As the Calgary Zoo approaches its 100-year anniversary, it’s safe to say it’s been a roar-ing success. For nearly a century, it has been one of the city’s mane attractions: a place where wide-eyed kids (and adults) press against the glass, visitors snap blurry photos, and generations of Calgarians and visitors create un-fur-gettable memories.
Founded in 1929 on St. George’s Island, the zoo began with humble roots and a big dream: to connect people with wildlife. Over the decades, it has grown alongside Calgary itself, earning its stripes as one of Canada’s most beloved zoological destinations. We’re not lion when we say it has become woven into the very fabric of this community.
Of course, the journey hasn’t always been easy. From economic downturns to the devastating 2013 floods that impacted the island, the zoo has faced moments testing its future. But each time, the community rallied. Volunteers, donors, and visitors proved that when Calgary comes together, anything is paw-ssible. That resilience is part of what makes this milestone such a wild achievement.
Today, the Calgary Zoo is about far more than a day out, though it’s still owl-ways a good idea. It has evolved into a leader in conservation, research, and education. Through breeding programs and global partnerships, the zoo is helping species thrive and survive, ensuring its impact is anything but irrelephant. What began as a small collection of animals has transformed into immersive habitats designed with animal welfare and conservation at the forefront.
For many families, the zoo is one of the first places curiosity takes root: it’s where children learn about all sorts of animals, climate change, and how small actions can make a big difference. It inspires empathy and stewardship in ways that are anything but monkey business.
As this iconic Calgary institution looks toward its next century, there’s plenty to celebrate. One hundred years of growth. One hundred years of community. One hundred years of caring for wildlife and creating moments that are truly pawsome.
Here’s to the next chapter — may it be just as wild, just as meaningful, and every bit as roar-worthy as the first. 🐾