Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo — Attraction in Calgary

The zoo lights are very beautiful and well done. I’ve only been there twice. the first time was the first year to put them on. I do remember there were very spread out and they had little cars that drove around. I also remember it was extremely cold so we didn’t really enjoy them. As much as I did this time . Now I noticed that zoo lights are more concentrated in a section of the zoo, well, that’s great for walking and you can see most of them in the sections, I think we would’ve been nice to have certain sections of other parts of the zoo even if you have to be driven to it to view. Now this year the weather was fantastic, and because of that there were lots of people there. Maybe the zoo should look into creating more of the indoor section in case bad weather. First positives of the zoo lights. The lights are beautiful . There are lots of places where you can take selfies or family pictures. The, overall treats and goodies are overall priced fairly. I do think, that the zoo really has to review their gift shops, and have more reasonable priced items in a way to promote the zoo. there were a few things that I know I would love to get for the little guys, but the price was too out of reach. second the negative. the total cost for a party of two with parking is 60 dollars. 22 dollars each for admission and 14 dollars for parking. we were there for an 1 1/2 hour. the admission i have no issue but the parking cost i have an issue. why is there a minimal cost ? it should be the hour and let’s be honest 2 bucks an hour would be sufficient, or free? would have been better. iI would love to have seen more lights on the pathway as some were very slippery but overall very nice. Also, there a chance to see Santa Claus while I didn’t go in there I believe it was included with your price. the Calgary zoo is one of the most beautiful places and most amazing zoo in all of Canada. My younger days I used to live around the zoo and I remember how much fun it was to go around while the cost is becoming more and more expensive I can understand the reason behind it. What I do recommend that the Zoo should do is create a wall called friends of the zoo. or maybe adopt an animal or something, so that way people can actually donate to specific sections of the zoo, and let’s be honest people love seeing their name posted. I believe they will get more donations maybe they can reduce the price of an admission, so regular family could go. Otherwise it becomes very unaffordable for family of four. but that’s something for another day. lastly, and I don’t know if this is possible, but it would be great if in the middle of summer the Zoo puts together a section of the park where they can have a late night zoo lights. maybe even have some nice music or something of that nature maybe inside one the huge indoor section maybe that is not possible but it would sure attracted people during the holiday and you can charge premier price if you want or donation rally that would be something to get more funds. Anyway make sure you check it out if you can afford it as it is very nice. P.S. i did not check into this but i am wondering if you had the year pass if the zoo lights would be included because that would be a great way to get yearly...

I don't support zoos too often but met up with a friend and her kids over the weekend. It wasn't as busy as I thought it would be so that was nice. It's a large area to cover in a day so be prepared with the things you need: water, good shoes, a hat, sunscreen, a mini hand held fan if you have one.. the tropical enclosures are extra warm and humid. Eat before and after you go to save on cash. It's a pretty zoo though. Lots of walking but the areas in between exhibits is beautiful. Lots of trees, flowers, etc. It's puts Edmonton's zoo to shame, but everything does. I didn't love seeing the wolves just pacing but most of the animals looked content. The gorilla baby was probably my favourite part of the visit. And the penguins. There's a big playground for the kids that gives them a break from walking, and gives the parents a break from the kids haha. Overall, a really nice day and visit. The Asia section of the zoo was under construction a bit so we skipped it but even without that, it still took us 4 hours to go through. So plan for the whole day to see everything and not rush. Lineups for anything we wanted weren't too long. The line to see the lemurs in the interactive area probably took the longest but I hadn't been before so we waited. The only probably with that area is there are rules to follow to keep the lemurs safe and secure and some people don't speak English so having them written somewhere would be more helpful than only having a person say them over a microphone repeatedly. At least a person could use a translator on their phone to figure it out. So the Chinese lady I was next to got told to stand up near the lemurs, rather than crouch, and she didn't understand. Not a huge deal but something to consider. The butterfly area is so great, we...

The Calgary Zoo is a must-visit destination for anyone in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Spanning over 120 acres on St. George's Island in the Bow River, the zoo is home to more than 1,000 animals representing over 200 species. Its layout is thoughtfully designed, with themed areas such as Destination Africa, the Canadian Wilds, and the Prehistoric Park, each offering unique and immersive experiences.

The exhibits are well-maintained and spacious, allowing the animals to thrive in environments that closely mimic their natural habitats. The Penguin Plunge and the Land of Lemurs are particularly popular, offering close-up views of these fascinating creatures.

Beyond the animals, the zoo features beautiful botanical gardens and a conservatory, adding to its appeal. The gardens are a peaceful retreat, showcasing a wide variety of plant species and providing a lovely backdrop for a leisurely stroll.

The Calgary Zoo is also a leader in conservation and education. It participates in numerous conservation programs and Species Survival Plans, and offers a variety of educational programs and interactive exhibits that are both fun and informative. The zoo's dedication to sustainability is evident in its eco-friendly practices and initiatives.

Facilities at the zoo are top-notch, with multiple dining options and well-stocked gift shops. Accessibility is also a priority, with wheelchair rentals and accessible paths available throughout the zoo.

In summary, the Calgary Zoo offers a rich and rewarding experience for visitors of all ages. Its well-designed exhibits, commitment to conservation, and engaging educational programs make it a standout attraction in the city. Whether you're a local or a tourist, a visit to the Calgary Zoo is sure to be a memorable and...