Minister Tanya Fir at the new Wild Canada otter habitat. (Photo provided by Garrett Koehler)

By Joel Mendelson

Alberta government investing $15.5M in the Calgary Zoo

Dec 1, 2023 | 12:40 PM

CALGARY, AB – The government of Alberta is investing $15.5 million to revitalize the Canada Wild habitats at the Calgary Zoo.

Officials said the funding will go toward expanding the habitats that feature Canada’s seven ecological zones. Visitors will be able to see animals in areas which are more similar to their natural habitats.

“Wild Canada will help reignite a sense of wonder and connection with nature that many of us first experienced as children,” Tanya Fir, minister of arts, culture and status of women, said.

She continued, “These new habitats will also showcase the stories and histories intertwined with Alberta and Canada’s diverse wildlife, which helps celebrate and preserve this important part of our heritage.”

The upgraded Wild Canada habitats will have larger and more intricate environments spanning across 21 acres. The upgrades will also allow the Calgary Zoo to increase its focus on species biodiversity, conservation and sustainability.

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Dr. Clément Lanthier, president and CEO of the Calgary Zoo, said the habitats will make life better for the animals that reside in them.

“Wild Canada enriches the lives of the animals we love and care for and empowers us to engage future generations with the wonders of the north, fostering a deep sense of appreciation and responsibility to protect Arctic species and their fragile ecosystems.” Dr. Lanthier said.

Officials estimate that the development will help grow the zoo’s 2024 revenue to over $65 million, while also growing its impact on Alberta’s economy to an estimated $140 million.

“Investing in the revitalization of tourism attractions is essential as we continue to grow Alberta’s visitor economy to new heights,” Joseph Schow, minister of tourism and sport, said.

“The new life brought to the Wild Canada habitats will attract new visitors to our province and help solidify Alberta’s position as the best place in the world to visit, play and live,” he continued.

Officials said the Wild Canada redevelopment project has created 80 construction jobs since 2021 and will create numerous full-time positions at the zoo.

“We’re grateful to the province of Alberta for their significant investment in our strategic vision, and to the many generous donors, funders and partners for their contributions, without which the Wild Canada redevelopment would not have been possible,” Dr. Lanthier said.

The Calgary Zoo is Canada’s busiest, with more than 1.3 million visitors annually.