Toronto Zoo If You Bought Toronto Zoo...

Asia

The Arctic area will connect the North American and Asian regions of the zoo. Asia would be located where the Americas used to be and most of the health centre/offices area. Just like the two other regions, visitors would enter Asia and pass signs with information about the habitats and wildlife in Asia.

The first habitat area that visitors would encounter is the Siberian wilderness which would be a good transition between the Arctic and the rest of Asia. The Siberian area would be pretty small and only include two species. The first exhibit that visitors would get to is a giant aviary for Steller’s sea eagles. Tall trees would give them plenty of places to perch and a small stream with live fish would run through the exhibit which would give them a great enrichment opportunity. Amur tigers would live in the second exhibit. It would look like a large forest with trees, rocks, and a large pool. Like all of the zoo’s other big cat exhibits, there would be glass viewing windows. Signs around the exhibit would explain the threats to wild tigers and what the zoo is doing to help save them.

The next Asian habitat would be the Gobi desert. A large mixed species exhibit would feature Bactrian camels and Przewalski’s horses. Their exhibit would have a mix of grass and sand on the ground and a large pool in case either species wants to cool off. The next exhibit would be home to snow leopards. They would have a large mountain in their exhibit for them to climb on and a glass window that would allow the guests to get a closer look at them.

Species from the forests of China would live in the next habitat. The first exhibit would be a walk through aviary home to a variety of pheasant species. I don’t know much about pheasants so whatever species the zoo could acquire would go in that exhibit. After spending five years in Calgary, I would have the Toronto Zoo acquire pandas again and hopefully keep them for a much longer period of time. The new outdoor panda exhibits would actually resemble a Chinese bamboo forest. The first exhibit would be lushly planted and include rocks, trees, and a pool with a waterfall. The second exhibit would look similar but with a smaller pool and no waterfall. The giant pandas would have two indoor exhibits that would be visible to the public. They would include soft floors and natural looking climbing structures. A Chinese giant salamander exhibit would also be located in the building. Back outside, there would be an exhibit for red pandas. Their exhibit would look very similar to the giant panda exhibit, but smaller and with no pool. Takins would live in the next exhibit would would include lots of plants and large rocks for them to climb on. After seeing a picture of a takin swimming, I decided that I would put a pool in their exhibit too. This area would also include a restaurant selling a mix of Chinese and Canadian/American foods.

After the Chinese forest, visitors would enter the Southeast Asian rainforest zone. This area would include a massive pavilion. Inside the pavilion would be two large exhibits. The first would be home to a group of Sumatran orangutans mixed with white handed gibbons and Asian small clawed otters. The other exhibit would be home to dusky leaf monkeys and Malayan tapirs. Both exhibits would include lots of climbing opportunities for the primates and deep pools for the tapirs and otters. Birds such as Nicobar pigeons, bleeding heart pigeons, fairy bluebirds, and argus pheasants would be allowed to fly freely around the building. Wrinkled hornbills would have a tall exhibit that would be separate from the free flight section because hornbills don’t always get along with other birds. There would also be many reptiles in the pavilion. The largest exhibit would be home to false gharials and endangered Asian turtles with underwater viewing. Other reptiles in the pavilion would include reticulated pythons, Asian tortoises, and more. An aquarium would be home to tropical Asian fish like gouramis and barbs. Other species in the pavilion include cobalt blue tarantulas, scorpions, and walking sticks. Outside the pavilion would be exhibits that the orangutans, gibbons, monkeys, tapirs, and otters would be allowed to rotate through. They would include a mix of natural and artificial climbing structures and long glass viewing windows for visitors to watch them through. Around the outdoor exhibits would be signs about the palm oil crisis and what you can do to help. Before entering the next habitat area, visitors would pass by indoor and outdoor exhibits for Komodo dragons.

The final Asian habitat would be home to species from India. The main exhibit in this section would be home to Indian rhinos and common peafowl. The exhibit would include tall grass and a large pool. There would be an Indian rhino house that would allow guests to view the rhinos in the winter. The rhino house would include soft sandy floors and signs about the threats to wild rhinos. Sloth bears would live in the other Indian exhibit. They would have trees to climb on and a small pool. This exhibit would include a mix of glass and moated viewing for visitors.

Zookeepers would walk around this region with education animals like camels, sea eagles, pythons, and more.
 
I like both of your plans for North America. Great selections. Tons of space. A real focus on endangered, vulnerable and threatened North American wildlife.

Animalman0341 I love how you went big on Asia. There are some fantastic choices there. I love that you kept all 3 species of tiger the AZA is pushing. Its bold. And many of your other animal choices were great. I like how you even have the courage to stick Sumatran Rhinos on the list even thought theres no hope what so ever you could source them even with the billions upon billions of dollars you have. It would be amazing if they werent so rare and the zoo could get them. I like those hairy little rhinos. Theres something so loveable about those creatures.

