From adventuring through favourites like the ‘Prehistoric Park’ to ‘Land of Lemurs’ and ‘Penguin Plunge’, there is always something special to experience at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. Now, with two new polar bears, there’s something even bigger to see!
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As of December 1, 2023, the ‘Canadian Wilds’ experience at Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo has reopened as ‘Wild Canada’, featuring seven of Canada’s ecological zones. Visitors are invited to take a journey through these seven zones, celebrating the wonder and diversity of a world where people, animals, and the land are connected.
The redeveloped areas will transport visitors to the most iconic ecoregions in Canada, featuring more than 15 extraordinary Canadian species in expansive habitats including:
Two male polar bears, ‘Baffin’ and ‘Siku’, have moved from Winnipeg's Assiniboine Park Zoo to the new world-class polar bear habitat at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, constructed in consultation with industry professionals and polar bear care experts.
This remarkable polar bear habitat is enhanced with exceptional animal care and enrichment programs designed to encourage the expression of natural behaviours, provide cognitive challenges, and stimulate play. The habitat includes expansive tree-filled grassy meadows, several pools, a wading stream, and an unobscured view of the horizon. The whole space is over 2 acres (or 8290 m2), which is roughly equivalent to five ice hockey rinks!
6 year old male polar bear 'Baffin' relaxes in his new home at the Taylor Family Foundation Polar Bear Sanctuary (photo credit: Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo)
In the 1940s, only 21 whooping cranes remained in the wild due to overhunting and habitat loss. Since then, the population number has risen to 660 in 2021 thanks to positive conservation efforts including captive breeding and reintroduction programs.
Known as the tallest birds in North America, whooping cranes stand nearly five feet (1.5 m) tall with brilliant white plumage. Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo residents ‘Arthur’ and ‘Mera’ are no different. Watch and listen in awe as they loudly trumpet in unison.
Adult whooping crane at the Wilder Institute's conservation breeding facility (photo credit: Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo)
Watch as sleek North American river otters zip and zoom their way through the water in the Brawn Family Foundation River Lodge. With powerful tails and webbed feet, these otters can reach speeds of 13 km (8 mi) per hour and hold their breath for up to eight minutes! As acrobatic as they are in the water, river otters are also comfortable on land, making their homes in burrows on the water’s edge.
Don’t miss the new otter overhead tunnel! This stunning feature connects two different otter habitats that gives a one-of-a-kind view of these slippery, agile creatures as they scamper from one side to the next.
North American River Otter goes for a swim at the Brawn Family Foundation River Lodge (photo credit: Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo)
