I went to the Toronto Zoo today and had a good time. Unfortunately, this is going to be a mixed review about the zoo. Now somethings I didn't like about the zoo were just circumstances of the day...animals not out in their exhibits, animals too far away, empty exhibits, pushy annoying kids, etc. And some were just my preferences...dead ends and too much space between sections. One thing I learned today is to be patient and go to the zoo at a later time! Avoiding big school groups would have made the experience so much better. I went the least popular path, but met them up at Tundra Trek during lunchtime, eek! The zoo is so big and I wanted to see it all and make sure my partner, who's never been, see it all too. So I think we got fried out. And I wish I had more concentration on the areas I saved for last. But next time...go later and see my favorite exhibits first! I definitely want to come back and focus more on certain areas and animals. Can I ask for regulars if they normally get nice admissions staff members checking them in? Today I got a girl who seemed like she hated being there and did her job with no effort. However, other zookeepers, docents, and gift shop employees were all very pleasant! I like the format of Snowleopard's reviews so I'll list my favorite, the average, and my least favorite exhibits.
Favorite Exhibits:
AFRICAN SAVANNA:
I've always liked this section probably because the the big selection of African animals. I like the nice big areas for the animals. I enjoyed the cave where you could view the lions and I liked the waterfall and space for the Olive Baboons. The only problem is if an animal decides to hang out in the back of their exhibit. It's then it's very hard to see them. That's when I wish I had a better camera. I don't think I saw half of these animals last time because I went in March when there was still snow on the ground. I almost had a little breakdown today when the hippos were not in their exhibit. I passed it thinking it was the warthog exhibit and when I saw the elephants, I knew I just passed it. I was so baffled why they weren't out! However, I soon saw a zookeeper putting hay out for the hippos to come and eat. Then it was great when they came out because they were close and actually active. So adorable! I've also always liked the walk up overview of the elephant exhibit. I went during the elephant demo with Iringa, but I didn't stay long since it was crowded and it was when the hippos came out. Do the keepers have free range (I'm forgetting the proper term) with the elephants or is the wall there so they can do training from somewhat a distance? It was an interesting concept as I haven't seen a zoo use a wall to train an elephant. One thing I'd like to see change is more space for the elephants and hippos. The other animals get big enclosures for the sizes that they are. So the bigger animals should have just as much space, if not more. I have one question; is the giraffe house always out of bounds for visitors? Last time I visited in March it was the only way to see the giraffes, but now people aren't allowed to see them. Also, did I miss the area with the Fur Seal or is she no longer there? I don't think I even saw it on the map today.
AMERICAS:
I know it smells in the pavilion, but I really liked the collection of animals. I enjoyed seeing the sloth moving about and seeing white faced sakis again! Our sakis have been off exhibit for awhile because I think the female had a baby. I unfortunately was in the area the same time a bunch of school groups were so they shoved and got in my way a lot. I didn't mind the otter exhibit, but I didn't like the half where the water level was so high. The water is so murky that you can hardly see them in water so you're lucky if you see part of their body at the surface. I decided to look at the beavers instead. One day I will see a beaver not sleeping in its dam, it hasn't happened yet! It was a treat to continue outside and walk behind the falls. Last time the falls was frozen over. They also had a nice pair of macaws in the area. A real treat was further back...the jaguars. I have seen pictures of Luca and he has such an adorable face! I also liked there was a glass area so I could take a picture without fencing in the way. The black jaguar was pacing, one of only couple animals I saw display that behavior today (which I was glad not to see!) I had a staring contest with one of the spidermonkeys and enjoyed seeing the flamingos.
TUNDRA TREK:
It's a real nice area! A place I'm sure people can enjoy in all seasons. It may be weird to see some of these animals in grass, but I'm glad they have the option of that natural setting in off cold seasons. I did notice the rocks in the polar bear exhibit did have a bit of a fake look, but they've started to age and don't look too bad. I came right around their feeding time, a treat, but also a nightmare with kids all around. I snuck down to the underwater level since it was less crowded. I enjoyed it until other people got my idea. I wish there were more of a viewing area under ground. But I finished watching the trio up above and they are all so adorable. I didn't get a chance to see them in the grass, but I did return and saw one of them got dirty! I almost didn't find the arctic wolves and it baffled me that space would be empty already. But they were just on the other side and there's a good collection of them. Do arctic foxes change color in their coats? They look grayish now and I had a woman who was trying to coax one out of hiding so she could get a picture of its new coat. I also enjoyed the animals engraved in the back of the chairs in the food area.
INDO-MALAYA AREA:
I liked both pavilions with their looks and selection of animals. I didn't mind the orangutan exhibit. It may not be the most natural looking, but they didn't have high areas and poles for the orangs to climb on. The baby was taking full advantage of that today! I didn't spot the male orangutan, not sure where he was. A peacock was on one of the pavilion's roof and it was amusing to see. I love free roaming peafowl. I also liked going down the ramp and seeing natural settings all around me. I also liked seeing the Sumatran Tigers and the Tapir! Most animals who had outside exhibits enjoyed the nice weather today. It was hard to spot the Clouded Leopard, but I did see him/her eventually.