For Arcticwolf, isnt it kinda frowned upon or perhaps even illegal to allow live animals to be killed by other animals. Im thinking of your fish in the sea eagles stream. I dont think its allowed. If it was allowed why wouldnt more zoos have fish in with their marine mammals, bears, ect. It would be ideal stimulation for the eagles no doubt. But isnt it a little cruel to the fish? If it were allowed I would be all over it and fish would be in every exhibit with an animal who eats fish.

Forget Calagary Arcticwolf keep our rock star and his future main squeeze! Or if the Chinese are bent on letting Calgary have them I would want to keep the first cub born in Canada (our first Toronto born cub), and have them send a new mate for him or her. That might be better. Lets pretend he or she is born in 2014, we would probably have to wait until 2019 or 2020 for it to reproduce but it would be worth it to keep the bear Toronto has watched grow up on my panda cam.

No sun bears Arcticwolf? I like them more than sloth bears. How about including them for your old buddy TZFan? Im joking.

Cant wait for the next section... Australia?
 
There are actually quite a few zoos that put live fish in animal exhibits. I know this kind of enrichment has been used for bears, tigers, fishing cats, otters, and more. I agree that it's not right to use live animals as food most of the time, but since fish have been used at so many zoos for such a variety of species I though it might work.

I actually like sloth bears more than sun bears. I've always found their shaggy appearance to be adorable.

Next up for me is Africa, but it will be big so I probably won't post it for a few days. I won't be able to do any work on it tomorrow because I'm going to the zoo so it should be up Saturday or Sunday.
 
My idea for the Sumatran Rhino would be to convince those governments over in Asia to lend the TZ a breeding pair. I would create a whole rhino sanctuary specifically for them down in the canadian domain, not viewable to public. There would also be a huge indoor pavillion/building that would keep things tropical during the winter. It would be a huge investment, but hopefully they would produce young and keep the species going.
 
Africa

So now on to the largest part of the zoo (as if all my other areas weren't huge). As a billionaire I would purchase that farmland across the way behind all the staff buildings, which is quite a bit of space. Thus enabling me to create a half walk-through/ half safari african section.

Madagascar:
Exhibits both Indoor & Outdoor.

Aldabra Tortoise

Lemur Walk-Through- featuring:
Black Lemur
Ring-tailed Lemur
Black & White Ruffed Lemur
Red Ruffed Lemur

Fossa
Coquerrel's Sifaka
Tomato Frogs
Aye Aye

African Coast:

African Penguin- underwater viewing
South African Fur Seal- underwater viewing
African Fish Eagle
White Pelican
Pink-backed Pelican


African Rainforest:
Indoor & Outdoor Exhibits.

African Leopard
Mixed: Forest Buffalo, Red River Hog & Bay Duiker

Patas Monkey
Spotted-necked Otter
Mixed: Okapi & Yellow-backed Duiker
West African Dwarf Crocodile

Aviary- featuring:
Sacred Ibis
African Spoonbill
African Jacana
Hamerkop

Gaboon Viper
Mandrill

Bonobo

Pygmy Hippopotamus

DeBrazza's Monkey
Black & White Colobus Monkey

Western Lowland Gorilla

Bongo

Savannah (Walk-through):

Farm: (for kids)
Watusi Cattle
Dwarf Zebu
Nubian Goat
Somali Sheep
Hooded Guineafowl

Black Rhinoceros

Warthog
Olive Baboon
Cheetah
Serval
Spotted Hyena

Nile Crocodile

Nile Monitor
African Spurred Tortoise

African Hunting Dog

African Elephant

African Porcupine
Black & Green Mamba

African Lion

Northern Africa & The Sahara(walk-through):

Mixed: Gelada, Klipspringer & Rock Hyrax

Striped Hyena

Fennec Fox
Dwarf Mongoose

Slender-tailed Meerkat

Aardvark

African Pygmy Falcon
Caracal

SAFARI:

MIXED PADDOCK 1:
Reticulated Giraffe
White Rhinoceros
Greater Kudu
Grevy's Zebra
Grant's Gazelle
Secretary Bird
Marabou Stork
Griffon Vulture

MIXED PADDOCK 2:
Hippopotamus
Waterbuck
Gerenuk
Greater Flamingo
Egyptian Goose

MIXED PADDOCK 3:
Masai Giraffe
Sable Antelope
Mountain Zebra
Eland
Wildebeest
Ostrich
Springbok
Grey-necked Crowned Crane
White-headed Vulture

MIXED PADDOCK 4:
Cape Buffalo
Nyala
Southern Ground Hornbill
Abyssinian Ground Hornbill

MIXED PADDOCK 5:
Somali Wild Ass
Dromedary Camel
Scimitar-horned Oryx
Gemsbok
Addax
Adra Gazelle
 
Wow I didnt know other zoos included fish. I thought it was frowned upon because the fish are killed. Possibly illegal if it was viewed as inhumane. Interesting other zoos are doing it. Its fantastic mental stimulation for the animals catching them. I do feel a little for the fish but I like what eats them far bettter so its a trade off for me. If it is indeed acceptable then I would definitely add fish to every exhibit that has animals who eat fish. How amazing would a samon run be through the grizzly bear habitat? In the eagles enclosures? With sea lions? I could go on for days. Thanks for correcting me.

