Wilder Institute

These origami cranes are more than folded paper — they symbolize the 4,000 km migration of real whooping cranes from Wood Buffalo National Park in Alberta to Aransas National Wildlife Refuge in Texas. ✨ At this year’s Northern Whooping Crane Festival in Fort Smith, 736 cranes were displayed — folded by the local community in Wood Buffalo National Park, partners in Port Aransas, Texas, and attendees at a “Fold the Flock” member event at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. Together, these cranes tell a story of connection: people and place, north and south, communities united for the recovery of one of Canada’s most iconic species. 💚 Next stop: Port Aransas, Texas, where they’ll be displayed at the Whooping Crane Festival this February. #WilderTogether

🌍🦍 This #InternationalPrimateDay, join Dr. Andrew MacIntosh, Senior Scientist at the Wilder Institute, as he shares his recent journey to Nigeria and the collaborative efforts underway to protect the critically endangered Cross River gorilla. Read the full Q&A with Dr. MacIntosh: http://bit.ly/45XiyYO #WilderTogether #ConservationInAction

We’re #hiring! Do you have a passion for wildlife conservation and leading teams that make a global impact? The Wilder Institute is looking for a Director, Field Conservation & Science to oversee the implementation of our field conservation programs and major initiatives, both locally and globally. This is a unique opportunity to lead a talented team of conservation professionals, collaborate with external partners, and help shape the future of our conservation programs, including the Wilder Canada Action Plan and the IUCN Centre for Species Survival – Human Dimensions. If you’re someone who thrives in a collaborative environment, is passionate about biodiversity and sustainability, and wants to make a lasting impact for people and wildlife, we want to hear from you. Take the next step in your career at a globally recognized conservation organization! 🌍 Learn more and apply using the link: http://bit.ly/3UOwD5J #ConservationCareers #JobOpening #YYCJobs #CalgaryJobs #WilderTogether

One of the greater sage-grouse in our care, 'Rachel', is enjoying some fresh spring mix! 🥬 We serve spring mix daily in the spring and summer, and romaine lettuce year-round. Rachel is our oldest sage-grouse — and every day she’s with us sets a new “oldest grouse” record! Hatched in 2017, she’s now 8 years old. 💚 #WilderTogether

At first glance, they may look like simple saplings swaying in the prairie breeze—but each willow planted at the Archibald Biodiversity Centre (ABC) is part of a much bigger story. 🌿 These trees are growing into shelterbelts: living infrastructure that protects habitats, anchors soil, supports pollinators, and offers refuge to wildlife. Their leaves and stems will also provide sustainable browse for species in our care. It’s conservation rooted in connection—between land, wildlife, and the future we’re building together. 💚 #WilderTogether

Whose feet are these?! 🐾 A black bear wandered towards our camera trap while we were photographing Vancouver Island marmots in the wild. Remember to stay alert and follow bear safety guidelines when spending time outdoors this season! 🐻🌿#WilderTogether

Earlier this month, members of our Conservation & Science and Conservation Education teams travelled to Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, to take part in the annual Northern Whooping Crane Festival — a vibrant celebration of community and conservation. 💚 Hosted by the Thebacha Leadership Council (a collaboration between the Fort Smith Métis Council, Salt River First Nation, Tthebatthı Dënésułıné Nation, and the Town of Fort Smith), the festival marks the return of one of Canada’s most iconic and endangered birds to its nesting grounds in Wood Buffalo National Park. From activities like bird-banding bracelet-making and a knowledge sharing talk, to a medicine walk and drum dance, we were grateful to connect with community members while sharing stories of whooping crane recovery. Now in its second year, the festival brings people together through educational activities, crane-focused programming, and shared conservation stories — honouring the deep connections between people, place, and the recovery of the whooping crane. #WilderTogether

We're reflecting back on this incredible summer at the Archibald Biodiversity Centre (ABC)! 🌿 From the successful hatching of two whooping crane chicks to welcoming a brand-new cohort of owls for head-starting—and so much more—it’s been a season to remember! 💚 #WilderTogether

What’s on the menu at the Archibald Biodiversity Centre? 🍽️ For the northern leopard frogs under our care, it’s a carefully balanced feast! Most days, it’s crickets—six days a week, to be exact. But once a week, the frogs are treated to hornworms (their favourite!), like the one you see in this video, or mealworms. Behind the scenes, our Animal Care, Health & Welfare team monitors each frog’s weight and health to ensure their diet supports strong, healthy growth. 💚🐸 #WilderTogether

🐾 It’s #MarmotMonday! Meet 'James', 'Eden', and one of their pups at the Archibald Biodiversity Centre (ABC). 💚 Paired since winter 2022, James and Eden welcomed two new pups this year — bringing their total to eight pups produced and released into the wild! #WilderTogether