Last spring break we travelled to Calgary to attend some Microsoft workshops which ended up to be fairly useless but the trip was not a total waste as we were able to spend a day at the Calgary Zoo.

Route

We were pressed for time so we headed south from Edmonton/Spruce Grove via the QE2 or Hwy 2 south. This Hwy is the most traveled highway in Alberta. It is straight and at least double lane. You can set your cruise control and make great time but you have to be alert at all times as there is lots of traffic most of which is travelling at least 10km over the speed limit. We stopped in Red Deer for coffee and made it to Calgary in under 4 hours.

The Zoo

We stayed at a Best Western hotel downtown. Getting to the Zoo is very easy from Downtown Calgary. Just hop on the light rail rapid transit and in no time it will get you to the zoo. Take the McKnight/Westwinds route east bound from any of the many stations downtown. The fare will cost $2.50 for adults and $1.75 each way.

The Zoo is open from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Daily. General Admission is $16.00 for adults, $14.00 for seniors and $8.00 for children.

If you drive it will cost $5.00 upon exit for parking.

To get a feel for the zoo there is a great map .

We strolled through the various pavilions and visited with many of the attendants who were most helpful, informative and all seeming to enjoy their jobs.

Pictures seem to speak more of the truth so please view the photo gallery we have provided.

I enjoyed the zoo and will go back but at the same time I could not feel for many of the residents in that they were captive and knew it. It seemed to me that you could see this in their eyes. This seemed especially evident with the elephants, and gorillas. When something looks back when you look at them you can’t help but have a soft spot for their circumstance. This is something one does not experience when you see animals in the wild.

The zoo is well laid out, clean and well kept. The zoo keepers all seem to put the animal’s best interest first as all the animals are extremely well cared for from my observations.

If you are visiting Calgary, the zoo is a great place to spend an afternoon.