Calgary Citizen Newsletter Thursday August 3

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Good morning, there!

Brewery & the Beast is just a couple of weeks away and tickets are almost sold out. Featuring Calgary’s top restaurants and chefs, Brewery & the Beast is an unforgettable culinary experience and guests can expect refreshing drinks and delicious meat-forward dishes cooked over an open fire, as well as live music. With more than 50 chefs cooking unique dishes, patrons are encouraged to try something new as some of Canada’s best restaurants and chefs show off their skills. Tickets for the Aug. 27 event at Fort Calgary are still available.

- Julie Patton, Intern

👀 In today's edition:

• The Calgary Zoo’s 12-year-old lion died

• Homophobic incident at pride crosswalk

• There’s nothing better than outdoor laughs

Today’s read time: Approx. 4 minutes

QUICK POLL

WORTH KNOWING

🌧️ Today: High 27C, Low 12C. See the 7-day forecast.

🚗 Driving today? Check the current traffic situation, and find the city’s traffic report and road closures.

⚠️ Here’s the current smoke forecast / check Calgary wildfire and fire restrictions and the Alberta Wildfire Dashboard.

The Calgary Zoo had to say goodbye to its 12-year-old lion this week, the third animal death in 3 months

The Calgary Zoo’s 12-year-old lion, Aslan, died on Monday. The death of Aslan marks the third large mammal death at the zoo in the past three months. Just last week, the zoo had euthanized its 11-year-old camel, Ollie, and in late May lost its 12-year-old female Masai giraffe, Emara, in a tragic accident.

Never easy saying goodbye: In a statement announcing the death of the Aslan, The Calgary Zoo says the lion “had been previously diagnosed with kidney and cardiac disease,” typical in other big cats, and had been under close observation by a dedicated care team and veterinary staff.

The decision to euthanize: As for Ollie the camel, the zoo says In a Facebook post that Ollie had been receiving support for several years due to his dysfunctional immune system. In the past month, he had also lost significant weight and developed serious infections in his legs. The zoo then came to the decision to euthanize due to his declining well-being.

A tragic loss: Unlike the deaths of Aslan and Ollie, the zoo’s 12-year-old Masai giraffe Emara was lost in a tragic accident. In a statement, the zoo says “Emara died quickly due to a broken neck” after catching one of her “ossicones (horns) on a cable surrounding the African Savannah Yard” and falling against the fence.

Under average lifespans: In all three instances, the animals were under the average life span of animals in human care. The Calgary Herald reports the “median life expectancy for lions… is 16.9 years.” CTV shares that “the life expectancy for Bactrian camels... is 17 years.” Lastly, a Masai giraffe in human care can live over 30 years, according to the Toronto Zoo.

Related Story

Need to know

💔 A man was admiring a pride crosswalk downtown when he became the victim of a homophobic and transphobic hate incident. (CityNews)

👨‍⚖️ Charges against Albertans breaking pandemic-related laws may be withdrawn after a judge ruled the Public Health Act was breached. (CBC)

📚 After going fine-free three years ago, the Calgary Public Library has seen an increase in membership and circulation of digital and physical materials. (CTV)

✖️ The Calgary Stampede has been criticized for its apology regarding the sexual abuse case as one of the men says their statement is misleading.

💉The Alberta Premier’s new addictions mandate includes controversial involuntary treatment law. (Global)

🆘 Over one-third (37%) of sexual harassment experienced by Alberta workers takes place online, which is why HereForHelp.ca offers information, resources and referrals to help support Albertans impacted by workplace sexual harassment.

🚰 The city is installing six temporary water stations to help Calgarians beat the heat.

🏘️ July marks the seventh consecutive monthly gain as Calgary home prices reach new heights.

🧪 Mount Royal University is launching Alberta’s first four-year data science degree.

🥤 Running Aug. 4 to 26, the Alberta-wide cocktail initiative Shake, Stir and Strainbow is donating $1 from each cocktail sold at participating businesses.

