Wilder Institute's Calgary Zoo opens Asian Highlands, welcoming rare mountain species

Two Sichuan takins have joined the red pandas and a snow leopards in the zoo's newest habitat

The Wilder Institute’s Calgary Zoo officially opened Asian Highlands on Wednesday morning, unveiling three new Himalayan-inspired habitats that bring back snow leopards and red pandas, while introducing visitors to the zoo’s newest residents — two Sichuan takins. Often described as a cross between a goat and an antelope, the sure-footed mountain mammals are native to forests and alpine slopes across the Eastern Himalayans, with a dense waterproof coat to protect them from frigid elements. President and CEO of the Wilder Institute’s Calgary Zoo Dr. Kyle Burks said the new habitats reflect the diverse Asian environments these animals call home.

“They’re designed to give the animals more choice, more control of their environments, and for the Sichuan takin we’ve created a habitat that really mimics the high-altitude slopes that they would live on,” he said. “It gives them a chance to just thrive and really show off what’s special about them.” Visitors will also find expanded homes for two familiar favourites.

The snow leopards now have access to two interconnected habitats in the new ‘Kingdon Snow Leopard Ridge’. The redesigned space gives the elusive cats more room to roam and climb, while new viewing areas bring visitors closer than ever before. For donor David Kingdon, the project combined two lifelong passions: big cats and animal welfare.

“Big cats have been a huge thing in my life growing up, the power, the elusiveness and the gorgeousness of them has been one thing that I’ve loved forever,” Kingdon said. “One of the things I admire most about this organization is its commitment to putting animals first. The focus isn’t simply on creating a beautiful habitat; it’s about creating environments that work for the animal.”

Neighbouring the takins, the zoo’s red pandas have moved into an expanded habitat featuring new climbing structures and overhead log pathways that better reflect the forest canopies they would navigate in the wild. Deputy Mayor and Ward 4 Coun. DJ Kelly said the return of the red pandas isn’t only exciting for Calgarians, but all who come to the city hoping to see the fuzzy tree-dwellers.

“These amazing creatures continue to draw Calgarians and people from all around the world through the zoo’s gate gates each and every year, not just to see them, but to learn about them, their natural habitat, and our place as partners who share this world with them,” he said. “That’s really one of the gifts that we have right here at the at the zoo-the connection with nature, with the animals who depend on us to share this planet and our environment with them.” Burks said every element of Asian Highlands was designed with both the animals and visitors in mind, while also aiming to educate on conservation efforts.

“Through our immersive habitats and conservation storytelling, our guests will journey through the Himalayan landscape, from alpine peaks to subalpine meadows to forest canopies,” he said. “Every habitat has been thoughtfully designed and built to support exceptional animal care, while creating meaningful opportunities for guests to connect with wildlife and understand the importance of protecting these species and the ecosystems they depend on.” Asian Highlands is the first phase of the zoo’s planned Imagine Asia redevelopment, which will transform the former Exploration Asia area over the coming years.

Burks was tight-lipped on what is to come, but promised there will be many updates as the zoo nears its 100th anniversary in 2029.