5 Things to Do at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo

 Located in Bridgeland, which is East Calgary, it's easy to access to the zoo from just about anywhere in the city. The zoo has a distinctly conservationist approach, seeking to educate the community and support rehabilitation, repopulation, and conservation efforts. Working to protect both local wildlife and endangered species from around the world, they are a benefit to the local ecosystem and the planet as a whole.

In addition to offering visitors the opportunity to learn about, and even interact with, nearly 300 different species, the zoo offers plenty of special events and attractions to enjoy. In addition to special events that take place throughout the year, like pub trivia, adults-only nights, and holiday celebrations, there are a few things the zoo offers all the time that we love to enjoy. Keep reading for 5 of our favorite things to do at the Calgary Zoo.

1. Safari Sunday Brunch

This is brunch like you've never seen before. Held in the center of the Destination Africa exhibit, guests dine on a gourmet brunch hosted every Sunday. The menu includes a flowing chocolate fountain, omelette bar, fresh fruit, eggs Benedict, Belgian waffles, and more!

Start your day with brunch and then head out to explore the zoo, or schedule a brunch time in the middle of the day for a welcome pause in your exciting tour of the exhibits. This is the perfect way to celebrate an anniversary, Mother's Day, or Father's Day in a totally memorable and unique way.

2. Penguin Plunge

Penguin Plunge is one of the most popular experiences the Calgary Zoo has to offer. Home to the Humboldt, gentoo, rockhopper, and king species of penguin, the zoo offers an opportunity to learn about these fascinating creatures by watching perch along rocks, peek out of holes in the ice, and plunge into the icy water. If you have a membership to the zoo, you may find yourself stopping by for a short visit just to watch the penguins play!

3. Prehistoric Park

Enjoy an opportunity to walk among lifelike animatronic dinosaurs in Prehistoric Park. Weather permitting, you can watch as triceratops graze among the bushes and a T-Rex towers overhead with teeth the size of bananas. Young guests will love to stop and play a while at the Dino Dig or Dino Slide. With special limited exhibits opening throughout the year, there is always something new to learn and experience in Prehistoric Park.

4. Land of Lemurs

Get to know the smart, playful lemurs at the zoo in the Land of Lemurs. The immersive experience allows guests to walk through the lemurs' exhibit, getting to see them up close. The lemurs live inside during the winter months, but when the sun is shining they play outside in a beautiful 1.3 acre exhibit. If you visit the zoo during the warmer months, don't miss out on a chance to meet these fascinating creatures up close and personal.

5. Playgrounds

The Calgary Zoo offers plenty of ways to play and explore, including a variety of amazing playgrounds. Between visiting animal exhibits, stop by the wildlife carousel, Kinsmen Zooventure, Calgary Co-op Kids Zone, or the Brawn Family Foundation Bugtopia. In Bugtopia, designed for children ages 7 and up, you will learn all about the world of bugs, including pollinators, pests, and decomposers.

However you spend your day at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, you are sure to leave inspired and refreshed by this special local attraction.

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