OUTLET: Calgary Sun

The Calgary Zoo’s African-themed loo is in the running for a privy prize.

A visitor nominated the luxurious lavatory nestled in the attraction’s Destination Africa exhibit  for the Cintas Canada Best Restroom contest and it has made the cut to be among the nation’s top five finalists.

In its fifth year, the online contest combs the country for the best bathroom experience, ranking its cleanliness alongside user experience.

Rachael Keshishian, a spokeswoman for Cintas, said the unique safari motif for the Zoo’s commode made it an easy choice to rank among the finalists.

“You’re going through this safari tour and when you go into the washroom the safari continues,” she said.

“We look for the bathrooms that go above and beyond and provide that little bit extra.”

Boasting tribal decor and shaped like African savannah huts, the zoo’s bathrooms aim to make users linger just a bit longer.

Zoo spokeswoman Larissa Mark said it’s a surprise honour, but a gratifying one nonetheless.

“It was something totally unexpected — it’s not a typical honour we receive,” she said.

“The tribal theme of it, it’s a nice touch.

“We like to provide exceptional customer service and that goes right down to the washrooms.”

Calgary’s offering is facing competition from Patria restaurant in Toronto, Planet Hollywood in Niagara Falls, the Shaw Club Hotel & Spa at Niagara on the Lake, and a lavatory in the domestic terminal at Vancouver International Airport.

Last year, the Shell Super Station in Valleyview, Alberta earned the title as Canada’s Best Restroom.

The winner will be selected through online votes at bestrestroom.com/canada, where latrine enthusiasts can rank the top five nominees.

Keshishian said the top loo will be announced in October and will earn $2,500 in services from Cintas, which supplies restroom cleaning, supplies and services to some 55,000 businesses in Canada.