Wilder Institute / Calgary Zoo

There’s lots to see and even more to do when you visit the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo!

Travel to the chilly waters of Penguin Plunge. Hike up through the Rockies to find bighorn sheep, caribou, grizzlies, cougars, moose, and our new polar bear 'Siku'. Safari through the Savannah to see a tower of giraffes, a prickle of African crested porcupines, and a conspiracy of lemurs. Wade through the Rainforest to find West African dwarf crocodiles, Eastern black-and-white colobus monkeys, and western lowland gorillas. Meander through the tranquility and serenity of the ornamental Dorothy Harvie Gardens then flutter along with the butterflies inside the ENMAX Conservatory. Venture east to see the playful antics of the Japanese macaques and red pandas. Be sure not to miss the majestic Amur tigers and snow leopards while you're there!

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Upcoming Events

Penguin Walk

Since they arrived in 2012, the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo’s penguins have become a visitor favourite! Once again this winter, you can see the king penguins outside of their habitat as they take a royal promenade through the zoo grounds.

Penguin Walk, presented by WestJet, offers the king penguins an opportunity for wintery enrichment as well as additional daily exercise. Up to fourteen penguins can choose to participate in the daily march.

Penguin walk is weather dependent and takes place from January 11th until early March.

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Wild About Ice

Get ready for an unforgettable evening filled with awe-inspiring artistry, excitement, and fun! Join the Wilder Institute/Calgary zoo on February 8th for a spectacular ice-sculpting qualifying event in partnership with the World Ice Carving Association.

Stunning nature-themed ice sculptures will come to life before your eyes as the best of the best Canadian ice carvers compete for a spot to compete during the 2026 Cultural Winter Olympics in Italy.

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Wild After Hours: In the Heat of the Night (18+)

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is excited to announce the 31st annual In the Heat of the Night event, proudly presented by London Drugs! Taking place on February 13th, 14th and 15th, this zoo-nique evening is the perfect way to celebrate the most romantic time of the year with your special someone. Indulge in a delicious four-course dinner crafted with love by the zoo’s award-winning culinary team, then turn up the heat with a cheeky, adults-only presentation (complete with pictures!) exploring how animals show their love in the wild.

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Valentine’s Brunch

Celebrate love this Valentine’s Day with a delicious brunch at the zoo on February 16th! Treat yourself and your loved ones to a mix of gourmet and comfort breakfast favorites, including a free-flowing chocolate fountain paired with fresh fruit, classic eggs benedict with Canadian bacon, a Belgian waffle bar, made-to-order omelettes, and much more.

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Focused: Wild Canada

FOCUSED, presented by The Camera Store, gives shutterbugs (ages 16+) special early access to Wild Canada before the zoo opens its doors, from 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 1st. Plus, your exclusive access to Wild Canada continues until 10:00 a.m.! You’ll capture stunning photographs of iconic wildlife, ranging from our resident polar bear ‘Siku’ to North American river otters and everything in between. Photographers of all skill levels are welcome.

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Sunday Safari Brunch

Join us for a unique Calgary brunch experience in the heart of Destination Africa. You can enjoy both gourmet and comfort breakfast foods, including a free-flowing chocolate fountain with fresh fruit, eggs benedict with Canadian bacon, a Belgian waffle bar, cooked to order omelettes, and much more. Get your combo brunch and admission tickets today! Sunday Safari Brunch takes place from January 19th until early November.

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Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo

1300 Zoo Road NE
Calgary, Alberta T2E 7V6
Phone: (403) 232-9300
www.calgaryzoo.com