Wilder Institute

Wilder Institute The Wilder Institute is a global authority on wildlife conservation, reintroducing threatened species Science alone can’t restore balance.

A Wilder purpose
We created the Wilder Institute to lead a global movement of action-takers inspired to restore balance between wildlife and human life, to secure a future for all living things. Our roots
The Wilder Institute operates Canada’s largest conservation breeding and research facility dedicated to the return of endangered species to the wild. The Wilder Institute engages in collaborative

partnerships around the world to develop the innovation and application of science-based solutions to achieve long-term benefits for wildlife conservation. Through our 15 global and national conservation programs, we work together with our government, academic, industry and non-profit partners to develop and implement conservation strategies that will benefit species-at-risk. Restoring balance
While restoring balance to the planet is our focus, our roots are planted deep in the rich soil of the Alberta conservation community. We draw nourishment and cutting-edge science from the decades of innovative reintroduction work of the Calgary Zoo, a passionate community of conservationists and volunteers over 1,000 strong. Together, the Wilder Institute and Calgary Zoo’s mission is to “take and inspire action to sustain wildlife and wild places”. Our leadership role
The Wilder Institute is home to a team of biologists and conservationists who have earned recognition as leaders in the science of conservation translocations – the recovery and reintroduction of wildlife. Our research expertise
Our scientists regularly publish peer-reviewed papers on conservation insights and innovative conservation approaches in some of the world’s most respected scientific journals. While most article titles by necessity are in the language of science, many titles such as “Compassion in Conservation Means Caring for Individuals, Populations and Species” and “Advancing Amphibian Conservation Through Citizen Science in Urban Municipalities” reveal the ways in which Wilder is advocating for inclusive conservation. We need to work together with people. Our approach
Using innovative science, our teams are working to save threatened and endangered species and return them to the wild, where our planet needs them to be. Our conservation expertise is in conservation breeding and community conservation, where we collaborate with community members to positively impact both nature and local communities.

We’re celebrating a special hatch-day at the Archibald Biodiversity Centre (ABC)—‘Ish’ turns 33 today! 🥳 Ish is a male w...
05/30/2026

We’re celebrating a special hatch-day at the Archibald Biodiversity Centre (ABC)—‘Ish’ turns 33 today! 🥳

Ish is a male whooping crane that was hatched at International Crane Foundation and has been with us since 1993. We received him shortly after the inception of our whooping crane conservation breeding program. Join us in celebrating Ish! 💚

Thank you, Wild Life Distillery, for continuing to show up for wildlife. 🐻 Known for their dedication to their craft, th...
05/29/2026

Thank you, Wild Life Distillery, for continuing to show up for wildlife. 🐻 Known for their dedication to their craft, the great outdoors, and their local community, Wild Life Distillery is generously donating a portion of proceeds from all sales of their Problem Bear Rhubarb Spritz to our conservation programs. Pick up a can at participating locations and help make a difference.

It’s time to give a whoop – it's  ! 📢 In the 1940s, only 21 of these magnificent birds remained in the wild due to hunti...
05/28/2026

It’s time to give a whoop – it's ! 📢

In the 1940s, only 21 of these magnificent birds remained in the wild due to hunting and habitat loss. Today, there are over 800 whooping cranes in the wild and in human care — a testament to the power of partnerships, breeding programs, and decades of conservation work. 🫶

We're proud to lead Canada's only whooping crane conservation breeding program, and even prouder to work alongside the dedicated partners, researchers, and communities supporting this species' recovery. ❤️

Want to learn more about the work we’re doing and how you can be part of a high-flying future for whooping cranes? Visit Wilder Institute.

Recently, something exciting happened. Tiny curiously isolated hairstreak caterpillars, measuring just 1–2mm long, hatch...
05/27/2026

Recently, something exciting happened. Tiny curiously isolated hairstreak caterpillars, measuring just 1–2mm long, hatched from eggs barely visible to the naked eye. 🐛

These eggs were laid last summer by butterflies from the Blakiston Fan of Waterton Lakes National Park, then carefully transported to us along with their host plants to overwinter in a refrigerated environment. Earlier this month, our Horticulture and Conservation & Science teams brought the lupines and eggs out of dormancy, and the wait was worth it.

