Calgary, AB – These are unprecedented times. Our primary concern is the health and well-being of the animals we love and care for, our valued team and our guests. The Calgary Zoo is a primarily outdoor space that allows for social distancing. As of today we’re open with proactive precautionary measures in place to reduce transmission risk. We’re working closely with our civic partners and Calgary Emergency Management Agency (CEMA).
Excellence in Animal Care Practices
Our Animal Care and Veterinary team is carefully following reports regarding animals and the coronavirus.
In addition to our ongoing excellence in animal care practices, our guests may see perimeters in place to distance them from certain animals as added precautionary measures, for example: macaques and lemurs.
We have strong supplies in place to ensure we continue to deliver the highest level of animal care on-park and at the WCC. Extensive planning is also underway to ensure we have ongoing supply chain options, including piloting an alternative bamboo supplier for our beloved giant pandas in North America.
People and Spaces
- We ask you to refrain from visiting if you:
- are exhibiting flu-like symptoms (stay home, and call 8-1-1)
- have been in close contact with someone exhibiting symptoms
- have been in close contact with someone who has travelled.
- You’ll find increased hand sanitizer access throughout the Zoo
- Increased environmental cleaning protocols are in place for frequently touched surfaces (e.g., pin pads, touch screens, cash areas, doorknobs, tables, countertops, shared workspaces).
- Concessions will temporarily pause acceptance of reusable and refillable cups, and we encourage paper cups provided to be composted.
- A number of behind-the-scenes efforts are in place to keep our staff well, including actively encouraging virtual meetings.
Programming and Events
- In light of recommendations by the Government of Alberta, the Calgary Zoo has made the decision to cancel the following events:
- Safari Sunday Brunch on March 15; watch for additional news on other upcoming brunches
- Easter Eggstravaganza
- Member Inspire and Member Engage Events
- May the Fourth Be With Zoo
- Planted Kingdom, in partnership with PlantedYYC, is being postponed to a later date. We are actively contacting all event ticket holders directly via email.
- Visitors will experience modified daily programming in place at the Zoo that reduces interactive touch points.
- As of today, we are continuing to host programs with our Outreach Education team, using modified virtual and outdoor programming, paired with measures to reduce transmission risk and increased cleaning protocols. We will remain fully aligned to the school boards and the decisions they make with regards to field trips.
Thank you for your continued support of the Calgary Zoo
Things will continue to change rapidly and we’re committed to keeping regular and transparent lines of communication with all our valued guests, including through regular email updates, public statements on our website and social media, and at our gates. We encourage everyone to GET INFORMED.
Stay safe!
The Calgary Zoo Team