The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is launching Imagine Asia, a complete reimagining of its former Exploration Asia area, with the first phase, Asian Highlands, set to open in July 2026. The multi-year redevelopment introduces a bold new identity inspired by the landscapes and wildlife of Asia, featuring vivid colours, layered illustrations, and renovated habitats designed to immerse visitors in the region’s natural environment.“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. “This summer, guests will experience that vision firsthand with the opening of Asian Highlands.”Asian Highlands offers a winding pathway beneath a forest canopy, where red pandas climb overhead and snow leopards traverse rocky terrain. The new phase combines returning favourites with a new species to be announced later this spring, bringing the Eastern Himalayas to life while emphasizing world-class animal care.“Asian Highlands is designed with the welfare and wellbeing of every animal at its heart,” said Colleen Baird. “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.”Construction on Imagine Asia continues, but many exhibits remain open to visitors. Guests can still see favourites including Bactrian camels, Komodo dragons, white-handed gibbons, Malayan tapirs, red-crowned cranes, Turkmenian markhors, Amur tigers, Dalmatian pelicans, and Pallas’s cats while Asian Highlands is finalized.The zoo encourages visitors to follow its website and social media for updates and announcements as it prepares for the grand opening of the first phase of Imagine Asia.