🚸 Bored kids? Calgary's Child Magazine is here to help! Calgary’s Child Magazine’s free weekly newsletter is loaded with family-friendly activities, events, excursions, and giveaways. Sign up here and never hear “I’m bored” again!

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

The Great Outdoor Comedy Festival is set to bring laughter and fun to Prince’s Island Park

Calgary’s Great Outdoors Comedy Festival is back from Aug. 25 to 27 at Prince’s Island Park, and this year’s festival features a diverse lineup of hilarious comedians including Nick Offerman, Jonathan Van Ness, and Andrew Schulz. What started as an idea during the pandemic has now grown into a festival that stops in four cities across Canada. Organized by Trixstar Live, the festival has been a rousing success in bringing laughter to the outdoors each year since its inception. Tickets are almost sold out so snap yours up before it’s too late.

We spoke with Trixstar VP Chris Schoengut about the festival and what Calgarians can expect.

Where to eat and drink

🍴 Machi Machi: An innovative, artsy, and comfortable bubble tea shop in Bridgeland. Machi Machi is a cute little shop with a wide variety of drinks to try, including its signature Machi bottles.

🍴 Fonda Fora: A contemporary Mexican restaurant inside The Westley Hotel, Fonda Fora transports you to southeast Mexico through its curated menu by chef Emilio Montenegro.

🍴 Pulcinella: This Ospitalità Italiana-certified restaurant allows you to have a true Italian experience with authentic pizza and pasta by head chef Domenic Tudda.

Local specials

💸 Bow Habitat Station: Looking for an activity for the family? At the Bow Habitat Station, a maximum of four children are permitted with each paid adult admission, which costs just $10!

💸 Barcelona Tavern: Every Monday and Wednesday enjoy half-priced bottles of vino and bubbles!

💸 Vietnam Palace: When you order two beef noodle soups, you can get one free. During lunch, add two spring rolls to any meal for $3.99 or add two salad rolls to any meal for $4.99. During dinner, add soup to your meal for only $3.99.

🗓 Things to do

Thursday

• Neighbour Night: Open to all Calgarians, check out Neighbour Night for a free vegetarian meal and workshop activity at Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Association on Aug. 3.

• Charleston Fundraiser: Join Banded Peak Brewing to raise some funds for staff at Lake Louise who are displaced due to the Charleston Residence Fire. Hosted at the Branded Peak Taproom on Aug. 3.

Friday

• Taste of Calgary: The city's most appetizing festival, explore a mix of unique restaurants and beverage companies at Calgary parking lot #6 from Aug. 3 to 7.

• Nature Calgary Birding: Join Nature Calgary for birding in Bebo Grove. The walk is under 5km and is on paved pathways. Meet at Bebo Grove Parking on Aug. 4.

Saturday

• Lantern Peace Festival: This multi-cultural, multi-faith event brings together Calgarians for a floating lantern peace ceremony at Olympic Plaza on Aug. 5.

• HoliGAY Weekends: Welcome to KINGlewood as the best king duo is back! Catch the long-weekend drag show at The Attic Bar & Stage on Aug. 5.

Sunday

• Sunalta Sundown: Compete in the ultimate cornhole tournament and enjoy music, food, and beverages at the Sunalta Community Association on Aug. 6!

• TRABAYE Party Series: Party hard at the long-weekend edition of TRABAYE Party Series! Experience a night of exquisite vibes at Moonlight Bar & Lounge on Aug. 6.

Monday

• Street Festival & Bike Race: Tour de Bowness is bringing back a classic on Aug. 7 for cycling races, local vendors, food trucks, musicians, and more.

• Incredible India Fest: A celebration of the rich culture, diversity, and traditions of India, this second annual Incredible India Fest will be held at The Westin Calgary Airport on Aug. 7.

That’s it! Thanks for reading. If you have a hot story tip you want to share, feel free to reply back anytime.

We’ll see you back here on Tuesday, same time, same place!

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