One of the best zoos to see unique and exotic animals is the Calgary Zoo in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The Calgary Zoo was established in 1929 and currently covers almost 77 acres of land. It is currently the second largest zoo in Canada with animal exhibits organized by native region. The Calgary Zoo is organized into eight major regions appropriate to the species native to the region; housing them in enclosures appropriate to their native environment. These regions include:
Destination Africa – opened in 2003 and includes appropriate rainforest and savannah settings for hippos, giraffes, zebras, lions, ostriches, river hogs, and many more.
Canadian Wilds – opened in the 1990s and is home to a vast collection of North American animals such as grizzly bears, bison, wolves, moose, and numerous other birds and mammals.
Creatures of the Night – opened in 2003, this complex houses the native Australian animals, such as the kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, bearded dragons, and various other mammals, birds, and reptiles.
Botanical Gardens – opened as part of the zoo in 1929, it is one of the most popular attractions in the facility, containing tropical gardens, a rainforest, an arid garden, and the spectacular butterfly garden. Several species of birds, animals, and invertebrates have a home in the conservatory.
Eurasia – opened in 2007 and contains animals native to Europe and Asia, including tigers, snow leopards, elephants, pandas, ibex, macaques and many more.
Prehistoric Park – opened as part of the zoo in 1929, it recreates a geographical environment including flora and fauna for the life-like dinosaurs, and is currently under renovations with plans to have an Arctic exhibit complete with penguins, whales, and polar bears opening in February 2010.
South America – provides native habitats for tamarins, gibbons, spider monkeys, pygmy marmosets, anteaters, Andean Condors, sloths, and piranhas.