I find the sun bears more appealing for the opposite reason. They are sleeker and less hair gone wild looking. Funny we each argued for different bears based on the same characteristic.

Im so very jealous you get to go to the zoo. I hate where I live. You get to see the baby kudu! Oh well I can live vicariously through you, your descriptions and photos.

I dont know how likely you would be convincing foreign governments to release the rhinos to you even for breeding but if anyone would have the big bucks to pay off the right people it would be you. Whatever it takes right? It would be amazing to have them. Dream big.
 
I found out today that the Toronto Zoo actually gives live fish to its tentacled snakes and possibly some other species. It would be something really cool to see.

I actually didn't get to see the baby kudu. I saw the male and two females but sadly no baby. I did get to see the baby lemurs being very active though. One of them even went for a short swim in their pool.
 
Oops forgot you posted about Africa animalman0341.

You are a cheater, a brilliant one, but a cheater. The rule was we couldnt buy more land. Just use what the zoo currently owns. If we could buy more land then I'd buy up every piece of land already used around the zoo, ripped out any inconvient roads and kept going with even bigger plans. Very naughty but I like the plans even if you've fudged the zoos borders.

I like that your willing to bring back the fur seals. I loved them so much as a kid. I didnt consider bringing them back because they arent kept in the AZA. What would be your plan for the dispersal of offspring?

I like the idea of the African Fish Eagle they are gorgeous birds.

Reading through your rainforest I almost thought you had left off gorillas. I was going ask if you were nuts but then I realized I cant read and missed them. I really like your ape and monkey choices. I like chimps but bonobos are just a little rarer and would be a little more of a draw because of that I think. And I have missed the Mandrills. I loved their look. I always seemed to find the big male sitting by the window as if he was waiting to see me.

A walk through kids farm seems like a nice touch. They really could learn a lot about the lives of the herdsmen and the threat they pose to animals and that the animals pose to them.

Thank you for giving me my African Wild Dogs. Excellent choice.

Would you keep white or regular lions? I like the white personally because white males like Fintan look so cool. Though certain regular lion males look pretty darn impressive.

With the elephants would you keep the girls? Replace the whole herd? Integrate new animals? Bring in breeders or keep senior elephants? And if you were going to cheat and expand the zoo why didnt you include Asian elephants in Asia? It would be impressive to have both!

Impressive safari. I like that you picked 2 types of giraffes and zebras.

Unfortunately in your african section theres a lot of phase out species. Well not unfortunate for you just unfortunate. I'd love to have striped hyenas or fur seals at the zoo now forget my plans. But I'll just stay focused on my top goal of african wild dogs. Sooner or later i might get lucky right? Right? Oh who am I kidding Ive wanted them forever. Im just not lucky enough to get them.
 
Oh man the little lemur went for a swim. Im beginning to hate how lucky you are yet Im also so apperciative of your sharing your lucky encounters. Did you get a photo?
 
Ok based on what I've read that Mr. Holier than everyone on the planet Bob Barker has said about the zoo.

“We are just elated at this moment,” said Mr. Barker by phone. “This is one of the most gratifying campaigns I’ve ever been involved with simply because the Toronto Zoo made it so difficult for so long. They put every possible obstacle in our path. I have no respect for anyone associated with that zoo.”

Supporters ?elated? as Toronto Zoo elephants reach California sanctuary - The Globe and Mail

Well Mr. Barker I support the zoo so what if you dont respect me. I "sir" have lost all respect for you. He might not agree with the keepers reasons for fighting but he shouldnt ever doubt they were doing what they thought was best for their elephants.

Because of this if I ever did have money to buy the zoo like in our little scenario I have changed my mind. I want the elephants back out of spite! I would make whatever sacrifices necessary, including knocking down as much of the woods as necessary to fit them in the the world finest northern elephant habitat. To piss him off more I would import elephants schedualed to be culled in from South Africa and name one of the Barker.
 
Arcticwolf and I have talked and we both decided we want to reimagine the zoo again this summer. I look forward to Arcticwolf's amazing ideas and hopefully a few more people will join in the fun.

This summer let's removed all of the restrictions except that we need to the animals currently at the zoo. Expand the zoo, move the zoo, blow it up start again, whatever. Bring in any animals you want even if it isnt too practical.

