Your guide to the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo

Sign up for the FREE Calgary Attractions Pass to save 15% on daily admission tickets (up to 4 people) during your visit to the Zoo! Also, enjoy 20% off daily admission tickets and souvenir cups when you visit after 3:00 p.m. from Thursday to Sunday until September 28, 2025.

Not only do you see tigers, hippos, penguins, and giraffes on an island in the heart of Calgary, your admission supports the critical work of fighting the extinction of animals and plants, locally and globally.

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is home to more than 4,000 animals, from over 100 different species. These animals are divided into six distinct ‘zones’ , each bringing you up close to some of the world’s most incredible species. Below outlines several species that can be found in each zone:

• Wild Canada – River otters, grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and Siku the polar bear.

• Destination Africa – Lions, lemurs, zebras, giraffes, hippos, and gorillas.

• Exploration Asia – Tigers, tapirs, gibbons and Komodo dragons.

• ENMAX Conservatory – Butterflies, moths, and tropical plants.

• Penguin Plunge – Humboldt, gentoo, rockhopper, and king penguins.

• Dorothy Harvie Gardens – Alpacas, peccaries, rheas, and flamingos.

Land of Lemurs in Destination Africa

Land of Lemurs, home to black-and-white ruffed lemurs, red-fronted lemurs, and ring-tailed lemurs, is now open at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. Located in Destination Africa , Land of Lemurs is an immersive lemur experience for visitors, with an open concept design that allows visitors to become a part of the lemurs’ world in a barrier-free setting.

Land of Lemurs is open from May to October each year (exact dates vary) and is included with admission.

Prehistoric Park

Dinosaur fans will love Prehistoric Park where you can step back in time to when Alberta was ruled by dinos. Photo-ops are everywhere as you wander past hoodoos and life-sized dinosaurs. Kids can even become a paleontologist for the day by discovering bones in the Dino Dig.

Prehistoric Park is open from May to October each year (exact dates vary) and is included with admission.

NEW - Savannah Plains & Savannah Crossing Habitat in Destination Africa

Rediscover Destination Africa at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo and enjoy a newly opened indoor habitat known as Savannah Crossing which is now home to Hartmann’s Mountain Zebras and Southern Ostriches all year round. As a part of this update, the zoo has also redeveloped the Savannah Plains habitat, which is an outdoor co-habitat space home to Giraffes, Hartmann’s Mountain Zebras, Southern Ostriches, and Grey Crowned Cranes.

The perfect place to sit down for a snack or grab some lunch is the Kitamba Café . It has indoor and outdoor seating, a wide menu selection, and a dedicated coffee shop. You can expect comforting classics like hot dogs and hamburgers, as well as a hearty homemade chili.

There are also seven grab-and-go options placed around the park, so you’re never far from a tasty treat. Fan favourites in the winter months include the Camel Canteen and Penguin Café!

There’s always something to see and do at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. Check back often to see what events are coming up that you and your family can enjoy, including several Wild After Hours adult-only events.

Wild After-Hours Adult-Only Events

The zoo comes alive at night with Wild After Hours (adults-only) events. Whether you’re looking for a romantic night out or a wild night of adventure with friends, one thing is certain – a visit to any Wild After Hours event is sure to be a night to remember. So don’t miss out – join in for some zoo-nique fun!

Sunday Safari Brunch 

The Sunday Safari Brunch is a one-of-a-kind Calgary experience, featuring decadent treats, breakfast classics, and a free-flowing chocolate fountain. It’s the perfect way to celebrate special occasions with custom menus offered during holidays like Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Halloween. Best of all, a Safari Sunday Brunch Combo ticket includes admission, so you can keep exploring after breakfast.

Sunday Safari Brunch takes place each Sunday from January to November in the Safari Lodge.

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo  is just 5 minutes east of downtown Calgary and has its own stop on the “Blue” line of the C-Train called ‘Zoo Station’ making it very easy to get to. It is also only a 20-minute drive south on Deerfoot Trail from the Calgary International Airport. If you prefer to walk or bike to the zoo, the park is conveniently located just off the Bow River Pathway.

Parking 

The main parking option is the North Lot off St. George’s Drive. The lot is open year-round but does require payment.

Accessibility 

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is very wheelchair accessible . Every exhibit has automatic sliding doors and there are ramps where needed. Wheelchairs are also available for rent. Qualified attendants are given complimentary access to the zoo with proper ID.

If you have kids in tow, you’ll appreciate that there are wagons available for rent. There is also a caregiving room at Kitamba Cafè.

If you think you might feel overwhelmed during your visit, you can borrow a sensory bag which includes fidget and tactile items, and over-the-ear noise-cancelling headphones.

There are no hotels right at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, but there are plenty of great options that you can walk to from a CTrain station or that you can drive to in under 10 minutes.

Hotels Near a CTrain Station  

• Hilton Garden Inn Calgary Downtown

• Homewood Suites by Hilton Calgary Downtown

• Hyatt Regency Calgary

• Calgary Marriott Downtown Hotel

• Le Germain Hotel Calgary

• Ramada Plaza Calgary Downtown

• Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel

• Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre

Hotels Within a 10-Minute Drive 

• Alt Hotel Calgary East Village

• Delta Hotels Calgary Downtown

• Holiday Inn & Suites Calgary Airport North

• DoubleTree by Hilton Calgary North

• Best Western Airport Inn