Calgary Zoo closes Rainforest Aviary amid avian flu resurgence in Alberta
The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo has announced the closure of its Rainforest Aviary amid the resurgence of avian flu cases in Alberta.
"The health and well-being of the animals we love and care for is our primary concern," the zoo said in a Wednesday Facebook post.
"We are proactively taking steps to protect our birds, and other susceptible species, from avian influenza."
All birds will be moved indoors and may not be viewable for visitors, including the Chilean flamingoes, rhea, ostrich, crowned cranes, peacocks and pheasants.
In addition to the closure of the Rainforest Aviary, the zoo says the Jihad Shibley Rocky Mountain Aviary remains closed.
The zoo says the indoor habitat at Penguin Plunge will remain open "for now" – but everyone entering will have to step on a disinfecting mat in the entrance vestibule.
"We are asking all visitors entering zoo grounds to notify guest relations or security team members if they have been around live chickens, turkeys, ducks or geese in the past week," said the zoo.
"If you are wearing the same shoes and clothes as when you were around live chickens, ducks, turkeys or geese, you will not be permitted to enter zoo grounds and will be encouraged to return on another day."
According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, there are currently 26 farms in Alberta with active infections, significantly more than any other province.
Species without outdoor access (rock hyrax, slender-tailed meerkats, African Crested porcupine, Egyptian tortoise, round nosed plated lizards, and hippos) will not be viewable until it reopens.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.