I'll give everyone a couple of days to think about their ideas before I start posting my plans.
 
Alright let's start my new plans with the basics.

Location
First off the zoo is moving. Not far. It will take over all of the farm land north of the rail line which lies north of the zoo. It would extend from the rail way north to Steeles Ave. East. It would go as far east as Beare Rd. and as far west as just past Little Rd. so that it butts up against the golf course. Major Hydro lines and a rail line runs through it but I would be happy to pay for their relocation further north and east because I'm endlessly wealthy.

I wanted to keep it as close to the old site as possible but remove it from the valleys which limited my imagination and the woodland I was hesitant to cut down. This decision would triple the size of the zoo at least. Useable land would be far more. Plus its a mostly blank canvas ready for construction. The only other natural feature I can see from google earth is the Little Rouge which runs through the north east corner of the new property but it can be incorporated into the design.
By moving the zoo I am going from 710 acres… a good chunk left natural… to 1640 acres. This will accommodate the massive upgrades I want to all exhibits and even more diversity in the species exhibited. I will be using the whole 1640 acres.

Initial Thoughts
Does Toronto need 2 zoos within a 5 minute drive of each other? No, so step one would be to buy the city out of the old site and all that belongs to it. That would give me all the plants, animals and staff I need to kick things off right. I would operate the current site until the vast majority of facilities were up and running at the new site. Animals would start to be transferred at the point where 50% of the zoo was ready and thus could be open to the public. If an exhibit is ready for a brand new species before that point then it will be moved in so long as all construction is finished in area. Why not secure the animals when they become available?

As soon as the old site is completely emptied of plants and animals everything will be demolished. Once it is a blank canvas it will be replanted with trees and made into an urban park with running trails, biking trails, campsites, and anything else needed. I would donate it to a conservation group to maintain as a natural space and the contract would make it unsellable and undevelopable. My gift to future generations.

The city would be banished from all decisions from that point on allowing the new zoo to immediately apply for membership to the CAZA and AZA. Joining the EAZA and the ZAA would be considered if it would increase the odds of being able to get unique animals not available through North American options and to have other places to send offspring. The particular focus would be on weaseling Australian animals out of Australia. And to comply with all those standards which ever association has the strictest or more lavish requirements we will meet and exceed them.

For the most part the zoo will keep to the current collection with vast additions to fill the space. All of the current animals need homes and will be provided with them The additions I will try to keep most reasonable and have them fit into the current AZA plans. If its on phase out I will try to avoid it but there are just some animals I think are too cool to pass up. Hopefully in those cases one of the other associations has that species in its breeding programs and will take my surplus offspring. If not I could deal with private zoos and just not breed.

I will also try to avoid unrealistic animals, like ones never kept in zoos or exceptionally rare ones. Would I like to have a leopard seal? Yes but the last captive one is dead and its just not realistic. But again I know there are some I just want to have and will include because why shouldn't I get a few perks. If I have to spend tons to get my hands on a pair of platypi then so be it.

There is one area I would avoid like the plague. No whales, dolphins or porpoises will be held at the zoo. I’m not opposed to keeping them in captivity but I do not want to become a lightning rod for the anti zoo community. If I don't have them they cannot attack me for a particularly sticky issue. I want the public on my side. Although that might not be possible considering I'm bringing elephants back in a state of the art massive facilities.

Once the zoo is set up its management will go the pros. I would become a figurehead that signs the checks. I would like the zoo to become self sufficient. A zoological society could just about run everything. The staff will be valued and their thoughts and concerns listened to so long as I own the zoo. If keepers feel an animal's needs aren't being met thats important. If the zoo can do better in some area they need to speak up and know their will be listened to.

Travel to the Zoo
I am not sure if the rail line at the southern border of the zoo is for cargo or people but if its a transit route I would like to install a station at the zoo. It would make travelling to the zoo from the core easier but would also make travelling in from other cities easier. If its cargo then fine, I have a backup plan.

It’s still pretty close to the city and major highways but to help those at the core of the city who might not have transportation available a bus will run from downtown to the zoo several times a day during the peak season and one day a week in the off season. It would depend on demand if other routes or stops were added. For those going on the bus they pay for admission and the bus before getting on and will be given a return ticket. A year long bus pass will be offered to the public and members (who still have to pay for transportation). Bus travellers will be funnelled straight into the zoo through their own gate because they already paid.

Zoo Set Up
So you have made it to the zoo. Welcome! Where do you go from here? Good question. I will give you a fast description before explaining in detail each section.

First off all along the entire length of the west side of the zoo will be the zoos important facilities that for the most part are closed to the public. Thats fine dont worry I have tons of space for you to explore.

