Wildlife And Human Life, Together.
Cool Nights, Warm Lights
ZOOLIGHTS
ZOOLIGHTS, presented by Olympia Trust Company, is set to be BIGGER, BRIGHTER, and WILDER than ever before! Back for its 29th season, Calgary’s largest sparkling spectacle is sure to ignite your festive spirit as the zoo transforms into a magical winter wonderland.
Experience the wonder of twinkling lights and dazzling displays over 125 acres, where the joy of the season brings you closer to family, friends, and the heart of the community. With axe throwing, daily interactive activities, delicious treats, animal facts, and more, there are so many memories to be made on chilly nights under the warm glow of shimmering lights!
From Sunlight to ZOOLIGHTS
Glow Wild
Enjoy Calgary’s family-friendly ZOOLIGHTS as the sun sets and magic of winter illuminates the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo!
Experience a day-to-night adventure amongst the wild, with a Sunlight to ZOOLIGHTS combo ticket. Join us starting at 1:00 p.m., then watch as the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo transforms into a dazzling winter night under the ZOOLIGHTS.
From golden hour to shimmering lights in the night sky, there are so many memories to be made this holiday season at the zoo!
Dinner in a real life snow globe!
ZOOLIGHTS Snow Globes
Another holiday special is back for the season at the zoo, enjoy a luxurious dinner in a real life Snow Globe under the
ZOOLIGHTS! Plan your next romantic date night, friends’ night out, family celebration or other seasonally special
occasion. Enjoy a private dining oasis surrounded by twinkling lights at this one-of-a-kind experience.
Your reservation includes admission to ZOOLIGHTS along with a one and a half hour Snow Globe rental and your
selected food and beverage package.
Zoo Map
Getting Around
Join us on our sustainability mission with our interactive digital map.
Important Zoo Updates
What You Need to Know
Penguin Plunge Closure
The indoor Penguin Plunge habitat will be closed from Monday, November 3rd through to the end of day on Thursday, November 6th, to accommodate upgrades to the cooling system. Thank you for your understanding.
Savannah Plains Habitat Maintenance
Savannah Plains will be undergoing habitat maintenance on Friday, November 14th. Viewing of our Hartmann’s mountain zebras, East African grey crowned cranes, and our southern ostriches will vary depending on which species is given dayroom access in the Savannah Crossing building.
Malayan Tapir Viewing: What to Expect
Malayan tapir, ‘Sempurna’, and her calf, ‘Nyawa’, 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.
Protecting Our Birds from Avian Influenza: What to Expect
Our Animal Care, Health & Welfare (ACHW) team has downgraded our Avian Influenza threat level.
Please note the following changes:
- All birds have outdoor access if they choose and if weather permits
- The Rainforest Aviary and the Jihad Shibley Rocky Mountain Aviary are open
- Penguin Plunge and the Rainforest Aviary continue to have foot baths at entrances for guests to use
Our dedicated ACHW team will continue to monitor the situation and prioritize the health and well-being of the animals in our care. Thank you for your understanding and continued support as we work to keep the animals we all care about safe.
Exploration Asia Redevelopment: What to Expect
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.
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. Our Dalmatian pelicans are currently spending time in their winter holding space.
Thank you for your understanding.
West Entrance 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.
Prehistoric Park Seasonal Closure
Prehistoric Park will be closed for the season as of October 27th, 2025.
Plan your visit
Get Up Close With Wildlife
It’s time to make some memories. Everything you need to know about daily hours, tickets, parking, our animals, and more to plan an unforgettable day at the zoo can be found here.
Memberships
Wild Journey Membership Program
To simplify our membership program, we’re moving to a two-tiered structure – Wild Explorers and Wild Adventurers. Discover your new membership and sweet, sweet perks.
Animal Zones
Discover Our Animals
From Penguin Plunge to Exploration Asia, our animal zones are home to over 100 species.
Events
Find What’s On Now
Whether you’re into brunch or seeing the zoo after hours, there’s an experience for everyone.
Host an event
Host your event at the zoo
Wow your guests with one of the most unique locations in Calgary. From corporate events to holiday parties and weddings, we partner with you to create remarkable events.
Care & Conservation
Our Approach
We’re not just a zoo – we’re a conservation organization committed to making the world a wilder place.
The Wilder Institute
Let’s make the world a little wilder
The animals we care for aren’t only in the zoo. As a global authority on wildlife conservation, our efforts extend across Canada and around the world.