A Fond Look Back

The City of Calgary determines to develop gardens on St. George's Island. Huge loads of manure are hauled on to the island to prepare the soil for planting. By the 1920s, large-scale garden displays are established.

The Biergarten with bandstand is built on the site of the current ENMAX Conservatory. As it turns out, it is illegal to sell beer on city property, so the Biergarten becomes a tea house.

An excerpt from Dinny's Digest, Summer 1979:
"Donations to the zoo had always been of great importance, but in 1963 one donation was of outstanding generosity, and importance. Society President Lars Williamsen was invited to Eric Harvie's office in downtown Calgary, where he was asked what he would do with half a million dollars. Lars stated that a new conservatory and aviary would be nice, whereupon Mr. Harvie said 'It's yours!' The donation came through the Woods Foundation and by the end of the year the first stage of the Tropical Aviary and Conservatory was in place, on the site of the original Biergarten."

The Seasonal Display Garden and the Desert House are added to the Tropical Aviary. The advent of the glass houses allows horticulture to become a year-round attraction at the Calgary Zoo.

The Tropical Aviary and Conservatory are expanded in celebration of Canada's 100th birthday. This addition includes the north glass house and a 250 seat tea house.

A seasonal Butterfly Garden is established in the southeast house.

The Orchid Garden/Rainforest House is opened. The large south house is renovated to become the Arid House, showcasing plants adapted to desert-like conditions.

The Government of Alberta announces a $35 million grant as the province's centennial investment in the zoo. Part of this investment is committed to the renewal of the conservatory.

ENMAX Energy Corporation and the Calgary Zoo announce plans to work together in the development of the new ENMAX Conservatory. The renewed facility will continue to be an innovative botanical display and will also show-case environ-mentally-friendly energy technology.

Years of careful planning culminate in the closing of the venerable conservatory in September. Construction begins on the new ENMAX Conservatory. The facility constinues to celebrate the historic view across the river into Inglewood.

The renewed ENMAX Conservatory opens its doors to the public on November 20. This energy-efficient complex houses the Garden Gallery, Garden of Life, a classroom, interactive kiosks and private function space.