You will either arrive at either the north west or south east entrances and enter into their respective plazas. At the northern entrance you will have the option of going west to the Fun Zone or east to the IMAX theatre or Animal Amphitheatre. From either direction you could fan out into the zoo.

I have a feeling most people would come in the southern entrance so I will start your tour there. From the plaza you could go west to the Urban Jungle or east to the Barnyard. The focus in both of theses sections is animals in our lives, how we interact with them and how we can help them.

From either one of these places you could visit North or South America. Since you’re feeling patriotic you have decided to head north from the Barnyard and thus enter North America. This area is home to animals from the plains, wetlands, forests, mountains, deserts and arctic. Along the most western section of North America will also be coastal exhibits that belong to the zoos massive Oceans pavilion.

As you reach the northernmost portions of the Arctic exhibits you will enter the Eurasian section of the zoo that will border the northern barrier of the zoo. Here will be exhibits that feature animals from the Steppe, forests, mountains, grasslands and Indo-Malaya. Lots of variation here. You could swing south and enter the Ocean pavilion or keep heading west which is what you do.

Exiting Eurasia you will encounter the Animal Amphitheatre, IMAX, Northern Gate, and Fun Zone but you can bypass them and head straight into Africa which runs the whole length of the western edge of the zoo. This area will have a rainforest pavilion, wetland, scrub, desert and savanna exhibits. Along the eastern edge will be the ocean pavilion you can go into. But you explore all of African and head south .

There you will find the Australian section. There will also be exhibits from New Zealand and other islands in the area. Animals from the outback, scrub, and rainforests will be represented. A southwestern entrance to the oceans pavillion will the be there too.

Continuing further east you have a decision to make do you head north to the Antarctic penguin pavilion or east to South America. This time you go north. Though the exhibit is meant to house Antarctic animals, it is home to all of the species of penguins. Just makes more sense to keep all of their facilities centralized but exhibits for the penguins who don't live in Antarctica will be placed as close to their section of the zoo as possible. Once in the building you could leave to the east and visit South America or go north and explore the Oceans pavilion which you have long been ignoring.

Not wanting to leave the zoo without seeing the massive aquarium you head north. The pavilion will be divided into sections including, the Great Barrier Reef, Indian Ocean, Arctic Ocean, Pacific Kelp Forest, Caribbean and tide pools.

After traveling around the pavilion counter clockwise you finally enter South America. Animals from the rainforest, mountains and grasslands will be the focus. And as you finally return to the Urban Jungle at the south Eastern edge your day is over.

If you got through all of this in one day you are one speed demon. Did you see anything for more than a split second? It realistically would take most people two days to see most things which sounds a little unfair but I want the animals to have the best.

Now that you have the lay of the land next time we can cover more.
 
I'm loving your ideas so far! One of my favourites is that you have the Oceans Pavilion connected to all of the major regions.

My plans aren't going very well, because I keep changing my mind. I don't know why, but I really want my dream version of the Toronto Zoo to be realistic. This means I only want species that can be found in captivity and I want to have a large variety of animals without the zoo feeling crowded. For example in an African region, I don't want every large carnivore species, but only two or three. If I use more than that I begin to feel like my zoo is getting to repetitive. I actually have two ideas for what I would do to the Toronto Zoo, so I would really appreciate if I could get some input as to which idea everyone would like to see more.

1. A very realistic zoo that would keep the Toronto Zoo almost exactly the same as it is. I know it sounds boring, but I like it because it shows some realistic ideas that could happen to the zoo in the future. Also in this plan I am more specific in terms of the actual species including birds and fish, which I normally don't bother researching. This plan would involve adding lots of new species around the zoo and adding a few new exhibits. Another thing that some people might like about this plan is that I keep almost all of the current animal species in this zoo. In my other idea, some of the fairly popular species are taken away.

2. A zoo that keeps the layout of the zoo fairly similar with a few major changes. This includes turning Indomalaya into a South American region and creating either a massive ocean pavilion or tundra region where the Kid's Zoo is now. What I like about this plan is that I make the zoo more organized and add quite a few new animals. One of the problems with it is that it won't be as specific as my first idea. Also, I might leave out quite a few species currently at the zoo that some of you may really like.
 
Thanks for the compliment. An ocean pavilion is one thing the zoo has always lacked. Who needs Ripley's when the zoo could have its own aquarium worthy of Toronto. Naturally I will be going overboard with it but I was more realistic last summer. Not completely realistic but some ideas were totally achievable.

I went big this time so my mind could really run wild. Odds are the space is too big because I have a real problem visualizing spacial things. Sadly I have a diagram going as I plan so at least I have a rough idea what it would look like. I have really been enjoying going big. You will definitely see that once I bring you into the zoo.

