25 JUNE 2026 (Calgary, AB) – The Wilder Institute today unveiled One Wild Future, a defining step forward in the organization’s evolution and a renewed commitment to a future where people and wildlife thrive, together.
One Wild Future brings together every part of the organization under one shared direction. It reflects the next chapter in the Wilder Institute’s evolution from a beloved local zoo into one of Canada’s leading conservation organizations, connecting world-class animal care, applied conservation, species recovery, research, education and public engagement into one integrated model that delivers greater conservation impact for both wildlife and people.
“Wildlife is under increasing pressure, but extinction is not inevitable,” said Dr. Kyle Burks, President & CEO of the Wilder Institute. “One Wild Future is our commitment to helping build a different future, one where conservation is more connected, more collaborative and more ambitious. It reflects who we are today and where we are going as one organization working toward one shared purpose.”
The launch comes at a pivotal moment for biodiversity. One in five species in Canada is at risk of extinction, while many ecosystems continue to experience significant decline. Through One Wild Future, the Wilder Institute is committing to scaling conservation action, strengthening partnerships, mobilizing communities, and expanding solutions that benefit species, ecosystems and communities.
One Wild Future reflects how the Wilder Institute already works as one organization. From world-class animal care at the Wilder Institute’s Calgary Zoo to conservation breeding at the Archibald Biodiversity Centre, every effort is part of a bigger system. This includes applied conservation programs and partnerships with communities across five countries—including Wilder Institute Ghana and initiatives such as the Centre for Species Survival (CSS) Human Dimensions and the Wilder Canada Action Plan—every part of the organization is connected through a shared purpose. These efforts strengthen species recovery, advance conservation science, and build meaningful connections that drive lasting conservation impact.
“Conservation challenges are becoming more complex, which means our response must become more connected,” said Burks. “What sets us apart is not only what we do, but how we do it. Each part of the organization is strong on its own, but together they create something greater. That connection is what allows us to deliver stronger outcomes for wildlife and people.”
The strategic plan outlines six interconnected priorities that will guide the organization through 2029:
- Grow Our Conservation Impact
- Strengthen Capacity
- Mobilize People
- Evolve the Zoo
- Transform Workplace Culture
- Celebrate Our Centennial
Together, these priorities will guide decision-making across conservation, animal welfare and wellbeing, public engagement, Indigenous and community partnerships, organizational capacity, and the continued evolution of the Wilder Institute’s Calgary Zoo ahead of its 100th anniversary in 2029.
The launch includes a new Wilder Institute website that reflects the organization’s evolution and makes it easier for the public, supporters, partners and collaborators to explore its applied conservation programs, learn about species recovery efforts, discover opportunities to get involved, and see how the organization is working as one to advance its shared purpose.
Among the long-term ambitions outlined in One Wild Future are expanding the Wilder Canada Action Plan to support coordinated species recovery across Canada, strengthening conservation partnerships with Indigenous Peoples and communities, growing the organization’s international conservation work, and continuing to connect more than 1.4 million annual zoo guests with wildlife and conservation action.
For nearly a century, the organization has evolved alongside the changing needs of wildlife and society. One Wild Future represents the organization’s clearest expression yet of how conservation can succeed when science, collaboration, animal wellbeing, and public participation work together to deliver outcomes for wildlife, wild places, and people.
“A wilder future is still within reach,” said Burks. “But it won’t happen by accident. It will happen because people choose to build it together.”
One Wild Future and the new Wilder Institute website are available beginning today at wilderinstitute.org.
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For more information contact:
Cindy Antonello
Senior Manager, Communications 403.232.7766 | 403.919.9482 | mediarelations@wilderinstitute.org
About the Wilder Institute
The Wilder Institute is a global conservation charity working to create a future where people and wildlife thrive, together. We operate the Calgary Zoo, one of Canada’s most visited zoological institutions, and bring together conservation action, animal wellbeing, species recovery, research and public engagement within one connected organization focused on wildlife conservation.
From the Wilder Institute’s Calgary Zoo to the Archibald Biodiversity Centre, Canada’s largest conservation breeding facility, and applied conservation programs in Canada and around the world—including conservation work in regions such as Ghana and initiatives such as the Centre for Species Survival (CSS) Human Dimensions and the Wilder Canada Action Plan—every part of our work contributes to a shared purpose: we act for wildlife; saving species and inspiring people to join us.
We work in partnership with Indigenous Peoples, communities, governments, researchers and other conservation organizations to restore wildlife populations and ecosystems, share knowledge and
capacity with people across society to grow our conservation family, and scale solutions that support biodiversity across our country and others. By connecting animal care, applied conservation, and public engagement, we help turn knowledge into action and action into lasting impact for wildlife, ecosystems, and the communities connected to them. Learn more at WilderInstitute.org and CalgaryZoo.com.