Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo

Had am enchanting time at zoo lights with my fiance it was our first time but it won't be our last time

Good place to visit in anytime of year, zoo lights in winter is wonderful but little costly.

Came here for the Zoolights attraction a few weeks ago. We came less than an hour after a kid went on an aggressive rampage with a machete (that was fun to learn about after the trip). I wouldn't recommend the Zoolights if you're older as it is a little underwhelming. A red panda was awake though, so that was cool.

The lights were wonderful and the crowd wasn’t hard to navigate. Some of the displays were really surprising and I hope whomever designed them is very proud. Paying for parking was the least enjoyable part of the night.

Visited on a Sunday during the winter holidays, was much busier than expected. There were a lot of interesting exhibitions and the animals looked happy and content. I loved seeing the zebras and penguins up close!

There aren’t very many interactive points that the zoo offers, not many facts to read or things to do besides just stare at the animals. I was hoping there’d be more infographics or interactive information to learn more about each species.

Some of the exhibitions were also closed like the tigers even though it was advertised…

Also, everything is crazy expensive and marked up but that’s a given. Overall, great to see the animals!

Truly a don't miss experience! So much to see and do! Animals (of course), exhibits, playgrounds (the bug playground is one of the best in the city, IMO). Staff are always so nice, knowledgable, and helpful. Plan for a full-and FUN-day!

It was a guick visit this trip. I just want to check out the polar bears they are beautiful animals, got great pictures
Saw the Otters. The penguins.
It was a nice early morning to visit.

Nice lights displays. Lots of ice. Be careful of cell phone charging station. I was locked out and had to get security to open cause it was defective

Not a bad zoo. It seemed to us a little empty, a bit long and, in general, not as interesting as it is in other zoos.

I hate that we cage animals but understand conservative assistance for these precious creatures. Was fun but the enclosures are small and food/washroom access is still like limited when taking anyone with limited needs/disability.

We have a Zoo Pass that includes parking and a guest. It makes going for short visits a breeze since we live close by.

I don't think it should be worth it otherwise.

Every December Calgary Zoo hosts the Zoolights. It’s a magical light experience with campfires, hot chocolate and a visit with Santa.

One of the better world zoos with strong ethos for conservation and natural surroundings for their animals.

The Calgary Zoo is a remarkable destination, offering a diverse range of wildlife experiences. From the vibrant Penguin Plunge to the immersive Canadian Wilds exhibit, it's a place where nature and conservation come together for an engaging and educational visit.

I always have a nice time here but with the massive renovation of the Canadian Wilds area, I wish there were updates made to other enclosures. The cougar, practically all of the primate, lion, and the indoor hippo and giraffe areas in my opinion look WAY too small and restrictive. They have little space to do more than pace around and no interesting features or landscapes, and no, throwing a few balls in them hardly count. I also want to mention how early the Zoo closes during Zoolights. To my knowledge the security staff are supposed to clear the grounds from 4: 15-4: 30 pm, which is fine. I was in the Rainforest building today and we were asked to leave at 3: 50, so I thought I'd walk to the Asia area at 4: 05, and there were security employees leading people out early. The last time I was there, I mistakingly got there too late and was refused entry at 3: 30 for even half an hour unless I spent nearly $50 for the zoo day admission and Zoolights, though I was a member. That was understandable and I own that one, but those situations were embarrassing for me.

I'd recommend showing up for Zoolights one night when it's on and doing your regular visits until 3: 45 to avoid embarrassing situations like mine and the slight cash grab that is Zoolights.

Awesome as always. Staff was very on top of the new Polar Bears and let everyone know where was the best place to view them and very knowledgeable about there habits and information about them

Polar bears are out in the balmy chinook weather in Calgary the river otters and caribou are magnificent. Viewing the rams and their habitat here brought up meaningful conversations about the coal policy in Alberta and the changes we have seen to the treatment of the land stretching down south. It has been alleged that, the reproductive health of these animals in their natural habitats has been damaged and continues to be threatened by effects of poisoning in the water as a result to changes in the landforms as a result of mining, in particular for metallurgical coal. Spending time at the zoo and reading the posted information as well as the newsletter content can provide another perspective to animal welfare. Watching the otters swim as a group of four through their home here was really cute to see. The Bugtopia playground is educational and imaginative.

The wolves and the snow leopard were extremely stressed and pacing. Some of the enclosures are far too small. I’m curious to know how they decide which animals get the bigger enclosures. Of course it’s cool to see the beautiful creatures here, but it’s very saddening as well.

The funnest thing to do with your family while in Calgary, for sure. It wasn't overly busy when we went last week, but folks who didn't purchase in advance were backed up in line.

I was worried about one animal that kept pacing his cage, he was alone, the poor guy and the dino side was closed.