So far, 14 caterpillars have hatched and are munching away on lupines grown right here by our Horticulture team. 🪴 In just two weeks, they've already doubled in size! Waterton Lakes National Park, Parks Canada

Want a closer look at the conservation work happening behind the scenes? 🌿 From our offsite conservation centre to proje...
05/26/2026

Want a closer look at the conservation work happening behind the scenes? 🌿 From our offsite conservation centre to projects across Canada and around the world, Second Nature shares monthly stories from across our programs — the species we care for, the people we work alongside, and the work happening every day.

Not on the list yet? Sign up to stay connected: https://wilderinstitute.org/subscribe/

Join us in celebrating 'Victor', an Asian wild horse under our care at the Archibald Biodiversity Centre (ABC), who turn...
05/25/2026

Join us in celebrating 'Victor', an Asian wild horse under our care at the Archibald Biodiversity Centre (ABC), who turns 15 today! 🎉

Over the years, Victor played a vital role in the Species Survival Plan (SSP) for Asian wild horses, siring multiple offspring and contributing to the genetic diversity of this rare and Endangered species. 🐴

Today we're celebrating Brothers Day by shining a spotlight on a duo under our care at the Archibald Biodiversity Centre...
05/24/2026

Today we're celebrating Brothers Day by shining a spotlight on a duo under our care at the Archibald Biodiversity Centre (ABC). 🪶

Meet 'Wellen' and 'Merritt', two greater sage-grouse brothers are turning two on June 12!

Greater sage-grouse are considered an umbrella species for the entire sagebrush ecosystem, meaning safeguarding them helps shelter countless other plants and animals that share their habitat. These iconic grassland birds are also known for the male's spectacular mating display, one of nature's most fascinating courtship rituals.

Today is turtly awesome – it's  ! 👏Did you know that over half of the world’s known freshwater turtle species are curren...
05/23/2026

Today is turtly awesome – it's ! 👏

Did you know that over half of the world’s known freshwater turtle species are currently threatened? We’re working to make a brighter future for turtles in central Ontario, home to Canada’s greatest diversity of turtles – who are also found in our country’s most threatened wetland habitats. 💧

Last year, we partnered with Magnetawan First Nation (MFN) in support of their long-standing turtle egg incubation program. Together, we are building community capacity and conservation leadership. Grounded in cultural knowledge and stewardship, MFN is working to protect several of Ontario’s freshwater turtle species from extinction. 🫶

Through The Kinship Program: Wildlife, People, and Place, we are supporting MFN’s ongoing work with Ontario’s turtles. Want to learn more about the work? Visit Wilder Institute. 🐢

Do you know what today is? It’s International Day for Biological Diversity! 🌿This year’s theme focuses on acting locally...
05/22/2026

Do you know what today is? It’s International Day for Biological Diversity! 🌿

This year’s theme focuses on acting locally for global action. 🌎 Across Canada, we’re making a difference for our nation’s incredible biodiversity with the Wilder Canada Action Plan. In Canada, there are 662 at-risk plant and animal species listed under the Species at Risk Act (SARA), and nearly 300 of these—including mammals, birds, fish, plants, and lichens—have been identified as priorities for potential conservation action. 🫶

The Wilder Canada Action Plan is our roadmap to recovery for Canada’s at-risk species. Grounded in community, it uses targeted, species-specific conservation actions nationwide to safeguard wildlife and wild places. 💚

Learn more about the work we are doing and how you can be part of it: Wilder Institute

05/21/2026

Happy ! 🐝 Bees may be small, but their impact is anything but. In Kenya's Eburu Natural Forest, bees play a vital role in maintaining mountain ecosystems.

The honey they produce supports the Eburu Natural Forest Honey Cooperative, creating sustainable income for local communities. This in turn helps protect critical forest habitat for species like the Critically Endangered mountain bongo.

Alongside our partners and community members, we're proud to support the cooperative to help create more opportunities for sustainable income. Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust

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1300 Zoo Road NE
Calgary, AB
T2E7V6

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