Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo Homepage
Impact of Stage 4 Water Restrictions on Zoo Operations
As of August 26th, the City of Calgary has resumed Stage 4 Outdoor Water Restrictions while they complete urgent repairs to the Bearspaw South Feeder Main. We will continue to adjust our daily operations to ensure compliance with the restrictions that are in place, while ensuring the safety, health, and well-being of the animals we love and care for.
We are taking the following steps to limit the use of city water:
- Essential animal water stations will be maintained to ensure our animals’ well-being.
- Our Animal Care, Health & Welfare (ACHW) team has implemented dry cleaning methods wherever possible and adjusted the frequency of habitat pool cleaning schedules.
- We use non-potable well water for our irrigation systems to care for our botanical gardens and lawns. These wells operate independently of the city’s water supply.
- Our drinking fountains will remain on, however we encourage visitors to bring water bottles or purchase water onsite.
Zone/Building Closures
Kinsmen Zooventure Playground, September 3-5: The Kinsmen Zooventure Playground in Destination Africa will be closed from Tuesday, September 3rd, through to Thursday, September 5th, to accommodate maintenance and resurfacing work.
Gateway to Asia, September 11: Gateway to Asia will open at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 11th, to accommodate a private event.
Zoo Closure, September 19: The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo will be closed to the public (including members and day admission) on Thursday, September 19th, 2024, while we host the final event of the 2024 AZA Annual Conference.
Zoo Closure, September 26: The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo will close at 3 p.m. on Thursday, September 26th for a private staff and volunteer celebration. The last entry for members and day admission will be 3 p.m. The zoo grounds will be cleared by 4 p.m.
Thank you for your understanding!
Animal Viewing Impacts
African Savannah Yard: Our Hartmann’s mountain zebras and ostriches will be off-view until the end of the year while we complete exciting upgrades in the African Savannah Yard, including the construction of a new Savannah Barn for the animals. Our giraffe tower will continue to be viewable throughout the project.
Thank you for your understanding.
Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo Homepage
Stillness is a strength if you’re a crocodile. We are home to male ‘Papa’ and female ‘Mama’.
Meet one of the world’s smallest crocodiles
West African dwarf crocodiles were built for hunting, with a heavily armoured body covered in bony plates known as osteoderms. With nostrils placed high on their snouts and a see-through eyelid known as a nictitating membrane, crocodiles can stay submerged in the water for up to an hour. This species typically hunts at night and swallows its prey whole.
- IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable (at high risk of extinction in the wild)
- Type: Reptile
- Habitat: Desert along the southern shore of the Mediterranean Sea
- Diet: Carnivore – fish, amphibians, and birds
- Size: Up to 2 metres long
- Weight: 18 to 31 kilograms
Care & Conservation
How we care for them
At the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, we are bringing together our passion for plants and animals with our dedication to taking and inspiring action to sustain wildlife and wild places.
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facts about our animals
Fun Facts about West African Dwarf Crocodiles
This species grows darker in colour as it ages.
West African dwarf crocodiles can seal their ears shut when underwater.
Like all reptiles, this species will bask in the sun to warm up.
The temperature at which eggs are incubated will determine if males or females will be produced.
Throughout its life, a West African dwarf crocodile replaces its lost teeth.
Young crocodiles reach maturity at about five or six years of age.
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How you can help
Your donation makes a world of difference. With support for animal care, conservation programs, and education, you’re making the world wilder.
Meet Our Animals
Destination Africa
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Destination Africa
Egyptian Tortoises
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Destination Africa
Slender-Tailed Meerkats
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Destination Africa
Western Lowland Gorillas
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Plan Your Visit
Get close to wildlife
It’s time to make some memories. Here’s everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable day at the zoo.
Plan Your Visit
