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
Meet an icon of the African savannah. We are home to male ‘Sheldon’.
One of Africa’s most common tortoise species
Leopard tortoises owe their name to the spotted pattern on their shells, which helps them to blend into their savannah home. To get enough water in their dry homeland, leopard tortoises eat succulents. This species is crepuscular, meaning that it is active at dawn and dusk to avoid the heat of the sun during the day.
- IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (at relatively low risk of extinction)
- Type: Reptile
- Habitat: Savannah areas in sub-Saharan Africa
- Diet: Herbivore – grasses, succulents, and leaves
- Size: 40 to 50 centimetres long
- Weight: 18 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 Leopard Tortoises
Since they have no teeth, leopard tortoises use their beaks to rip up vegetation for eating.
This species does not dig holes to make a nest, but rather takes over abandoned burrows.
As a leopard tortoise ages, the markings on its carapace fade from black to brown or grey.
They have a sharp sense of smell.
This is the fourth largest tortoise species in the world.
Leopard tortoises store water in large anal sacs, which occupy much of their abdominal cavity.
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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
African Lions
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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
