Early Zoo Closure: Last entry to the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo will be at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, June 5th, to accommodate set up for our Zoo Brew (18+) event. Last entry to Destination Africa will be at 3:30 p.m. and the zone will be closed by 4:30 p.m. The remainder of zoo grounds will be cleared by 5:30 p.m. Thank you for your understanding.
Giraffes: Our giraffe tower will not be viewable until after 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 11, to accommodate routine habitat work. Thank you for your understanding.
Jihad Shibley Rocky Mountain Aviary: The Jihad Shibley Rocky Mountain Aviary is temporarily closed. Thank you for your understanding.
Avian Influenza Protocols: The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza within 200 kilometres of the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo.
The health and well-being of the animals in our care remains our top priority. Out of an abundance of caution, we’re proactively implementing the following measures to protect our avian species:
Our dedicated Animal Care, Health & Welfare 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.
PETRONAS Gateway to Asia Malayan Tapir Viewing: ‘Sempurna’ and her female calf ‘Nyawa’ have daily access to either the main indoor habitat or the outdoor habitat from 9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. They’ll also have access to their behind-the-scenes space and may choose to spend time there, so viewing isn’t always guaranteed. Thank you for your understanding.
Exploration Asia
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.
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.

FOCUSED: Destination Africa gives lens lovers (ages 16+) exclusive access to the zoo from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 7th. Capture breathtaking photos of iconic wildlife, from giraffes and lions to gorillas and everything in between, with before-hours access to the indoor and outdoor habitats of Destination Africa. Photographers of all skill levels are welcome.
Date: Saturday, March 7th, 2026
Time: 8:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Ticket Price: $50 + GST
Wild Adventure and Wildlife Guardian members receive your discount for the FOCUSED event rate by logging into their member account and purchasing tickets online. If you are unsure of your membership login, DO NOT create your own login, please email TicketandMembership@CalgaryZoo.com for assistance.
Click HERE to learn more about Focused: Destination Africa.
Additional Event Information
Your ticket includes day admission from 7:45 a.m., so feel free to explore the rest of the zoo grounds after the event.
This program is 16+. Guests arriving with children or infants will not be admitted and will not be given a refund.
This event takes place both indoors and outdoors, and will proceed rain or shine.
Parking is $14 and is not included. Wild Journey members receive free parking when they successfully register with ParkPlus.
This event is entirely accessible. If you need to rent a wheelchair or powerchair, please contact Guest Relations at (403) 232-9300 at least 24 hours before the event. These services will not be open during the event without a pre-booking.
Dress for the weather! The zoo is open year round with plenty of areas to explore both outdoors and indoors. Day admission, events, experiences happen rain, snow, or shine. Purchases/tickets are non-refundable. Explore Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo for more details.