After nine months of work by some 39 different companies and more than 200 construction professionals, the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo’s new Savannah Crossing and Savannah Plains habitats are open to the public.

The space was already a hit with some of the species returning to the area, including the zebras and African grey-crowned cranes.

Dr. Kyle Burks, CEO of the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, said the goal of the renovation was to improve the health and welfare of the Savannah species, but also the guest experience.

“One of the reasons I joined this team was our commitment to conservation around the globe, and critical in that program is our efforts in Central Africa. So, having an experience here in Calgary that has African wildlife allows us the opportunity to share the stories of our great work around the globe with one and a half million people every year,” he said.

New for the zoo is a 4,445 sq. ft. Savannah Crossing building that will permanently house Hartmann’s mountain zebras, African grey crowned cranes, and ostriches. As part of the building, there are eight back-of-house animal stalls, one back-of-house training wall, spaces for zoo staff and volunteers, one large interior animal habitat space, and two outdoor courtyards.

The renovated Savannah Plains, formerly known as the Savannah Yard, has two brand-new exterior viewing areas and 50,500 sq. ft. of improved terrain to better reflect the natural environment of the African Savannah.

“We already provide exceptional guest experiences, but when you have a chance to walk up next to these animals and have an unimpeded view, and we have two special viewing areas that allow you to look directly into the eyes of these animals that creates a connection you just can’t get. And we’re excited to bring those elements into the design and share it with our guests,” said Dr. Burks.

He said that the new space would also allow for more natural interactions between the species, as they would all be able to share the space—leading to better mental and physical health for all of the species.

“You’re not seeing animals in isolation. These animals live in a world where they’re constantly interacting with other species and each other, just like us,” Burks said.

“These are wild animals, and they have their own personalities… we pay constant attention to how they interact. Their relationships are just as complex as ours, and I have an incredible team here that constantly watches it. We do everything we can to encourage them to get along, and sometimes they have their moments. But we’re thrilled to see them actually enjoying each other’s company.”

The zoo said that special consideration had been made for the different species, especially the cranes which are the smallest species that would be mixing, with exclusive areas where they could retreat to if they choose.

Zebras, giraffes and cranes, oh my!

Dr. Burks said with the right weather, guests would get a chance to see zebras and giraffes, ostriches, and the cranes together.

“This isn’t just a flat, plain exhibit. If you look around, you’re going to see elements that reflect and encourage behaviours from our animals, such as browsing at a height, such as moving across different types of ground area, and also the opportunity for them to mix together,” he said.

“It’s going to be quite the experience.”

Jeff Hessel, Senior Vice President for Marketing and Destination Development, with Tourism Calgary, said that the newly opened habitats would be a boon to telling the story of Calgary as a conservation destination.

“We are really remarking about these new spaces and just how well they’re received by international audiences—how there’s such a conservation approach that the wellness of the animals is taken into consideration,” he said.

“There’s so much thoughtfulness that goes into these exhibits. It just leaves such a wonderful impression on what this institution is doing for animals, and for conservation, and for just giving people more knowledge about the animals in the world. So, we’re really impressed with what they’re doing here.”

He said that the careful consideration by the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo emphasizing the species in the new Savannah redevelopment would mean a lot to attracting visitors to Calgary that would otherwise be skeptical of zoo experiences.

“Obviously, you look at Calgary and we’re great hosts. We’re friendly people. We love to do innovative things in this city. So, when you see your zoo really pushing the boundaries of conservation and just making sure that the animals are treated incredibly well, that they’ve got some great spaces that are as natural as possible, it really does make a difference,” Hessel said.

“It leaves a real strong impression on the travellers that come here (and) speaks to who we are as Calgarians and as a city. We’re really impressed with what what we see today.”