Calgary

Komodo dragons, rhinos among new Calgary Zoo animals

The Calgary Zoo will welcome five new types of animals over the next few months, with several already settling in to their new homes.

5 new kinds of animals will be settling into the Calgary Zoo over coming months

The Calgary Zoo will welcome five new types of animals over the next few months, with several already settling in to their new homes.

Two Eurasian wild boars, two Himalayan monals and a rare white black bear are already adjusting to life at the Calgary Zoo.

Workers at the zoo say the animals mark a renewal of the animal population following June's flood.

"In the wake of the flood-related closure of the South American building, we have unfortunately had to say goodbye to a number of species that we weren't able to continue to keep here," said Dr. Jake Veasey, director of animal care, conservation and research at the Calgary Zoo.

Cold weather cancels Zoolights

The Calgary Zoo says Zoolights has been cancelled Friday night because of the extreme cold temperatures in the city.

"However, we're now able to begin to implement elements of our master plan and the renewal of the zoo's animal collection."

As well, zoo staff will welcome komodo dragons and greater one-horned rhinoceros in the spring and summer.

The animals will enhance the Eurasia and Canadian Wilds areas.

Destination Africa will also get a boost when several mandrills come to live in the TransAlta Rainforest area.

There are currently 121 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates at the Calgary Zoo.