Toronto Zoo Toronto Zoo Developments 2024

hyena142

hyena142

Well-Known Member
The zoo is currently dealing with a ransomware attack, which has impacted certain aspects of the zoo including Zoolife cameras and other onsite computers. Thankfully no guest payment details or animal care systems have been impacted, and the zoo's website currently remains safe to use.
 
What!!?! At least the website is unaffected. Another question what happend to the golden breasted starlings? All traces of them on the zoo website has disappeared.
 
@antilio capra, questions about animals is better off on the births, deaths and transfers thread or discussion thread, not developments. This thread is more for conversations about the zoo site and operational things. But I couldnt tell you what happened to them. Not a clue on my end.
 
I know the Toronto library has been struggling for some time now as a result of their cyber attack. It would be very unfortunate if the zoo had to start pulling from their operating budget or capital plan to afford the immediate response and subsequently fix any identified gaps in their cybersecurity. I seem to recall reading at least one of the external Board members having background in cyber consulting which might be of help.
 
Seems all the good public places are the targets.. First the library and now the zoo.

Few updates from last week when I was there:

1. Malayan Woods: It is nice to have it open and so so nice to be able to see the clouded leopards again. The one out was a bit elusive at first, was in the holding but then came out and walked across and set up on the ledge on the other side for awhile. I remember seeing them the first time I was at the zoo and they are so beautiful. Also it being open adds a little bonus a that end of the zoo (especially since the boardwalk is closed, people may think to skip over it now). Similar to the rest of the pavilions, there is no walk through aviaries. The birds are separated from the people. The terrariums are all empty and covered.

Species I saw:
Giant Gourami
Nicobar Pigeon
Bleeding Heart Dove
Clouded Leopard

Species with signs but I didn't see:
Malayan crested fireback pheasant

That being said the zoo is fairly good about updating signs and I think particularly they would have updated prior to opening.

2. Boardwalk: I didn't go right up to it, so I don't know if the old one is gone, but lots of activity and construction tape up. If this winter continues the way it is maybe, just maybe, it will be on track to open early? or at least on time haha

3. Tigers:
I didn't have a chance to see what's going on with the tigers, also not sure the status of the new exhibit.

4. Entrance:
Lots happening here. Seems like there is actually a lot of construction happening on the left side of the entrance when you go in (i.e. the zoomobile/peacock cafe side). My guess is they are preparing that side with more space to operate as the entrance while the other side is getting worked on. I think perhaps you may actually end up entering down by the bathrooms and coffee shop through a new path. They are also widening the path heading to the indo-malay bridge over the zoomo route as well. My guess is the construction is going to take up a large portion of the front plaza so every thing has had to move over to make room. It is all quite exciting to see, although it will be a bit of a painful few years until it is done.

5. Gorillas
I noticed one of the glasses panels is now completely closed off and there are now plants in front of it. I am not sure if this is the one that broke a few months back. Perhaps they are just keeping it closed for now.
 
Are there anymore plans to be released? I know the strategic master plan, tech plan, animal care plan. Are there any I've forgotten that are still being drafted?
 
Wow!! It's finally happening - RIP to the OG entrance. Makes me emotional .. but excited for the future. Many memories walking through these gates.
 

Attachments

  • Screenshot_20240111-194001.png
    Screenshot_20240111-194001.png
    341.3 KB · Views: 31
  • Screenshot_20240111-193959.png
    Screenshot_20240111-193959.png
    280.9 KB · Views: 27
God these images are heartbreaking lol. Nice to see the sign is surviving the transition though, at least for now, I've always liked it. Wild to think that this is gonna be the zoo's third entrance gate.
 
Dolf just posted images of what I believe to be artificial Weaver nests in African Rainforest look liked there just there for education purposes.
When I first saw the pics thought they had brought the bats to somewhere more visible so I was a bit disappointed. There's also a new water feature in Australasia for the exhibit the Banded Iguanas were first in previously Solomon Island Skink.
 
I didnt think I would care when the day came but I do. The gates of my childhood are gone. Turns out I will miss them. No one is more shocked about that than me since Im all about pressing forward with redevelopment. Goodbye front gates. And it does appear the Indo boardwalk is gone too so goodbye to it too. Change is hard.
 
Excited for a new entrance finally, but I'd be lying to say seeing the old one being taken down didn't make me tear up a bit. So many childhood memories... genuinely a huge moment for the zoo.

I wonder how long the entrance will be under construction for.
 
Didn't realize the front gates would be gone so soon. I just visited this past weekend after all and didn't pay it a second thought. Gonna be a real different experience walking into the TZ next time but progress is progress I guess. I'm curious how they'll be checking tickets and memberships without the front gates in the interim.
 
Nice to see some major progress on the front entrance. I'm sure it'll be a little confusing on where exactly to enter, but it'll be worth it when everything is said and done.

Also, welcome to the forum @nya~ and @Blahaj2024!. Always good to see new faces.

I wonder if we'll see the reintroduction of some insects in the Malayan Woods.
 
cypher said:
I wonder if we'll see the reintroduction of some insects in the Malayan Woods.
Click to expand...

I really hope so. The Woods look so bare if they always have blocked off terrariums. I would also enjoy to see the return of the former birds once in the woods. But that seems unrealistic.(That doesen't stop me from hoping though)
 
Blahaj2024! said:
Didn't realize the front gates would be gone so soon. I just visited this past weekend after all and didn't pay it a second thought. Gonna be a real different experience walking into the TZ next time but progress is progress I guess. I'm curious how they'll be checking tickets and memberships without the front gates in the interim.
Click to expand...

I think they have made a more temporary entrance to the left of the old entrance. I will be there again in a few weeks and will update one what I see.

It is good that things are moving. Hopefully things stay on track.
 
cypher said:
Also, welcome to the forum @nya~ and @Blahaj2024!. Always good to see new faces.
Click to expand...

Thanks! First time forum member, and first time membership holder to the Zoo as well even though I grew up within a short drive. Been going a lot this past year.

I just dropped by today as well. The temporary entrance using the ticket sales booth works fine. It's also nice since you can exit by just walking past the booth instead of having to go through the turnstile. Crowding problems were always an issue at the turnstile toward the end of the day, when Zoo staff didn't open up a gate for free-flow exiting.

Super cold day though for a stroll through the outdoor pavilions. But I got a great (and rare!) close-up with Pemba, so totally worth it.
 
Other than the weaver nest what other artificial animal traces are there?
Here a list of the ones I remember at the moment.
Lion footprints
Leopard statue with gazelle in a tree
Termite mound and aardvark
Komodo dragon statue
There maybe a fake reptile somewhere?
Any others?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top