Four Giant Pandas are scheduled to make their Calgary Zoo debut in 2018 but preparations are already underway to ensure the zoo is ready for their five year stay.

The animals, on loan from China, will be housed in the Eurasia section of the zoo, in the building that currently houses the one-horned rhinoceros and the Komodo dragons.

According to the Calgary Zoo’s project profile, 15,000 sq. ft. of the 21,000 sq. ft. building will be redeveloped to reflect the Giant Panda’s natural habitat and a walkway to accommodate increased visitor numbers. A 1,500 sq. ft. expansion to the building will house a souvenir stand. The Komodo dragons exhibit will remain in the building.

Zoo officials have pegged the upgrade costs, including the refurbishment of the swinging bridge connecting St. George’s Island with the zoo’s prehistoric park, at $16.3 million. The Calgary Zoological Society has allocated capital reserve funding to cover half of the project’s estimated cost.

On Wednesday, city council unanimously approved the zoo’s request for $2 million in 2016 and $6.15 million in 2017 to cover the remaining costs, subject to the provincial government’s approval.

The zoo estimates the arrival of the pandas will increase attendance by up to 25 per cent per year (to 1.6 million annual visitors) and the increase in tourists is expected to generate an additional $18 million each year for the local economy.

Dr. Clement Lanthier, the Calgary Zoo’s president, says the Giant Pandas’ presence will generate conversations about conservation.  

“There is a tremendous opportunity to talk about less charismatic endangered species,” said Dr. Lanthier. “Having the panda at the zoo, that will obviously be the rock star of the animal kingdom and a very highly endangered species that will give us the ability to talk about the less charismatic animals that are also desperately in need our support.”

The four Giant Pandas, including the two pandas born at the Toronto Zoo in October, are scheduled to arrive at the Calgary Zoo in March 2018. The Giant Panda exhibit is scheduled to open to the public in April 2018, once the animals have acclimated to their new home.