Celebrate Canada’s greatest animals at the Calgary Zoo

In honour of Canada’s 150^th birthday this year, many places are celebrating our Canadian heritage with some fun and celebratory programs and events. The Calgary Zoo is no exception with their poll for Canada’s Greatest Animal.  It was an online voting battle between beasts like the Bison, the Grizzly Bear, the Rocky Mountain Goat and more. In the end, the mighty Grey Wolf came out the champion with our national animal the Beaver running a close second.

Inside the Calgary Zoo, the Canadian Wilds beckons with many animals from our own Alberta backyard. I have to admit, the Canadian Wilds section of the zoo is often an area that I tend to bypass for more exotic creatures like the lions, red pandas and penguins (oh my!). I had forgotten what a vast exhibit this area is with many of Canada’s greatest animals on hand like the cougars, the black bears, the caribou and more. Many of the animals like Skoki the grizzly bear are rescues that have now found a home at the zoo.

In a year where we are celebrating all things Canada, it is important to remember that many of our Canadian species still need protection and that’s where the Calgary Zoo’s conservation work is vital. Did you know that there are 532 species at risk under Canada’s Species at Risk Act? Of those, 66 range in Alberta, with 12 species found only in the province. The Calgary Zoo is currently working to protect eight Western Canadian species with programs for at-risk animals likes the burrowing owl, northern leopard frog, whooping crane and greater-sage grouse. Not the most exciting animals you would think about, but an important part of our Canadian environment and ecosystem that need help to survive and thrive.

Lunchtime for the cougars! What’s your favourite Canadian animal? #Canada150 @calgaryzoo #greatestcdnanimal #yycevents pic.twitter.com/vV6fs0sFXU

— Irene Seto (@HeySeto) May 12, 2017

If you haven’t had a chance to visit the Canadian Wilds in a while, I highly encourage you to do so. Canada’s most majestic creatures are all on hand in one setting and it’s amazing to see them all in person. The #Canada150 celebrations will be continuing with Adults Night in the Canadian Wilds on June 15, 2017 from 6:30 p.m – 10 p.m. Adult beverages will be on hand and tasty appetizers to boot. Get your tickets on the Calgary Zoo website.