and External Affairs, PETRONAS Canada. “Through the work within PETRONAS Gateway to Asia, we are able to support conservation activity surrounding the endangered animals residing there, as well as educate visitors on the importance of species and ecosystem conservation.”

Two of PETRONAS Gateway to Asia’s most well-known residents are Malayan tapirs, ‘Tanuck’ and ‘Sempurna’. With unmistakable adaptations including a trunk-like nose and black-and-white coloring, the Malayan tapir is the largest of the five species of tapir and the only one native to Asia. Sadly, wild populations of this remarkable species are rapidly declining due to widespread habitat loss, along with threats from poaching and human-wildlife conflict.

As part of the conservation efforts for the species, Tanuck and Sempurna are a recommended breeding pair under an Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan – a strategic program designed to maximize the genetic diversity of animal populations in human care and support the long-term sustainability of at-risk species. The zoo is hopeful that these two will make a successful breeding pair and will one day contribute to their endangered species with offspring.

“The partnership between PETRONAS Canada and the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo exemplifies the power of collaboration in addressing global conservation challenges,” said Steven Ross, Chief Development Officer at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. “By supporting such vital conservation initiatives, PETRONAS Canada is helping to safeguard endangered species while inspiring broader community involvement in conservation. We are deeply grateful for this transformative gift, which will have a lasting impact on our wildlife conservation and education efforts for years to come.”

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For more information contact:

Alison Archambault
Director, Brand & Engagement, Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo
403.232.7766 | 403.919.9482 | mediarelations@calgaryzoo.com

Lauren King
Senior External Communications Advisor, PETRONAS Energy Canada Ltd.
media@petronascanada.com

About the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo:

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.

About PETRONAS Energy Canada Ltd.:
Among the largest natural gas rights holders in the country, PETRONAS Canada is well-positioned to provide global markets with responsibly-developed Canadian energy while supporting local jobs, collaborating with Indigenous communities and respecting the environment.

PETRONAS Canada is a leader in natural gas development and a progressive energy partner. Learn more at petronascanada.com.