As for your zoo dont forget about the parking space. You could easily add so much more space to the zoo by simply adding a parking structure. It is realistic and feasible. Many other zoos around North America are doing that to give themselves room to expand. The zoo has the massive main lot which could be completely absorbed and use the new overflow lot for the parking structure. If the zoo were ever free of the city and was turning good profits I could see them doing that so they dont destroy the core woods. It would provide you with the space you need to sort out your problems.
 
I have thought of an idea that brings the best of both of my ideas into one zoo. I'm going to give a brief overview of what my zoo would look like before writing my much more detailed plans.

The entrance would receive a huge renovation to make it more modern and a parking garage would be created to add more space for expansion.

Indomalaya would stay as Indomalaya, but it would have many renovations and new animals added to it. Some highlights are an outdoor orangutan exhibit, expanded Indian rhino barn and exhibit and Komodo dragons moved from Australasia.

Africa would also continue to house African species. Highlights include more Madagascan species, a new hippo habitat and possibly even an African mountain exhibit.

The Americas pavilion would house only Central and South American rainforest species. Highlights include jaguars in the beaver/otter exhibits combined and lots of new reptile, bird and fish species.

Tundra Trek would be expanded into the Mayan Temple so even more species can be added. Highlights include seals, walruses and the return of musk oxen.

A new Canadian area would be created in part of Eurasia and most of the area taken up by offices and the animal health centre. Highlights include a new grizzly bear habitat, drive through bison exhibit and a Canadian pavilion home to species from grasslands, forests and wetlands.

Eurasia would remain where it is, but a lot more new species would be added to it. Also it would receive more themed areas. Highlights include a new set of Himalayan mountain exhibits and a Chinese forest home to giant and red pandas, takins and more.

Australasia would stay where it is. Highlights include a new saltwater crocodile exhibit, koalas and possibly even Tasmanian devils.

The Kid's Zoo would be turned into a new farm area. Highlights include a massive barn themed playground, pony rides and a goat and sheep petting area.

The land that used to be for the parking lot would be used to make a giant ocean pavilion. Highlights include a Caribbean shark tunnel, Great Barrier Reef tank, North Pacific coast tank and an Antarctic habitat with penguins.

The area behind the African savanna would be used for a new animal health centre, offices and greenhouse.
 
Glad to see you went with the parking structure to provide space.

I like that the komodos will be moved. I dont care what anyone says the fact they are in Australiasia has and will continue to bother me. That space can be better used by Australian animals.

Im intrigued by the African mountain exhibit.

I hope you expand the beaver and otter exhibit to hold the jaguar.

Cannot complain about any additions to Tundra Trek.

Hope the zoo listens on some of the Canadian plans.

I have a feeling Eurasia could have used you planning things. Already great with the addition of takins!

I thought you were going to be realistic. The odds of getting koalas and devils is fairly small. You could probably get a nuisance salty or two pretty easy though.

Good call on the kids zoo. Its a real mix of things and could use more focus in any direction.

Interesting to see how our oceans pavilions match up. I included several of those ideas myself.

Moving all of the services is a great idea. The greenhouse would likely be hard but the rest is easy.

Im looking forward to the detailed plans. I will be creeping through the zoo one zone at a time. I have to still finish Indo Malaya, Africa, Australia and South America... so pretty much half the zoo. Im up to 418 species though so thats nice.
 
I agree with you about the Komodo dragons. Even though they are technically found in Australasia, I think of them more as a Southeast Asian species, which is why I plan to move them.

The beaver/otter exhibits would be expanded into the forest surrounding the pavilion, but most of the trees would remain to give the jaguars a forest exhibit.

I am trying to be realistic by choosing species of animals found in captivity, although a few of them are difficult to get. My version of the Toronto Zoo is accredited by the AZA and CAZA so getting some species should be easier to get. Right now more North American zoos are starting to get Tasmanian devils, so I thought since the Toronto Zoo has had lots of experience working with them, it might be a very small possibility. Also if I'm giving the zoo devils, I thought I might as well throw koalas in too!

For my oceans pavilion, I mostly just chose regions that are commonly found in other North American aquariums. I haven't really thought that much about it yet, so my plans will probably end up changing.

I realize that moving the greenhouse could be difficult, but I need the extra space. Also, the new greenhouse that would be built would be much larger to hold an even greater variety of plants.

I can't wait to start reading other people's plans for the zoo, because hopefully they'll give me some ideas.
 
Considering we were two of 3 who participated last summer I have a feeling it will just be you and I again. Hopefully the rest of you out there reading will give it a go or at least offer comments if not your own plans. It would be nice to hear other plans. I know there were several things you offered last year I'm trying to include this time because they were brilliant.

Let me do my part and get you going on services and entrances.

