The Wilder Institute / Calgary Zoo is the beneficiary of a Travel Alberta windfall, spurring further redevelopment of their newest major destination area.

Travel Alberta announced more than $8 million in funding commitments for six different provincial tourism projects, including the new Sichuan takin habitat that will be located in the Asian Highlands.

“Tourism is economic development, and the fact that Alberta continues to top nearly every must-visit list says everything about the opportunity in front of us,” said David Goldstein, President and CEO of Travel Alberta, in a prepared news release.

“These new, only-in-Alberta experiences will turn that demand into dollars and help more communities experience the benefits of a thriving visitor economy.”

The Asian Highlands will be the first phase of the Imagine Asia redevelopment announcement at the Wilder Institute / Calgary Zoo. The vision for that area is to recreate the Eastern Himalayas, where the takin (a large, hoofed animal often referred to as the goat antelope) will be located.

Formerly Exploration Asia, the Imagine Asia multi-year development was announced by the Wilder Institute / Calgary Zoo on March 31, 2026.

“Imagine Asia is the next step in our transformation of Exploration Asia — a new name and identity that reflects the scale and sense of discovery we’re building into the space,” said Dr. Kyle Burks, President & CEO of the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo said at the time of the announcement.

“This summer, guests will experience that vision firsthand with the opening of Asian Highlands.”

The Asian Highlands is expected to open in July 2026, according to the zoo. Some of the area may have limited viewing during construction. It will house such animals as the Bactrian camels, Komodo dragons, white-handed gibbons, Malayan tapirs, red-crowned cranes, Amur tigers, and more.

“Asian Highlands is designed with the welfare and wellbeing of every animal at its heart,” said Colleen Baird, Director, Animal Care, Health & Welfare.

 “Guests will see animals exploring new, enriched habitats while learning about the incredible species that call Asia home. These transformations are made possible thanks to the support of our community and donors, whose generosity helps us create exceptional spaces for animals and meaningful experiences for guests.”

Boon for Calgary tourism: Mayor Farkas

Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas said the redevelopment of the Imagine Asia destination at the Calgary Zoo is another reason for people to come to the city.

He said the Travel Alberta announcement is a big show of support for the work that’s happening in Calgary and at the zoo.

“It’s the kind of investment that pays off across our entire city economy, as well as southern Alberta, because the Wilder Institute doesn’t just operate here. The Calgary Zoo is also present in some of our partner communities.

“So, it’s not just about Calgary, although Calgary certainly benefits support from (Travel) Alberta into destinations like Calgary Zoo helps create unique experiences like give people a reason to choose Calgary and to stay longer.”

Mayor Farkas said that the story overall is one of momentum, particularly in tourism across Alberta.

“There’s a lot of focus right now on industrial, on energy, on manufacturing, goods movements, bio sciences, but tourism is one of those dark horses that we take for granted, but we don’t realize just how much of an impact it makes,” he said.

The Travel Alberta announcement also included the Canadian Rivers Wild, West Country – a ride that starts in Nordegg and ends near Rocky Mountain House. It will include support for cabins at the Blackfoot Crossing on the Siksika Nation, an eco-luxury experience through the Jasper Gateway Glampin in Hinton, the Bukwildz Distillery in Trochu and the Lake view Lodge in Barrhead.

The exact dollar amount coming to the Calgary Zoo wasn’t directly provided in the Travel Alberta news release.

The funding announcement was made as National Tourism Week is celebrated across Canada from April 20 to 24.