Latest news with #CalgaryZoo
CTV News
10-06-2025
- General
- CTV News
Babies are ‘stealing the spotlight' at the Calgary Zoo this summer
Officials say there are new additions for visitors to the Calgayr Zoo to see everywhere they look.(Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo) It's baby season at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. Officials say there are new additions for visitors to see everywhere they look. 'These arrivals aren't just adorable; they're part of important conservation work,' said animal care manager Patrick Thompson in a Tuesday news release. 'We hope they spark a love for wildlife in every visitor.' Already this year, the zoo has welcomed two Southern Bald Ibis chicks, three Spur-Winged Lapwing chicks, two North American River Otter pups, two Wood Bison calves, three Black-and-White Ruffed Lemur pups and a Humboldt Penguin chick. The zoo is also celebrating the pregnancies of the Malayan Tapir named Sempurna – who is expecting her first calf later this summer – and the Rock Hyraxes. It's also hoped there will be baby Turkmenian Markhors in the future as they've been observed breeding. Calgary Zoo babies Officials say there are new additions for visitors to the Calgayr Zoo to see everywhere they look.(Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo) 'Zoo babies are stealing the spotlight this summer,' Thompson added. 'They bring a sense of energy and wonder, making each visit feel fresh and full of surprises.'
CTV News
05-06-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Calgary Zoo gets funding to support woodland caribou through lichen harvesting
Lichen (right) is one of the main foods consumed by the woodland caribou. (Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo) The Calgary Zoo/Wilder Institute has announced a $285,000 investment from TC Energy to help boost the organization's Lichen Harvesting Program, which helps feed their woodland caribou. Lichen is one of the main foods consumed by the animal. 'In the wild, it can make up as much as 85 per cent of a woodland caribou's winter diet,' explained Larisa Jancewicz, supervisor of animal nutrition. 'Supplementing our zoo caribou with lichen not only provides nutritional benefits, but also encourages natural feeding behaviour'. Jancewicz says lichen is 'incredibly slow-growing and sensitive.' As such, the zoo works with communities and school groups in Alberta and British Columbia to ethically harvest the nutritional powerhouse. Thursday's investment from TC Energy will see the zoo receive the money over three years, including annual funding of $85,000. 'We are proud to support caribou conservation efforts that will not only protect this important species and advance long-term environmental resilience but educate and inspire the next generation,' said Sharon Tomkins, vice president, chief sustainability officer at TC Energy. The announcement comes the day before World Caribou Day, which aims to raise awareness about at-risk caribou populations and the urgent need to protect their habitats. Woodland caribou are listed globally as 'vulnerable' on the IUCN Red List, and Alberta's woodland caribou are considered threatened under Canada's Species at Risk Act due to habitat loss, climate change, and deforestation.
CBC
30-05-2025
- General
- CBC
Life in plastic: Animal sculptures made from ocean debris
A new exhibit at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo features 15 large sculptures made from flip-flops, bottle caps and other refuse collected from the shores of the Pacific. Calgary's zoo is the only one in Canada showcasing the Washed Ashore exhibit this year.
CTV News
30-05-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
Hot Calgary weather not a concern for zoo animals
Flamingos are seen at the Calgary Zoo on Friday, May 30, 2025. Calgary has seen a stretch of hot spring weather this week, even setting a new record high on Thursday. But as the mercury climbs, staff at the zoo are assuring the public that the many animals that live there are staying cool. 'We do monitor our animals very closely,' said Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo animal care manager Jennifer Godwin. 'We take into account what species they are and their needs.' 'Every animal and species has their own temperature parameters,' she explained. Godwin says not all of the animals hate the heat. 'A lot of the species that we have do thrive in this weather – they're from Africa, they're from the rainforest,' she said, adding there are several methods they use to help the critters stay cool. 'We can do frozen enrichment items or sprinklers, we can give them mud wallows, we can also give them access to back-of-house spaces that are cooler if they need that as well.' For more information on the Calgary Zoo, you can visit the organization's website.
CTV News
30-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Larger-than-life sculptures made from plastic pollution on display at Calgary Zoo
'Washed Ashore' is an art exhibit featuring sculptures made from debris collected from the shores of the Pacific Ocean. (Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo) The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo has unveiled a new art exhibit that brings the issue of ocean pollution to life. Called Washed Ashore, the exhibit features 15 large-scale sculptures made entirely from debris collected from the shores of the Pacific Ocean. 'At first glance, visitors may be drawn in by the vibrant colours and whimsical forms — giant jellyfish, curious penguins, and even a towering polar bear,' said Dr. Kyle Burks, president and CEO of the Calgary Zoo. 'But a closer look reveals a deeper story.' Burks says every sculpture is constructed from discarded items like bottle caps, flip-flops, plastic toys and toothbrushes. 'These once-forgotten objects now speak volumes about the growing crisis of marine pollution, and the small choices we can all make to turn the tide. 'It's eye-opening, it's beautiful and it's a powerful reminder that individual actions can add up to real change.' Washed Ashore at the Calgary Zoo 'Washed Ashore' is an art exhibit featuring sculptures made from debris collected from the shores of the Pacific Ocean. (Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo) The elaborate sculptures are located all throughout the zoo's outdoor spaces. They are part of a non-profit project from the Artula Institute for Arts and Education based in Brandon, Ore. Washed Ashore at the Calgary Zoo 'Washed Ashore' is an art exhibit featuring sculptures made from debris collected from the shores of the Pacific Ocean. (Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo) Every year, the group works to clean more than 480 kilometres of Pacific Northwest beaches. In 15 years, the Washed Ashore project has repurposed more than 60,000 pounds of marine debris into more than 85 sculptures. Washed Ashore at the Calgary Zoo 'Washed Ashore' is an art exhibit featuring sculptures made from debris collected from the shores of the Pacific Ocean. (Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo) 'We are thrilled to return to Canada for our first appearance at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo,' said Brad Parks from Washed Ashore. 'As we celebrate our 15th anniversary this summer at the zoo, we invite everyone to marvel at our art to save the sea and discover one thing to reduce single-use plastic use in their lives.' Washed Ashore at the Calgary Zoo 'Washed Ashore' is an art exhibit featuring sculptures made from debris collected from the shores of the Pacific Ocean. (Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo) The Washed Ashore exhibit will be on display all summer long before wrapping up on Sept. 14. For more information, you can visit the Calgary Zoo's website.
