Calgary Zoo anybody? How about EVERYBODY! Our destination today was obviously the Calgary Zoo. After we got organized for the day and checked out, we headed straight to the zoo, after one pit stop…Bacon Gouda breakfast sandwiches and a Mango dragon fruit refresher for me from Starbucks. The zoo is 12 minutes away from our hotel, so we had time 😉.
We have arrived!!! Parked ✅️ tickets 🎟 ✅️ cameras ✅️ and in to the zoo we go.
You can purchase your tickets outside at an automated ticket booth, or inside at the desk…very busy FYI.
The Zoo is enormous, don’t plan a couple hours…plan a day. You won’t be disappointed. The first exhibit we encountered was the Penguin Plunge. We actually went back to the penguins before we left because it was so spectacular. First part you see is an outdoor enclosure with Humboldt Penguins soaking up the sun and playing in the water. Which ones are those? The penguins we all think of when someone says penguin…unless you are Benedict Cumberbatch, then they are pengwings, or penglings of course. They are the small black and white sleek and speckled pengwings…oops penguins.
Now Enter Penguin Plunge! The Calgary Zoo boasts 4 types of penguins: Humboldt Penguins, aforementioned, Rockhopper Penguins (the dudes with the rad yellow spikey hair), Gentoo Penguins (the shorter cute, kinda clumsy guys), King Penguins (the big, tall noisy ones with the orange chests). Their enclosure is a wee bit smelly, be warned, but its also very interesting and fun. When you pass through the air locked door you can hear them bleating (or calling) and once through the rock formations immediately you see the King Penguins on the rocks ahead. The dome above is white and blue emulating their natural habitat. Now look behind you, there you’ll find the all too cool Rockhopper Penguins, just chillin, no pun intended. Gentoo’s are walking around, swimming and even a couple are tending their nests. There is a tunnel from one side to the other, the penguins are so fast. Now it is a bit crowded on the enclosure path. But give it time, the big crowds move on quickly. Take in the moment, watch the penguins zoom around in the water, listen to them chatter.
From here we headed to the Canadian Wilds saw black bears, wolves, a cougar, some moose and much more. This exhibit was under construction to give the animals more room so not everything was available, but still enjoyable.
Destination Africa! This was definitely Chris’s favourite exhibit, mine 2nd to the Penguins. First impression were jumping cliff rodents…can’t remember their name, but related to elephants! Then we have the meercats and porcupines. But we were looking for the BIG game, so to speak. Turn around…aha there are the giraffe’s, 4 of them. They overlook the hippos, Grandma and Granddaughter. We watched the hippos as they had there teeth checked and received treats. The staff member educating everyone in this area advised us all “If the hippo with the pink face stops and turns at the fence, stand back, she will spray poop at you!” Ahhhh nature, so beautiful (face palm here). We waited to see if they would return to the water after their treat, but the giraffes were getting frisky…so it was time to go! In the safari area we found the Land of Lemurs to Bowies delight! Ostrich and Zebras, sleeping Lions and so much more.
The best part of the day might be the Gorillas. There is 2 ways to visit these beautiful, yet very powerful primates. 1: Travelling through the rainforest and its inhabitants, to the indoor enclosure. Here you see the gorillas play area. And the friendly mice who have found an easy meal. Or 2: At the outdoor seated viewing, which has staff and a volunteer for questions. #1 was where we first saw there troop. The silverback male, who I watched quickly grabbed a banana leaf and slung it over his shoulder. As we watched them, watching us too, one of the females came over and turned around. To our surprise, she was carrying a baby with her. We learned the baby was 5 months old, and beginning to explore on there own! Highlight of the day for sure.
Exploration Asia! Moose was pretty excited about this one. When you enter the exhibit there are hand painted canvas banners along the walls. Some of different animals, and then the continent. Ahead, a red bamboo forest. We came across a large glass enclosure, unsure of who was in there. It was foggy and steamy…and then movement. It was a very large Komodo Dragon He walked though the trees and branches with such purpose. His powerful legs and sharp claws were pretty scary, then he’d turn and flick his tongue. He wasn’t slowing down for anything or anyone, not even for a picture.
Across the hall are a couple of White Handed Gibbons. These 2 were very entertaining. One guy was just hanging around in his hammock, the other…literally hanging; on a hope with one arm. ‘Rope’ began to swing along the rope, switching left to right…then ‘Hammock’ decided to show him up! They briefly chased each other until Hammock returned to his restful spot. Outside we watched a Tapir sleep against the bamboo…until we saw the sign that said “Stay 8ft back, Tapir will spray urine!” Nope. That’s enough for me. Off to the camel and the snow leopard haha.
There was soooo much more honestly. This is already long enough. But The Calgary Zoo exceeded my expectations. Friendly staff you can tell are happy to work here. Different zoo exhibits very easily marked and identified, and ALL THE ANIMALS!!! Plus traveling with kids there are washrooms and restaurants or other opportunities for a drink or snack all throughout the park.
The only negative thing about the zoo I can say is not about the zoo itself, but the way some people allowed their children to behave towards these incredible creatures, whom we are fortunate to have to opportunity to view and learn about. Parents please remember you and your children are guests. Teach your kids to have respect for all including the animals. Don’t allow them to bang on the glass or yell at the animals. Otherwise…leave them at home. Maybe an unpopular opinion…but I don’t care.
Farewell Calgary Zoo. We take fond memories with us as we head to our next stop. We decided not to rush the rest of the day and headed to Strathmore, AB. We booked in at the Travel Lodge. In the parking lot we were bombed by little black beetles, they came and went so fast, anyone know what they are? I almost ran inside haha. But we were very pleasantly greeted by the front desk. We did some homework then headed to the pool. Which was the cleanest pool we have yet had. The waterslide was wicked fast. I happily watched the kids launch out the bottom over and over again.
That’s all for today, I am sure its enough. Tomorrow we head to Drumheller!
Cheers xo Mel
Awesome!
I love the photo of the Giraffe at the Calgary Zoo.
The Kangaroo has such long, powerful legs. 🙂
I have only been to one Zoo, and that was in Whitby, Ontario.
I have been enjoying all your pictures. Such wonderful Memories
you are making.
Aunt Shirley.