Discover the best things to see and do at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. From Safari Sunday Brunch and the Prehistoric Park to Land of Lemurs and Penguin Plunge, there is always something special to do at one of Calgary’s most popular attractions. Get to know all of the great things to see and do that are included in your daily admission, membership, or special event tickets and know you are supporting wildlife conservation efforts locally and globally.

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Wild Canada

The newly updated Wild Canada experience showcases seven of Canada’s ecological zones, featuring over 15 Canadian species including North American river otters, muskoxen, polar bears, and bighorn sheep. The biggest addition to Wild Canada is the 2-acre Taylor Family Foundation Polar Bear Sanctuary where visitors can meet polar bears, Baffin and Siku! Other must-see’s are the Whooping Crane Habitat Presented by Canadian Natural, home to majestic whooping cranes, Arthur and Mera, as well as the Brawn Family Foundation River Lodge, where visitors can observe the swift and playful North American river otters in action.

Penguin Plunge

Playful penguins perch along the rocks, plunge into the chilly water, pop out of holes in the ice, and waddle along in Penguin Plunge, a marquee experience at the zoo. Home to the Humboldt, gentoo, rockhopper, and king penguins, Penguin Plunge is one of the most popular experiences at the zoo. Did you know that Humboldt penguins come from Peru and Chile and gentoos as far away as South America? Penguin Plunge is open year round and is included with daily admission or membership.

Land of Lemurs

Land of Lemurs is an immersive experience that allows you to walk through the habitat as these incredible creatures play, groom, leap, eat, and soak up the sun. This unique habitat is home to three species, the black-and-white ruffed, ring-tailed, and red-fronted lemurs. Did you know these are some of the world’s most endangered primates? Land of Lemurs is all a part of the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo’s conservation efforts to protect lemurs and their habitats in Madagascar. Land of Lemurs is open from May to Thanksgiving weekend (weather permitting) each year and is included with daily admission or membership.

Events at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo

Make your next visit to the zoo memorable and experience one of many special events and activities throughout the year. Pub trivia, adults-only nights, catered dinners, photography sessions, family friendly events, ZooNights, and the holiday tradition of ZOOLIGHTS are just some of the special events that will quickly become family favourites. Check out the Events at a Glance section of the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo website for the latest event updates and announcements and get your tickets early.

Playgrounds at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo

Mix up your animal adventure at the zoo with a stop at one of the many playgrounds throughout the park. Get into the world of insects at the larger than life Brawn Family Foundation Bugtopia, take a spin on the wildlife carousel and toddler playground in the Calgary Co-op Kids Zone, jump into the slides, tunnels, and mazes, of the Kinsmen Zooventure Playground, or discover bones in the Prehistoric Park Dino Slide and Dino Dig. It’s a great way to break up your day and get some energy out in between each animal habitat.

Prehistoric Park

Journey back in time with Prehistoric Park for one of the best places to see dinosaurs in Calgary. Spot a triceratops grazing in the bushes or a tyrannosaurus rex hunting for his next meal. Life-sized animatronic dinosaur models are around every corner in this unique exhibit that will take you back in time to when dinosaurs reigned supreme in Alberta. The Prehistoric Park is open from May to October each year and is included with daily admission or membership.

Safari Sunday Brunch

Start your day at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo with the most important meal of the day with Safari Sunday Brunch. Gourmet treats, comfort food classics, and a free-flowing chocolate fountain make this a one-of-a-kind brunch experience in Calgary. Top up your plate with fresh fruit, eggs Benedict with Canadian bacon, Belgian waffles, and an omelette bar. Celebrate special occasions with custom menus offered during holidays like Easter, Halloween, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day. Best of all, a Safari Sunday Brunch Combo ticket includes admission, so you can keep exploring after breakfast.

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

What’s On This Week at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo

Updated on a weekly basis, What’s On This Week is an excellent way to plan your trip to the zoo. Enrichment activities, story time, feedings, songs, bubbles, and daily conservation storytelling moments are posted so you won’t miss a thing during your next visit. Friendly staff on location are always happy to help with event details, times, and directions once you arrive for another special day at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo.