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To view the captions for each image, hold your mouse over the image for a few seconds.
To view a larger image, click on the image.  | 1912 A tea house/dance facility, then called the Band Stand, was constructed on St. Georges Island.
Before the Calgary Zoo was established, the natural areas of the island proved ideal for being used for picnics, a playground, relaxation and socializing. |  | 1917 – 1920
Two mule deer were housed on the island and were joined by other animals donated by the public.
Beautiful gardens were developed. |  | 1929 The Calgary Zoological Society was founded. The Zoo began with 36 mammals and 78 birds. Six black squirrels at the Zoo were donated by the Toronto Parks Department in 1928 and roamed to all parts of the city, much as they now do today.
Heavy runoff caused the Bow River to flood the island, destroying the gardens. Several animals had to be evacuated. Approximately two feet of water covered the island which ruined flower beds, damaged roads and swept away picnic facilities.
Early Calgary Zoo Headlines
“Start in construction of zoological gardens will be made shortly.”
“Hours of pleasure awaiting visitors when park opens”
“Playgrounds to be opened dominion day” |  | 1930
Early Calgary Zoo Headlines “No lives are lost at city zoo in flood.”
“School pupils to make conducted tour of zoo.”
“Zoological Society may ask assistance of boys in capturing specimens.”
“Indians, equipped with ropes, seeking cougar for city zoo.” |  | 1931
Early Calgary Zoo Headlines “Calgary Zoo keeper is gravely injured by infuriated deer.”
“Thomas Baines lies in hospital in critical condition following attack by buck fallow deer.” |  | 1932
A second flood occurred during which a mountain sheep gave birth as the waters crested. A 20 foot high ice jam in December the same year led to another flood which froze over the island and sealed it with ice until spring. Plans to create a prehistoric park were made and construction began on the first dinosaur model.
A totem pole was donated to the Zoo. It was on display until 1977 when it was put into storage due to some serious deterioration. It is believed to have come from the Cape Mudge band on Quadra Island, B.C. and it was returned to the band.
Early Calgary Zoo Headlines
“The Society seeks the aid of a kind-hearted citizen willing to shelter the ostrich and an emu.” (The birds ended up in a horse barn.) |  | |
The Evolution of the Calgary Zoo by Tyler Trafford has been used as a reference when creating these pages. For more detailed information about the Zoo, please look at other parts of the website and look to this publication, which is available at Zoo gift shops.
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