Calgary Citizen Newsletter Thursday Nov. 21

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Good morning !

With the snowfall and winter upon us, we are looking for readers to send some new photos in to reflect the season change. Send your photos of Calgary and area to [email protected]. Congrats to our winners for the CUFF.Docs Documentary Film Festival tickets—there are still a few days left of great films to catch at the Globe. Here are a few we are excited about:

Mistress Dispeller: In China, a new industry has emerged devoted to helping couples stay married in the face of infidelity. Nov. 21 at 6:30pm.

CatVideoFest 2024: CatVideoFest is a brand new compilation reel of the latest and best cat videos culled from countless hours of unique submissions and sourced animations, music videos, and classic internet powerhouses. Nov. 23 at 10am.

Every Little Thing: Amid the glamour of Hollywood, Los Angeles, a woman finds herself on a transformative journey as she nurtures wounded hummingbirds. Nov. 24 at 4pm.

👀 In today's edition:

• Death of gorilla was human error

• Arson may be connected to threats

• A double feature storytelling of circus

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WORTH KNOWING

❄️ Today: High -8C, Low -17C. See the 7-day forecast.

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

QUICK POLL

Investigation reveals the death of a two-year-old gorilla at the Calgary Zoo was caused by human error

A Calgary Zoo/Wilder Institute investigation has revealed that the death of two-year-old western lowland gorilla Eyare on Nov. 12 was caused by human error, according to zoo officials. Officials say Eyare was moving around in the back of house, roaming from bedroom to bedroom interacting with the other gorillas.

“A member of her care team intended to activate a door to separate Eyare from other members of the troop for an individual animal training session but mistakenly activated the wrong door, resulting in Eyare being struck by the door and sustaining traumatic head injuries,” the statement read in part.

“This tragedy has struck us all in the deepest way imaginable,” said Colleen Baird, the zoo’s director of animal care, health, and welfare. “Eyare’s short but impactful life brought so much joy to our community, and she will be deeply missed by all. We will do everything we can to prevent future incidents.”

The zoo shared that the gorilla care team member directly involved was immediately removed from the workplace following the incident. Before returning to work with the animals, they will be reassigned to another area of the zoo and will undergo further staff training for that area.

In case you missed it the first time

Need to know

🔥 Police say they are looking into an arson in Hillhurst that may be connected to threatening letters sent to residents.

💸 The Calgary Police Commission is proposing to use money earmarked for community crisis and mental-health groups to fund a new firearms range.

👮‍♀️ Calgary family physician charged with four counts of sexual assault after police investigation.

📖 Calgary Public Library members to get account access this week after cyberattack.

🧵 WinSport's snowy slopes created using thousands of litres of water per minute.

🚌 Calgary council asked to increase budget to offset $33M transit revenue shortfall.

🚄 Four-car service on Calgary's LRT could be rolling on the tracks by the end of 2025.

💰️ Invest Alberta has set up a new remote office in Vancouver, and wants B.C. investors to know it’s “open and ready for business.”

🎒 Be the first to know about the best events, insider tips, and jaw-dropping deals and contests — all delivered every Thursday straight to your inbox. Subscribe to Calgary’s free newsletter to find out what’s up!

Exploring the depth of loss and hope through the powerful mediums of circus and storytelling

The Screaming Goats Collective is presenting its Calgary debut with Free Falling, a unique double feature that explores the depth of loss and hope through the powerful mediums of circus and storytelling. In the Fire (Ontario) and Fish at the Bottom of the Sea (Calgary) examine relationships, grief and healing, while employing the use of unique circus apparatuses specifically designed to support their stories. We spoke with Leda Davies, who plays Eve and is the choreographer for Fish at the Bottom of the Sea, which tells a story of death and grief through a thoughtful intertwining of poetry, circus and sound to uplift us as a community while challenging our art forms and ourselves as artists.

Tell us about the powerful mediums used to bring it to life on stage.

Each show brings a unique approach to contemporary circus, using unconventional aerial apparatuses not typically seen in traditional circus settings. In Fish at the Bottom of the Sea, we use a custom aerial bungee system, composed of bungee cords tied into loops of various sizes. This apparatus creates the impression of floating and underwater movement, evoking themes of levity and fluidity.

How will audiences resonate with the themes of grief?

When I tell people that this show explores grief and death, they often assume it will feel heavy. While there are poignant moments, the production also offers levity, awe, and wonder. Talking about hard topics like grief is a cornerstone of The Screaming Goats Collective's mission. We use circus as a medium to tell stories that spark social change. Grieving can be deeply isolating, and our goal is to create a safe space where people can reflect on the multifaceted experience of grief.

Tell us about your personal connection to the choreography.

We began working on Fish at the Bottom of the Sea in 2020, just before the pandemic. While the team brought their own experiences with grief to the project, the collective loss of connection and normalcy during that time added another layer of meaning. A year later, my father passed away, and it shattered my heart. This was a grief unlike anything I’d ever faced. Creating and performing the choreography for Fish became a deeply personal journey for me. It allowed me to process my loss and channel that grief into something creative and transformative.

How does it feel to return home to share such a personal project?

The Screaming Goats Collective was founded in 2016 while I was based in Montreal, and this marks the first time I’m presenting my self-created circus work in my hometown. It’s an incredibly special moment for me. I wish my dad could be here to see it, but I’m so grateful for the outpouring of support from the local community.

Where to eat and drink

🍴 Good Bread YYC: Satisfy your carb cravings with delicious options from the famous cruffins to scones, cinnamon buns, and more.

🍴 Cafe Jindo: This south Calgary spot is a favourite with some of our readers who recommended it for its delicious food and drinks.

Have a food or drink suggestion? Message us and we might share it!

Things to do

🎟️ HYPROV: Improv Under Hypnosis: Comedian Colin Mochrie and hypnotist Asad Mecci come together for a quirky combination of comedy under hypnosis that makes for a night filled with laughter and unexpected twists and surprises. On Nov. 30 at the Grey Eagle Event Centre.

🎟️ StoryBook Theatre’s One Christmas Carol: This family-friendly holiday classic is back at the Beddington Theatre Arts Centre from Dec. 8 to 23. Award-winning stage and screen performer Natascha Girgis returns as the show’s narrator.

Have an event suggestion? Message us and we might share it!

From our readers

That’s it!

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