About

Founded in 1929, the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is Canada’s most visited zoo and a cherished family destination for locals and visitors alike. Situated on 125 acres in the heart of Calgary, Alberta, we are a leading international authority in wildlife conservation, committed to fighting the extinction of plants and animals across the globe. With nearly a century of experience, we’ve grown not only in size but in purpose. This year, we take our boldest step forward yet—committed to enhancing visitor experiences, providing exceptional care, and driving meaningful strides in conservation. At the heart of our journey is a renewed vision that reflects the urgency of our work and our belief in the power of collective action. In 2021, we launched the Wilder Institute to build on our legacy and redefine what it means to be a conservation organization. This evolution allowed us to deepen our commitment to research-driven, collaborative conservation that engages local communities and governments, influences policy, and advances global conservation practices. Today, as the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, we continue to inspire visitors, educate generations, and lead innovative conservation efforts that extend beyond our gates, our province, and our country. Welcoming over 1.5 million visitors annually, we take pride in using each visit to deepen understanding and inspire action for the natural world. As an internationally accredited zoo, we are renowned for our world-class animal care and habitat design practices, ensuring the highest standards for the species in our care.