Wilder Institute update

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Calgary Zoo / Wilder Institute sent a delegation to speak with the Wheatland County Agriculture Service Board (ASB), Oct. 4, to provide a summary and update regarding the Archibald Biodiversity Centre.

Provided to the ASB was largely information regarding the breeding and wildlife sustainability programs currently being operated from the new facility.

The Archibald Biodiversity Centre opened its doors to staff June 28, 2022, following roughly a year of construction on the facility. 

“The Wildlife Conservation Centre, we established this in 1984, and we originally had this space for ungulates, so as the zoo was breeding hoof stock such as elk, bison, reindeer, caribou, all of this was happening at the Dewinton space … and that is pretty much what we are using that space for,” said Colleen Baird, acting director of animal care with the Wilder Institute. “We were always needing that space off site because ungulates need a lot of space to breed … since the 2000’s though, it has been used mostly for conservation and as the world has changed, and we know that conservation is important and that is primarily a big part of our world that we decided to relocate.”

She added the decision to relocate was in part due to urban sprawl encroaching on the land which was being utilized for breeding and conservation efforts, which was beginning see the public invading upon breeding spaces.

The Archibald Biodiversity Centre mirrors the Wildlife Conservation Centre, occupying 333 acres, but is now neighboured by fewer landowners, Siksika Nation, and government land. 

Currently, the new facility houses conservation breeding programs for burrowing owls, northern leopard frogs, Vancouver Island marmots, and whooping cranes. Greater sage grouse programs remain for the time being at the Wildlife Conservation Centre.

Permanent housing for Asian wild horses, as well as Hartmann’s Mountain zebras are also at the Archibald Biodiversity Centre. The facility additionally serves as temporary housing for animals which require quarantine.

The Archibald Biodiversity Centre serves to temporarily house non-dangerous animals for the Calgary Zoo while exhibits are undergoing construction. 

Largely, the public is not permitted on the grounds of the facility, though a tour for elected officials was scheduled to take place on Oct. 10. 

Burrowing owls, as an example, are not receptive to their breeding and rearing space being disturbed by human activity.

“Human encroachment and human activity (are) not conducive to good burrowing owl habitat. Obviously, they are wanting undisturbed land where they can hunt and are not coming in contact with (activity such as) vehicle traffic or buildings and windows,” said Baird. 

ASB member Amber Link commended the Wilder Institute team regarding the Archibald Biodiversity Centre, as none of their neighbours have expressed any concerns or complaints regarding their operations in the area.