Calgary Zoo: 4,000+ Animals & 7 Themed Zones

Four Thousand Animals Across Seven Worlds, All on One Island

You get entry to all seven zones — Wild Canada, Destination Africa, Exploration Asia, The Penguin Plunge, ENMAX Conservatory, Dorothy Harvie Gardens, and Prehistoric Park — plus access to every indoor and outdoor habitat. The zoo holds over 4,000 animals representing more than 100 species. Last entry is 5pm, so arrive with enough daylight to see what you came for.

Step-by-step itinerary

• Arrive at Calgary Zoo
• Explore Wild Canada zone
• Visit Destination Africa zone
• See Exploration Asia zone
• Watch penguins at The Penguin Plunge
• Walk through ENMAX Conservatory
• Discover Dorothy Harvie Gardens
• Explore Prehistoric Park

The Experience

"Wait, how many penguins are actually in there?" Your friend asks as you walk toward the gates, and honestly, you're wondering the same thing. The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo sits on St. George Island, just five minutes from downtown Calgary, and it's not one of those places you can rush through in an afternoon. The zoo holds over 4,000 animals across more than 100 species, spread across seven completely different themed zones — each one designed to feel like you've actually stepped into a different part of the world.

You'll start wherever you want, really. Wild Canada takes you through the country's ecosystems without leaving Alberta. Destination Africa is the big one — the kind of zone where you stand in front of something massive and just stare. Exploration Asia is mid-renovation but still open, focusing on Southeast Asian species and Himalayan wildlife. The Penguin Plunge is exactly what it sounds like: four penguin species, from Peru down to Antarctica, doing their thing behind glass and water. The ENMAX Conservatory is the indoor escape — tropical greenhouse, butterflies, the works. Dorothy Harvie Gardens shows what actually grows in Calgary's climate. And then there's Prehistoric Park, which is basically life-size dinosaurs scattered through a walking trail, and yeah, kids lose their minds there.

The zoo is serious about conservation and research, not just the animal-watching part. That's baked into how the zones are built and what they're trying to do. You're not just seeing animals; you're seeing them in spaces that try to match where they actually live. It takes time to do it right, so plan for at least a few hours if you want to hit all seven zones without feeling rushed. Last admission is 5pm, which gives you an hour before closing, so if you're coming in the afternoon, you'll want to time it carefully.

The whole site is wheelchair accessible, and you don't need extreme fitness to get around — it's more walking than climbing, more looking than hiking. Bring water, wear comfortable shoes, and don't expect to see everything in one visit if you're the type who actually reads the plaques and watches the animals for more than thirty seconds.

What’s included

Your ticket includes admission to the zoo and access to all available indoor and outdoor habitats across the seven themed zones: Wild Canada, Destination Africa, Exploration Asia, The Penguin Plunge, ENMAX Conservatory, Dorothy Harvie Gardens, and Prehistoric Park.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelWheelchair accessible

Operated by Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo

Is this one for you?Right for anyone spending a day in Calgary who wants to see thousands of animals without arranging transport — the zoo is five minutes from downtown and you control your own pace through seven zones. Moderate fitness is enough; the site is flat and accessible, though you'll be on your feet for hours.

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Top questions

How long does it take to see the whole Calgary Zoo?

Most visitors spend 3–5 hours depending on pace and which zones they prioritize. You can do a shorter visit, but seven zones and 4,000 animals means you'll be choosing what to linger on.

What time does the Calgary Zoo close?

Last admission is 5pm. The zoo closes one hour after that, so plan to arrive with enough daylight left.

Is the Calgary Zoo wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the site is wheelchair accessible throughout all zones.

What are the 7 zones at Calgary Zoo?

Wild Canada, Destination Africa, Exploration Asia, The Penguin Plunge, ENMAX Conservatory, Dorothy Harvie Gardens, and Prehistoric Park.

How many animals are at Calgary Zoo?

Over 4,000 animals representing more than 100 species.

Can I get a refund if I can't go?

No, refunds are not offered.

Is there a tropical greenhouse at Calgary Zoo?

Yes, the ENMAX Conservatory is an indoor tropical greenhouse with exotic plants and butterflies.

Are there dinosaurs at Calgary Zoo?

Prehistoric Park features life-size dinosaur sculptures along a walking trail, popular with children.