Latest news with #CalgaryZoo
CBC
5 days ago
- General
- CBC
Life in plastic: Animal sculptures made from ocean debris
A new exhibit at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo features 15 large sculptures made from flip-flops, bottle caps and other refuse collected from the shores of the Pacific. Calgary's zoo is the only one in Canada showcasing the Washed Ashore exhibit this year.
CTV News
5 days ago
- Climate
- CTV News
Hot Calgary weather not a concern for zoo animals
Flamingos are seen at the Calgary Zoo on Friday, May 30, 2025. Calgary has seen a stretch of hot spring weather this week, even setting a new record high on Thursday. But as the mercury climbs, staff at the zoo are assuring the public that the many animals that live there are staying cool. 'We do monitor our animals very closely,' said Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo animal care manager Jennifer Godwin. 'We take into account what species they are and their needs.' 'Every animal and species has their own temperature parameters,' she explained. Godwin says not all of the animals hate the heat. 'A lot of the species that we have do thrive in this weather – they're from Africa, they're from the rainforest,' she said, adding there are several methods they use to help the critters stay cool. 'We can do frozen enrichment items or sprinklers, we can give them mud wallows, we can also give them access to back-of-house spaces that are cooler if they need that as well.' For more information on the Calgary Zoo, you can visit the organization's website.
CTV News
5 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Larger-than-life sculptures made from plastic pollution on display at Calgary Zoo
'Washed Ashore' is an art exhibit featuring sculptures made from debris collected from the shores of the Pacific Ocean. (Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo) The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo has unveiled a new art exhibit that brings the issue of ocean pollution to life. Called Washed Ashore, the exhibit features 15 large-scale sculptures made entirely from debris collected from the shores of the Pacific Ocean. 'At first glance, visitors may be drawn in by the vibrant colours and whimsical forms — giant jellyfish, curious penguins, and even a towering polar bear,' said Dr. Kyle Burks, president and CEO of the Calgary Zoo. 'But a closer look reveals a deeper story.' Burks says every sculpture is constructed from discarded items like bottle caps, flip-flops, plastic toys and toothbrushes. 'These once-forgotten objects now speak volumes about the growing crisis of marine pollution, and the small choices we can all make to turn the tide. 'It's eye-opening, it's beautiful and it's a powerful reminder that individual actions can add up to real change.' Washed Ashore at the Calgary Zoo 'Washed Ashore' is an art exhibit featuring sculptures made from debris collected from the shores of the Pacific Ocean. (Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo) The elaborate sculptures are located all throughout the zoo's outdoor spaces. They are part of a non-profit project from the Artula Institute for Arts and Education based in Brandon, Ore. Washed Ashore at the Calgary Zoo 'Washed Ashore' is an art exhibit featuring sculptures made from debris collected from the shores of the Pacific Ocean. (Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo) Every year, the group works to clean more than 480 kilometres of Pacific Northwest beaches. In 15 years, the Washed Ashore project has repurposed more than 60,000 pounds of marine debris into more than 85 sculptures. Washed Ashore at the Calgary Zoo 'Washed Ashore' is an art exhibit featuring sculptures made from debris collected from the shores of the Pacific Ocean. (Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo) 'We are thrilled to return to Canada for our first appearance at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo,' said Brad Parks from Washed Ashore. 'As we celebrate our 15th anniversary this summer at the zoo, we invite everyone to marvel at our art to save the sea and discover one thing to reduce single-use plastic use in their lives.' Washed Ashore at the Calgary Zoo 'Washed Ashore' is an art exhibit featuring sculptures made from debris collected from the shores of the Pacific Ocean. (Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo) The Washed Ashore exhibit will be on display all summer long before wrapping up on Sept. 14. For more information, you can visit the Calgary Zoo's website.
CTV News
27-05-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
Parts of Calgary Zoo temporarily closed due to small grass fire
The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo was forced to temporarily close some areas on Monday due to a small grass fire. In a social media post, the zoo said the fires have since been extinguished. 'The outdoor loop from Destination Africa through to Land of Lemurs is temporarily closed due to small spontaneous grass fires near the African lion habitat,' the zoo said in the post. The zoo said the lion habitat will remain closed but reassured guests that the animals are safe and have been moved indoors. 'We appreciate your understanding and co-operation as we prioritize the safety of our animals, staff and visitors,' the zoo said. The Calgary Fire Department is monitoring the area for any remaining hot spots.
CTV News
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Victoria Day in Calgary: What's open and closed over May long weekend
Here's a look at what's open and what's closed in Calgary over the Victoria Day long weekend: Calgary Transit Calgary Transit says buses, CTrains and On Demand service will operate with a Sunday level of service on Victoria Day (Monday, May 19). From Saturday until Tuesday morning, all downtown LRT stations will be closed (from Sunalta to Bridgeland/Memorial on the Blue Line and from Sunnyside to 39 Avenue on the Red Line) for maintenance and utility work. Seventh Avenue will be closed to not only CTrains, but also busses. Instead, shuttle buses will replace train service, using parallel routing along both Sixth Avenue and Ninth Avenue. Buses will replace Blue Line service between Bridgeland/Memorial and Westbrook stations, and there will be a separate Blue Line shuttle for travel to Sunalta Station. For information on fares, schedules and service changes, you can visit Calgary parking There will be free parking in on-street ParkPlus zones on Victoria Day. Weekend rates apply at all Calgary Parking parkades and surface lots. Regular parking rates will be in effect at partner lots such as the Calgary Stampede, Telus Spark, Calgary Zoo and Heritage Park. Landfills All three Calgary landfills will be open on Victoria Day. The East Calgary Landfill will be open from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the Spyhill Landfill and Shepard Landfill will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Calgary recreation centres Indoor pools, fitness centres and arenas will be closed on Victoria Day. Leisure centres Village Square Leisure Centre will be closed on Victoria Day. The hours for Saturday and Sunday are listed on the City of Calgary's website. Southland Leisure Centre will be closed on Victoria Day. The hours for Saturday and Sunday are listed on the City of Calgary's website. Free swimming There will be free swimming on Victoria Day from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and 3 to 4:30 p.m. at these locations: Bob Bahan Aquatic & Fitness Centre; Killarney Aquatic & Recreation Centre; and, Thornhill Aquatic & Recreation Centre. Devonian Gardens Devonian Gardens, located in the Core Shopping Centre, is open from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Victoria Day. It's hours on Saturday and Sunday can be seen on The Core's website. City of Calgary art centres The Wildflower Arts Centre and North Mount Pleasant Arts Centre will be closed on Victoria Day.
