Phoenix ArtWorks

04/29/2023

04/21/2022

While the gorillas have always been special to us, Dossi has long been the favourite of the artist. Congratulations, dear friend, we are overjoyed. We will continue to update the progress of mother and baby

We have exciting news!🎉 A critically endangered western lowland gorilla was born early this morning marking the zoo’s 10th successful gorilla birth! 🦍🍼

First time gorilla parents, “Dossi” (mom) and “Jasiri (dad)”, infant and the troop are doing well - with great early mothering skills being shown by Dossi! The infant’s s*x is yet to be determined.

Gorillas are a social species and develop close-knit family bonds. Dossi, Jasiri and the infant are spending time together with the rest of the troop. Our Animal Care, Health and Welfare team will be closely monitoring the troop as maternal bonding and nursing, and family behaviours, continue to develop.

The African Rainforest building is currently closed to the public to allow the troop some privacy as they continue to bond with their newest member. The building will reopen once the troop is ready for human visitors.

Be sure to follow for updates on the new (gorilla) bundle of joy! Read more here: https://bit.ly/3jYOeFr

03/19/2021

So sorry to hear about this.

Our beloved geriatric Woodland caribou, Tuktu passed away early yesterday after living her whole life as a much adored member of the Calgary Zoo family. Tuktu was 17-years old, and one of the oldest of her subspecies under human care. Losing any of the animals we love and care for is heartbreaking, especially when we have loved and cared for them since birth.

Tuktu was recently treated by our dedicated veterinary team for a cancerous growth on her left eyelid. Subsequent consultation with veterinary oncologists suggested it was likely that the eyelid mass was indicative of a primary tumor elsewhere in Tuktu’s body. As such, further testing was pursued by our veterinarians to identify the potential primary site of cancer, at which time lung lesions were identified on x-ray. Findings during the post mortem examination yesterday supported suspicions of primary lung cancer in Tuktu.

Tuktu’s legacy lives on in her daughter, Vanilla and granddaughter, Mica, both of whom live at the Calgary Zoo. She will be lovingly remembered by her caregivers for her calm, gentle and inquisitive personality.

03/03/2021

Such a cute baby bump!

Being pregnant isn't going to stop Yewande from searching for treats hidden by her care team. Placing food throughout the gorilla space encourages natural foraging behaviour, with the added bonus of giving us a good view of Yewande's growing baby bump! 🦍

03/02/2021

Such great news!!!

After over a century of absence, the return of wild plains bison to Banff National Park is a historic, ecological and cultural triumph. This remote camera an...

02/18/2021

Amazing work being done in conservation!

🦍 As we get closer to Yewande's due date, we think it's important to talk about the role of progressive zoos in saving Critically Endangered species like western lowland gorillas. Zoos play a vital role as an ark for at-risk species, by ensuring that no matter what happens to these animals in the wild, there will always be a healthy population in human care. Yewande and her future baby are a part of a decades long cooperation between zoos all over North America to preserve gorillas for the future. This breeding program, called a Species Survival Plan (SSP), "matchmakes" gorillas based on their genetic compatibility. You may remember father-to-be Jasiri came to the zoo in 2019 to become the troop's new silverback but he's also a genetic match for all our resident females.

Taking part in the gorilla SSP is something we couldn't do without your support through your visits, donations and by sharing our conservation story. Don't forget, you can stay up-to-date on all things gorilla baby by following 🦍!

02/17/2021

02/14/2021

25 weeks into her pregnancy and Yewande is doing well! Climbing nice and high is always a good gorilla mom-to-be relaxation strategy. 🦍

02/03/2021

And more baby watch!

Time for a update on what to expect when a gorilla is expecting from Lead Primate Caregiver Carrie:

"As we move into final months of Yewande's pregnancy we expect her to rest more often, and she may even become a little bit picky with food items. As an example, one of her favorite food items has always been onions (something she and the father-to-be Jasiri have in common) but just the other day she refused to eat one given to her. We are looking forward to supporting her with possible alternatives: always making sure that she receives a well-rounded diet to support a healthy growing baby. 🧅🦍

With a gorilla mom's body adjusting to a growing baby sometimes she'll start to spend more time on her own, looking for a little bit of peace and quiet away from the troop. So far, Yewande is still very keen to spend time with her mom Zuri and little Kimani but we will be ready to support her in any way necessary as things change and she gets further along in her pregnancy."

Don't forget to follow so you don't miss an update!

01/21/2021

Well I'll be a monkey's uncle!
Okay, so Gorilla's are actually from the Ape family. But congratulations Yewande!

10 years ago, a young Yewande was the inspiration behind "The Mother's Return"

Yewande is now 20 weeks into her pregnancy and she has quite the baby bump. Her baby will be smaller than you might expect! Gorillas give birth to smaller babies than humans, with newborns typically weighing between 1.4-1.8 kg. 🦍

Make sure to follow to never miss an update on Yewande's progress!

01/05/2021

January Resolution. Wear a mask... it's okay to go a little Ape.
Now offering Nose Print Face Mask - Gorilla Mask. Introductory offer of $20.

DM or email [email protected] for more information or to purchase.

Premium 3 layer mask; 5.25"H x 7.25"W

01/05/2021

January Resolution. Wear a mask... it's okay to go a little Ape.

Now offering Nose Print Face Mask - Gorilla Mask. Introductory offer of $20.

DM or email [email protected] for more information.

12/31/2020

2020 made me go a little ape! Happy New Year's!

08/11/2020

08/10/2020

Got out to the zoo Friday to get some fun shots. 🙂
At least Ava wanted to play along!

Bactrian camel. Critically endangered in the wild. And yet can tolerate temperatures of plus 40 to minus 40.

08/17/2016

It's juvenile raptor season and our wildlife hotline is busy with inquiries about hawks on the ground and struggling to fly.
If you see a bird of prey you think might be in distress, here's some handy information (pass it on!) - or feel free to call us with any wildlife questions and concerns: 403-946-2361