Wilder Institute / Calgary Zoo

A Year of Conservation, Connection and Gratitude

The Background

The Wilder Institute / Calgary Zoo wanted to transform its annual Gratitude Report into an immersive, digital storytelling experience. Centered on the theme “One Day for Wildlife,” the microsite takes supporters through the impact of a single day—July 31, 2024—showcasing how donor contributions support animal care, conservation initiatives, and community engagement.

The Opportunity

The goal was to move beyond a static PDF report and create a dynamic, accessible online experience that could emotionally connect with donors and demonstrate tangible impact. The new format needed to be easy to navigate, visually compelling, and structured in a way that encouraged deeper exploration of each story while strengthening the connection between donors and the Zoo’s mission.

The Result

We created a chapter-based digital report that guided users through themed storytelling, from “You Are Part of Something Special” to “Together for Wildlife.” Key features included impact highlights—such as the hatching of two Critically Endangered Egyptian tortoises, the release of 6,172 northern leopard frog tadpoles, and rare Cross River gorilla sightings—along with immersive design elements like full-width imagery, custom illustrations, and integrated data points. A dedicated donor recognition section highlighted the collective impact of community support. The result is an engaging, interactive experience that makes conservation stories more memorable and deepens donor engagement.

Services Provided

Think

  • Wireframing & UX Design

Make

  • Graphic Design, Illustration & Iconography
  • Prototyping
  • Website Development
  • Copywriting
  • Magazine & Book Design