From towering peaks to monsoon-soaked conifer forests and the mountain wetlands in between, the eastern Himalayas are one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. This remarkable landscape is the inspiration behind Asian Highlands, a new area opening at the Wilder Institute’s Calgary Zoo on July 15.
“The Himalayas are a landscape of incredible contrasts, where changes in elevation create entirely different ecosystems,” says Colleen Baird, Director of Animal Care, Health & Welfare at the Wilder Institute’s Calgary Zoo. “Asian Highlands brings those connections to life through immersive habitats, wildlife moments and opportunities for discovery.”
Asian Highlands sees the return of red pandas and snow leopards — two familiar and beloved species. Joining them is the Sichuan takin, a goat-antelope species making its Calgary debut. Together, the three species represent different elevations of the Himalayan ecosystem, each with a redeveloped habitat designed to reflect their natural environments and encourage a range of behaviours. Snow leopards will explore rocky outcrops and caves as well as gentle slopes, while red pandas can climb and rest above guests on overhead logs. In the subalpine meadow, guests may spot takin wading and playing in their seasonal moat.
“Animal welfare is always our top priority, and with Asian Highlands, we were able to bring great animal care and an engaging guest experience together,” says Baird. “Guests will have new opportunities to see these animals in thoughtfully designed spaces that support their well-being while revealing more of the adaptations and behaviours that help them thrive.”
Guests can also follow a scientist’s path along the Adventure Trail, where they’ll explore the changing elevations of the Himalayas, search for wildlife and discover the diversity of species found across this mountain landscape.
Like the landscape that inspired it, Asian Highlands unfolds across the different layers of the Himalayan ecosystem, with each habitat revealing new stories about the animals, environments and conservation efforts connected to the region.
Asian Highlands opens July 15 at the Wilder Institute’s Calgary Zoo. To learn more, visit calgaryzoo.com/imagine-asia/
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