Zoo Necessities
Near the north west gate and along the west side, roughly ⅓ of the zoos space will be devoted to the necessities zoo. The space provided is many times larger than most other zoos! This would be the home to the administration, maintenance, security, service vehicles, horticulture and the greenhouse, health unit, off exhibit breeding center and staff parking. Additionally I would like to offer staff some amazing facilities for their own health and well being. During their personal time they would be welcome to use the zoo’s staff facilities included a fully equipped gym, pool, steam room, and staff only restaurant.

A visual barrier to these buildings would be big old trees. Most of that would be totally off limits.

However I think it would be a great idea for both the greenhouse and health center to be open to the public. I think the greenhouse would be opened strictly prearranged tours or a tour opportunity once a day much like a moving keeper talk. Not sure.

The health unit however would be designed for visitors all day every day. Naturally its not an all access pass. I think areas people could pass by would include the nursery, food preparation area with a two way speaker so they could communicate with staff and ask questions, the bug wing, amphibian wing, reptile wing, an exam room and an operating room.

I know people will love the nursery but that only works when we have a baby in there so thats not always going to be cool. To compensate for the fact that it will hopefully only rarely be in use it can double for a recovery spot for sick or injured smaller animals who are recovering.

The nutrition unit might not sound fascinating but I think if people could talk to the nutritionist about what they are doing and how they plan out the diets of the various animals it could prove wildly popular and educational. It would give the staff a chance to interact with the public which might make their day brighter as well. Plus theres the chance that the guests could have cool ideas to share with the staff about making the distribution of the food more entertaining for both the animals and the guests. Actually that gives me an idea. On certain mornings in the summer it would be cool for guests to build enrichment items for the animals and get to see the animals receive them later in the day. Obviously it would be an experience you would have to pay for and only for animals where we cannot get them sick.

Opening up the bug, amphibian and reptile wings would allow people to learn more about the animals that often form the basis of the food chain and are some of the most endangered creatures. It could show of critical breeding programs that the zoo is part of. At times keepers could talk to guests about the breeding practices and how the zoo is helping rebuild wild populations.

An exam room would allow people to see the day to day stuff being done in the health unit. Not the life and death stuff but the basic exams, the checks when someone isn't feeling great. I might put two or 3 of them on display. It would give the vets a chance to show off what they do on a daily basis.

On the other hand there would be only one OR available for view. It would be clearly marked ahead if a surgery was going on and an exist or by pass available for those who can't handle that stuff or don't want their children to see it. If things are going badly in the surgery the staff would have blinds so they can have privacy, especially if the animal needs to be put down. That would never be on display out of respect for the animal, and staff who need their chance to say goodbye and grieve. If the blinds are closed perhaps we can project a previously taped surgery on the window and do that when there isnt a surgery.

A state of the art cryogenics lab will be built to develope one of the finest frozen zoos on Earth. Each animal that comes through the door will have blood, tissue and semen samples taken and stored. Males will have several samples taken so that they can father offspring long after their death. The zoo will explore the possibility of collecting eggs from females as well during routine exams. If it can happen thats fantastic. And I would have the zoo work with researchers in the wild to collect semen samples. At first we would work with Canadian wildlife. If a polar bear male is knocked out to put a radio collar on him why not take a semen sample if his health checks out. He can father captive born cubs and add much needed genetic diversity. As the program grows we would work with the government to get permission for sperm from other species in other countries in too. Its the best chance for genetically viable populations long term.

Quarantine will be kept private simply because the animals need to be kept isolated just in case. And frankly how can the zoo surprise guests with a new species if you can go back there.

The breeding center will be kept separate simply so that the animals back there can feel as relaxed as necessary to encourage breeding. Perhaps if there’s significant interest the zoo would allow a special once a year tour for paying guests. All facilities will be built to exceed current requirements. By devoting the majority of the space here to the zoo's breeding facilities I eliminate the need for an off site center. Here much larger groupings can be kept. Due to the sticky situation of border crossing for some animals having our own large scale breeding facility would be beneficial for all Canadian zoos. It would be worked on together. Why not have a herd of 10 rhinos breeding instead of 2 or 3? It would allow for maximum genetic diversity before needing to rely on imports. Plus the facility could charge a premium for exclusive behind the scene tours.

Arrival
Now that the zoo is massive it is probably wise to create two gates and parking zones. I would put them at the northwest and southeast corners of the zoo, giving good access to both the 407 and 401.

As I mentioned before if a rail stop can be added to the southern gate if it is a passenger line to the south of the zoo. Should VIA rail be dropping passengers off here there would be larger lockers at the zoo to hold possible luggage.

At the very edges two huge parking structures will be built. Several underground levels and several on top but not so that its an eyesore from the zoo. They will be painted colourfully and have animals all over them. Inside everything will be painted as well by a theme. Perhaps each level is a continent and zones based on animals. I would reach out to local art schools and offer a blank canvas to students. They would be asked to make submissions and get a chance to paint their approved designs. When it gets worn we could rerun the project and only have to pay for paint. It would give the zoo access to potential painters for other projects down the line.

