The Calgary Zoo offers a variety of exhibits featuring animals from around the world, educational programs, and conservation initiatives. It's an ideal spot for families, animal enthusiasts, and tourists.
Website Ratings:
Google: 4.6/5
TripAdvisor: 4.5/5
10 Must-Do Activities:
1. Explore the Land of Lemurs
Why it’s a must: The Land of Lemurs exhibit is an immersive experience where you can walk through a lush environment shared by ring-tailed lemurs, red-fronted lemurs, and black-and-white ruffed lemurs. This exhibit allows you to observe these fascinating primates up close as they leap from tree to tree.
Tip: Visit early in the day when the lemurs are most active, and keep an eye out for the zookeepers, who often share interesting facts during feeding times.
2. Visit the Panda Passage
Why it’s a must: One of the zoo’s most popular exhibits, Panda Passage, previously housed giant pandas and has now been transformed into a beautiful space that focuses on conservation efforts. While the pandas have returned to China, the space remains an educational hub for conservation awareness.
Tip: Check out the interactive exhibits to learn more about global panda conservation efforts and the role zoos play in protecting endangered species.
3. Walk Through the Canadian Wilds
Why it’s a must: The Canadian Wilds section of the zoo showcases North America's wildlife, including iconic species such as grizzly bears, wolves, cougars, bison, elk, and woodland caribou. This section provides a fantastic opportunity to see these majestic animals in naturalistic habitats.
Tip: Don’t miss the daily talks and feeding times, where zookeepers provide fascinating insights into the animals' behaviors and the conservation efforts in place to protect them in the wild.
4. Journey Through Destination Africa
Why it’s a must: Destination Africa features two major areas: the African Savannah and the TransAlta Rainforest, where you can see majestic animals like hippos, giraffes, zebras, and meerkats. The rainforest section houses gorillas, colobus monkeys, tropical birds, and reptiles.
Tip: The hippo pool has an underwater viewing area, allowing you to watch these massive creatures swim and interact, which is a truly unique experience!
5. Visit the Penguin Plunge
Why it’s a must: Penguin Plunge is a cold-weather habitat designed to house king, gentoo, humboldt, and rockhopper penguins. You’ll be able to observe the penguins both above and below the water as they swim and waddle around their snowy environment.
Tip: Arrive early in the day for the best chance to see the penguins actively swimming. The underwater viewing area provides an up-close look at their impressive swimming abilities.
6. Discover the Prehistoric Park
Why it’s a must: The Prehistoric Park is a unique area of the zoo where you can step back in time and wander through life-sized replicas of dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures. This exhibit showcases Alberta’s rich fossil history and helps visitors understand the region’s prehistoric past.
Tip: This area is particularly exciting for kids, who can learn about dinosaurs through interactive displays and fun facts scattered throughout the park.
7. Marvel at the Botanical Gardens
Why it’s a must: The Dorothy Harvie Gardens within the zoo are beautifully maintained and feature a variety of plant species, including native Alberta plants, tropical species, and desert plants. The gardens change with the seasons, offering something new to see year-round.
Tip: The gardens are a peaceful spot to take a break from the more bustling areas of the zoo. Visit in spring or summer for the most vibrant displays of flowers and greenery.
8. Check Out the Conservatory
Why it’s a must: Adjacent to the gardens is the ENMAX Conservatory, which houses an impressive collection of tropical plants and butterflies. The conservatory is a warm, lush environment where you can wander through and observe the delicate butterflies fluttering among the plants.
Tip: Visit the butterfly garden during the warmer months, and be sure to bring your camera to capture the beauty of these colorful insects. Watch for butterfly release events, which occur regularly.
9. Learn About Conservation
Why it’s a must: The Calgary Zoo is deeply committed to wildlife conservation, both locally and globally. Various exhibits throughout the zoo emphasize conservation efforts for endangered species, such as whooping cranes, Amur tigers, and gorillas. Interactive displays and zookeeper talks help visitors understand the importance of protecting biodiversity.
Tip: Check the zoo’s schedule for keeper talks or animal feedings, where you can learn firsthand about the zoo’s conservation work and how you can support wildlife protection efforts.
10. Attend a Special Event
Why it’s a must: The Calgary Zoo hosts a variety of seasonal events throughout the year, from the magical Zoolights display during the winter holidays to the Easter Eggstravaganza in the spring. These events often include special activities, themed exhibits, and family-friendly entertainment.
Tip: Zoolights is a particularly popular event where the zoo is transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland with over a million lights. Be sure to purchase tickets in advance, as this event often sells out.
Official Website: https://www.calgaryzoo.com/
Main Positive Reviews:
Visitors appreciate the diverse range of animals from different habitats.
Many reviews praise the zoo's focus on conservation and education.
The zoo is noted for being a great place for families and children.
The well-maintained gardens and pathways enhance the experience.
Guests often mention the helpful and knowledgeable staff.
There are many tidy areas to explore. The habitats are interactive and well-maintained. Plan to stay for at least 3-4 hours. Many children’s areas are suitable for both younger and older kids.
Many dining spots are spread throughout the zoo. The facility has good signage and layout. The best part is that it is accessible via CTrain.
The place is clean, and the animals appear unstressed and well-treated.
A wide variety of wildlife on display is impressive, and the atmosphere is great for both children and adults. The layout and facilities are well-maintained, making it easy to tour all attractions.
Staff members are very friendly.
Main Negative Reviews:
Some find the entrance fees to be on the higher side.
The zoo can get very crowded, especially during weekends.
A few visitors noted a lack of diverse food choices.
Most animals were either sleeping in caves or hiding behind rocks and scenery on sunny days, so expect some disappointment when visiting the zoo in summer.
Someone said: Many animal stations are empty, and some animals are alone, without even a pair, let alone in groups. Is this good for their mental health? I don’t think so.
One review mention: Many exhibits had no animals. Senior ticket prices are as high as CAD 43.95
Overall Analysis
Cost: Adults: CAD 45.95
Children (3-15): CAD 32.95
Seniors (60+): CAD 43.45
The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is a highly recommended destination, offering a rich variety of wildlife exhibits and educational experiences. Despite some concerns about pricing and occasional crowdedness, the positive aspects such as cleanliness, animal welfare, and accessibility make it a worthwhile visit. With strong ratings on Google (4.6/5) and TripAdvisor (4.5/5), it provides a rewarding experience for families and tourists alike.
Is it Worth Visiting:
With high ratings on both Google and TripAdvisor, the Calgary Zoo is highly recommended for visitors. It offers educational value and diverse exhibits, making it worth the visit.
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