The Wilder Institute's Calgary Zoo has opened its new Asian Highlands exhibit, providing three new habitats for snow leopards, red pandas and the Sichuan takin.
Inspired by the Eastern Himalayas, Asian Highlands is "the first phase of a broader journey to reimagine our connection to Asia’s wildlife and landscapes", said Kyle Burks, the zoo's president and CEO.
The project "brings together exceptional animal care, conservation storytelling, and meaningful opportunities for guests to learn and engage", he added.
The Calgary Zoo's snow leopards can now explore two interconnected habitats in Asian Highlands
Each habitat in Asian Highlands has been designed to support animal welfare and reflect the natural environments of the resident species.
The zoo's snow leopards can now explore two interconnected habitats in 'Kingdon Snow Leopard Ridge', named after donor David Kingdon.
"Snow leopards are a species we care deeply about, and we hope this habitat inspires others to share in that commitment to their future," he said.
As for the Sichuan takin, these animals now live in the 'Nicholls Family Himalayan Slopes', made possible through the support of the Nicholls family.
"Through its work as a global conservation charity and accredited zoo, the Wilder Institute’s Calgary Zoo helps position Calgary as a leader in animal care, conservation, and education," said Greig and Brenda Nicholls.
Finally, the red pandas can be seen moving through expanded climbing spaces and across overhead logs.
Asian Highlands is the first phase of the zoo's Imagine Asia project, a reimagining of the former Exploration Asia zone.
The Calgary Zoo is a 125-acre wildlife park in Alberta. Founded in 1929, it is Canada’s most-visited zoo and houses more than 4,000 animals representing over 100 species.
Images courtesy of the Wilder Institute's Calgary Zoo