Admission
Now that the zoo is massive I think it would be prudent to have a number of ticket options. There is zero chance any person could see the whole thing in one day and actually enjoy themselves. I want to make it affordable to enjoy the whole thing. Without knowing what I need to charge its all guesses. The prices need to stay low.

One day passes will be offered. No way you can see the whole thing. Impossible but thats your choice.

Two day pass, aimed for people who are spending a weekend in the area. Hopefully we can attract a hotel or two to the outside of the zoo to encourage that but if now I guess I could build one. Might be a good idea to do just that.

Summer pass, which would work for people who want to visit whenever they want over the summer but aren't interested in the winter. It would be valid from July-August. No perks added. These passes would be individually sold as either children or adults because I am saving the group passes for full members.

Annuall memebership, for our hard core friends. They can visit year round as many times as they please. Zoomobile passes would be free. Parking would be free. There would be 10% discounts for all gift shops, restaurants and activities (minus the arcade). They would get discounts on backstage tours, keeper for the day, zoo camps and events. And every member would be entitled to bring in a guest for 20% off because sometimes its just nice to share with a friend.

Gates
To make life easy I think it best that both gates be build the same. Upon walking up to the gates there will be beautifully filled, well manicured gardens. If possible the gardens flanking the gates would be hills with the plants making laid out to look like animals or their faces. Maybe a face or body to represent each region of the zoo, lion, tiger, panda, polar bear, macaw, kangaroo, penguin and a fish. Everything bright and lush. Lots of colour in the summer. I would like topiaries sculpted like animals but I don't want them to possibly be destroyed so I will leave those for inside.

You would walk up to the gates which would sleek and modern looking. There would be 10 ticket booths which should be able to handle the high volume in the summer. In the winter they can be reduced to one each. They would also have a separate gate for members who could be admitted fast with a flash of their cards. And which ever entrance has the bus arrive would be the bus gate for their fast admittance. School groups and prepaid bus tours can also go through this gate.

While waiting in line at the gates… sorry theres a line… you notice above several of the booths are big screen TVs. Playing on them is informative info. There will be a cute alert add for every baby under a year old (up to two years for animals that have long childhoods). The alert will tell you where you can find the baby, who its parents are, when it was born, and what its name is in a cute little video. The focus will be on mammals and birds but if there is an impressive birth of any other species they could be included. Also running on the TVs will be ads for zoo camps, restaurants, gift shops, activities, any special exhibits.and short ads for corporate sponsors.

A particularly special message will play very minute or two. It will be an add for the zoos brand new zoo app which when downloaded for a small fee will take you on a walking tour of the zoo offering commentary, videos and games. There will also be a free version of the app for school groups that requires a code and access will expire after 24 hours. The school versions will be geared towards that grades curriculum.

Tomorrow I will bring you into the zoo I promise. Probably not as far as you would like but you will be in the zoo finally.
 
I love how specific you are with your plans. In mine I never even thought of the smaller things such as a phone app, which is a great idea! I'll have to go back and add more details like what you did to make my plans even better.

Also my plans for the zoo have changed once again. While I was typing what I would like to do to Indomalaya, I realized that I really don't like the fact that there are 2 Asian animal areas on opposite sides of the zoo. Now I have the entire Eurasia loop dedicated to Asian animals and it would include a brand new pavilion for orangutans and other rainforest species. I would move my South American animals to where Indomalaya was and have the Americas pavilion focus on habitats from all around North America. Larger Canadian species would live in the Tundra Trek and Mayan Temple areas and the Arctic species would all be moved into new exhibits where the health centre and offices were.

Now I need to go back and fix my plans so I may not have any of them posted for a few days. Hopefully some other zoochat members will decide to join us and share what they would do if they bought the Toronto Zoo.
 
Thanks again. If you like that wait until you see what happens to the descriptions once we get inside.

Oh the fact Eurasia and Indo Malaya are split up is one of the things that bugs me most about the zoo. Drives me nuts because the zoo is geographically themed and it makes no sense to have those two Asian areas separate. I actually wish I could come up with totally separate European exhibits but there is too much overlap with either North America or Asia for that to work for me.

I totally understand your problem with space. You need to figure out what works best and now to make it work for your intentions. Thats why I totally ditched the site. A completely blank canvas allowed me to do whatever popped into my head without too much concern. Once I moved the power lines and rail line the only problem I had left was the Little Rouge which I think has been worked in nicely. And because I went insanely large I am free to do whatever I want knowing that there is no possible way I could realistically fill it even if I doubled or tripled the sized of the worlds biggest exhibits for each species. There's so much freedom in going big. But going realisitc has its charms too because you really have to scratch your head and think hard how to achieve what you want in limited space with difficult often wasted terrain... stupid hills and valleys.
 
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