Early Risers

The Horticulture team arrives early, among the first on zoo grounds, and moves through the Dorothy Harvie Gardens pruning and weeding to keep this pollinator paradise bursting with colour and life. Today, onsite compost made from zoo kitchen scraps is used to nourish the soil, helping the vibrant blooms flourish in the heart of Calgary.

Meanwhile, just across the grounds, the Commissary team is busy behind the scenes, carefully preparing meticulously balanced diets tailored to the unique needs of every species at the zoo. From chopping sweet potatoes for ‘Caleefa’ the African crested porcupine to weighing out herring and squid for the king penguins, each day’s diet is tailored with precision and care. Whether it’s tropical browse for the Malayan tapirs or raw meat for the big cats, every bite supports the animal’s growth, health, and enrichment.

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Conservation Connections

The second round of Wild Alberta Hub festivities kicks off on the Wild Canada Lawn. Families explore Alberta’s rich biodiversity through hands-on activities and learning stations that celebrate wetlands and the incredible species that call them home—like northern leopard frogs and whooping cranes—while showcasing the conservation efforts helping to safeguard them.

The Wilder Bunch parades through the zoo, celebrating wildlife and wild places with larger-than-life puppets created by Green Fools Theatre Society. Visitors join the 10:00 a.m. performance to spot favourites like the polar bear, burrowing owl, and whooping crane.