Your Guide to the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo
Step into a world of wildlife, conservation, and family-friendly adventures at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo.
Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo (Credit: Tourism Calgary/Calin Charles)
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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.
Animals
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, big horn sheep, 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.
New polar bear named 'Yellé'
The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo has welcomed a new polar bear to Wild Canada. ‘Yellé’, a 20-year-old male, arrived on March 17, 2026, from Quebec’s Zoo Sauvage de Saint-Félicien. Visitors of the zoo can now spot him checking out his new habitat.
New polar bear Yellé at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo (Credit: Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo)
Introducing Imagine Asia
Formerly knowns as Exploration Asia, Imagine Asia introduces a fresh look inspired by the region’s diverse landscapes and wildlife. Vivid colours and layered illustrations create a sense of discovery at every turn, bringing renovated habitats and immersive experiences to life. Imagine a winding pathway beneath a forest canopy, alive with sound and movement. Red pandas climb overhead, while snow leopards traverse rocky terrain in the distance. This is Asian Highlands, the first phase of the Imagine Asia redevelopment, opening summer 2026.
Rendering of Imagine Asia (Credit: Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo)
Food and drink options
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!
Kitamba Café (Credit: Tourism Calgary/Calin Charles)
Penguin Plunge (Credit: Tourism Calgary / Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo)
Events and experiences
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.
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.
Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo (Credit: Tourism Calgary/Calin Charles)
Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo (Credit: Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo/Kati Macoun)
Directions and parking
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.
Hotels near the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo
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.
