Bears might hibernate in the winter, but polar bears don’t. And with so much going on at the Zoo this winter, you won’t want to hibernate either! From huge animals that make a splash to little ones that are so adorable, go wild with your family and winter fun at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo.
The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is an inner-city oasis with over 1,000 animals from all over the world. They are passionate about wildlife conservation and preserving wild places for generations, from the frozen north in Canada to the steamy rainforests of Africa. They are an internationally recognized leader in the science of saving endangered species and protecting fragile landscapes. You become a partner in conservation when you support the Zoo.
Of course, a family visit to the Zoo also means having fun together, delighting in a world outside your own, and creating special memories. This winter, there is so much to see at the Zoo and it’s the perfect time to celebrate the animals who love the cold weather.
We think we know all about winter but the animals at the Zoo’s Wild Canada are the real experts. The Canadian Wilds reopened as Wild Canada in the fall of 2023 after a huge renovation. The new exhibit takes you on a journey through seven Canadian ecological zones, with renovated habitats. Discover the wilderness in our backyard with more than 15 fascinating Canadian species, from moose to muskox. Enjoy a walk through the Jihad Shibley Rocky Mountain Aviary, laugh at the antics of the delightful North American river otters, and more.
Wild Canada is also home to a brand-new, world-class polar bear exhibit. Baffin and Siku know how to make the most of winter and you won’t want to miss their explorations of the beautiful habitat they call home. Polar bears are the world’s largest bears and are well-adapted to the extreme cold of the tundra. You won’t want to miss these fascinating, curious bears!
Note: The Penguin Walk ended in late February. Now that we’ve explored the north, let’s head south, way south. The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is also home to four species of penguins. Winter is when you can waddle the grounds with penguin royalty, as the king penguins head through the zoo grounds on their daily promenade. The Penguin Walk, presented by WestJet, gives the penguins an opportunity for wintery enrichment and exercise. This walk is dependent on the weather and the birds’ desire to walk, but the colony loves to get out and move! You could see up to fourteen king penguins waddling through the zoo, every day at 10:30 am until mid-March. (The Penguin Walk is cancelled if the temperature is colder than -25° C, warmer than 5° C, or the winds are too strong.)
From our wintery, Canadian backyard to the exotic tropics, the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo will invigorate your winter with new friends and special experiences. They are open daily, so get outside and explore something fantastic!
Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo Winter Fun:
When: Winter 2024
Time: 9 am – 5 pm
Where: Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo
Address: 210 St. George’s Drive NE, Calgary, AB
Website: www.calgaryzoo.com
