After a challenging temporary closure, a beloved Calgary-area petting zoo has welcomed back visitors following confirmed cases of avian influenza on its premises.
Closure and Response to Avian Flu Outbreak
Butterfield Acres was voluntarily closed from October 13 to 17, 2025 after nine cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza were detected in its poultry. Alberta Health Services subsequently issued a formal closure order for the facility located at 254077 Rocky Ridge Road N.W. in Rocky View County.
Following Canadian Food Inspection Agency protocols, all birds at the facility had to be destroyed, though officials confirmed none of the other animals were affected by the outbreak. The farm thoroughly cleaned and disinfected all bird pens, which must now remain empty for two weeks as part of the safety measures.
Safety Measures and Visitor Impact
Primary Care Alberta referred twenty recent visitors to Butterfield Acres for testing as a precautionary measure. No avian flu cases were detected among these visitors, and the farm confirmed that no staff members contracted the virus during the outbreak.
The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, responding to the Butterfield Acres situation, implemented additional safety measures to protect its own bird species. The zoo reported no cases of avian influenza and has since downgraded its avian influenza threat level as of October 31.
Moving Forward After a Difficult Experience
Butterfield Acres described going through the required reopening procedures as a "very stressful and overwhelming experience." The facility expressed gratitude to its core staff members for their work ensuring sterility and thanked the public for their support and concern.
In a statement on their website, the farm acknowledged the ongoing challenge: "We are thinking long and hard as to how we can protect our feathered friends from this threat posed by the natural migration of the wild birds... no easy answers."
The popular attraction is now working to catch up on fall bookings and prepare for upcoming Christmas and holiday events, marking a return to normal operations after the health scare.
