Panda Passage is part of the Calgary Zoo’s commitment to cutting-edge habitat design and has received Petal Certification, making it one of the most advanced habitats in the world, as well as the first project to receive the designation in Alberta.
Petal Certification is part of the International Living Future Institute’s (ILFI) Living Building Challenge and recognizes achievement of rigorous building standards. Certification means that the zoo is taking action to ensure the space gives back more than it takes through design and construction.
“Habitat destruction remains one of the biggest threats to pandas in the wild, much in the same way that the boreal forests and evergreen trees are a concern for wildlife in Canada. As a conservation organization, the Calgary Zoo is committed to using resources in the most efficient way possible and inspiring others by living our conservation philosophy through all that we do,” says Clément Lanthier, President & CEO, Calgary Zoo.
The habitat features 431 square meters in two indoor habitats and 1,512 square meters of outdoor habitat. It opened in 2018. It was made with non-toxic materials, FSC-certified wood and repurposed materials.
[Source: Calgary Zoo]