The Average:
AUSTRALASIA:
I really wanted to like this exhibit. I loved the animals, but some were hiding or nonactive. Which I understand with some being nocturnal. I kept checking, but Hamlet the wombat was sleeping in his food plate all day. The tree kangaroo made this exhibit worth while! I'll be posting photos soon and I need your help, please, in telling me if I saw Harrington or Chrissie. I'm pretty sure it was Chrissie...I have some photos of her standing up and I think I see a pouch. She was sleepy in the morning, but we finished up with the zoo by 3 so I ran back since I was told here she's active for her feeding time. Oh so adorable! I also enjoyed seeing the Komodo Dragon and I wish I paid more attention to the wallabies inside. I wasn't impressed with Great Barrier Reef. I thought it was going to be a lot bigger than it actually was. But I must admit I could have spent more time there studying the variety of fish the tank did have. As for the outside exhibit, do the kangaroos usually stay on one side? I'm used to Cleveland and Erie where they're on both sides and closer to the path. They were so far down and it was a time I wish I had a better camera. I also didn't see the Emu, but maybe they were in another area.
KIDS ZOO:
It's hard to enjoy the area when kids are around. But I'm fully aware the area was designed for them. I enjoyed peeking my head up in the domes to see the prairie dogs. I also made sure to stick my head in the bunny ears, hatch from one of the eggs, and look like an awkward turtle. Some areas I brushed over if it was too crowded. There was a couple animals not in their areas...whether it be they were sleeping in a stump or maybe getting ready for the stage show. Maybe not the most funniest children zoo I've been too, but it had its perks.
AFRICAN RAINFOREST PAVILION:
I can't say much about it since half of it was closed off. I do miss the pygmy hippos! The gorillas were in their outside exhibit today and the baby was hitting his mother on her back, it was too funny! I thought their indoor area was quite big and although their outside exhibit might have not looked the most natural, they did have structures for them to walk up and climb around. I'll look forward to see when the pavilion is finally completed.
My Least Favorite:
EURASIA:
I feel this area needs an upgrade! Is it in the works? I saw construction in one area and a diagram of what looked like what the area would look like in the future; it looked great! I felt there were a lot of empty areas in this section and starting off with this area, it didn't get me pepped up about the zoo. I have no clue where the red pandas were. I checked all areas of their exhibit, nice space and toys for them, and I even checked high in the trees. No clue where they were. This area is so spread out too, I almost wish there were more animals or something along the way to keep visitors engaged. I did enjoy seeing the snow leopards and I like how many of the animals get dens in their exhibits to sleep in/hide in the
shade.
CANADA:
Now I've always been one who doesn't care if I have to hike down & up the hill to see this exhibit. But I feel it needs an upgrade as well. Some exhibits were empty with animals moving to Tundra Trek or the animals were hiding. I like how they're right by the woods and have that natural setting, but I wish they weren't in fenced areas, but vainly because it be easier to take pictures. I was so disappointed with the moose exhibit this time around. I had one right next to me last time I went, it made the whole venture worth while. I really wanted to see the babies. But today they were all on the other side far away. I assume I could go back to where the bison were and see them up close on that side. Unfortunately that doesn't work. And there was a dead end/restricted area where you could wrap around the moose exhibit. That's one of my complaints with the dead ends. I understand it's because its where the restricted buildings are, but I almost wish they were certain trails in areas to connect things together. One thing I did enjoy were the Grizzly Bears. One was in the water playing with his ball and he was very amusing! Part of me feels with some of these animals going to Tundra Trek and the Americas section, that they might no longer need the Canadian Section anymore. Maybe they could use the area for another section of the world. Or maybe more variety of Canadian animals. I always wish the monorail still went down there, but I just read the problems they had with it.
So even with my complaints I did end up having a pleasant time at the zoo. Like I said, there are some things I would change for next time! I got the official field guide as a souvenir even if it's a little outdated. I thought it at least provided photos of some of the animals I missed today. Do any other zoos have a similar field guide? I spotted my magnet from the Cleveland Zoo today! But this time it was titled, "Wild Animals." But my partner and I did up finding a very unique magnet! We got the polar bear one who has images and words in its body that represents Toronto. Awesome design!
I will be posting pictures sometime tomorrow!
Favorite Exhibits:
AFRICAN SAVANNA:
I've always liked this section probably because the the big selection of African animals. I like the nice big areas for the animals. I enjoyed the cave where you could view the lions and I liked the waterfall and space for the Olive Baboons. The only problem is if an animal decides to hang out in the back of their exhibit. It's then it's very hard to see them. That's when I wish I had a better camera. I don't think I saw half of these animals last time because I went in March when there was still snow on the ground. I almost had a little breakdown today when the hippos were not in their exhibit. I passed it thinking it was the warthog exhibit and when I saw the elephants, I knew I just passed it. I was so baffled why they weren't out! However, I soon saw a zookeeper putting hay out for the hippos to come and eat. Then it was great when they came out because they were close and actually active. So adorable! I've also always liked the walk up overview of the elephant exhibit. I went during the elephant demo with Iringa, but I didn't stay long since it was crowded and it was when the hippos came out. Do the keepers have free range (I'm forgetting the proper term) with the elephants or is the wall there so they can do training from somewhat a distance? It was an interesting concept as I haven't seen a zoo use a wall to train an elephant. One thing I'd like to see change is more space for the elephants and hippos. The other animals get big enclosures for the sizes that they are. So the bigger animals should have just as much space, if not more. I have one question; is the giraffe house always out of bounds for visitors? Last time I visited in March it was the only way to see the giraffes, but now people aren't allowed to see them. Also, did I miss the area with the Fur Seal or is she no longer there? I don't think I even saw it on the map today.
AMERICAS:
I know it smells in the pavilion, but I really liked the collection of animals. I enjoyed seeing the sloth moving about and seeing white faced sakis again! Our sakis have been off exhibit for awhile because I think the female had a baby. I unfortunately was in the area the same time a bunch of school groups were so they shoved and got in my way a lot. I didn't mind the otter exhibit, but I didn't like the half where the water level was so high. The water is so murky that you can hardly see them in water so you're lucky if you see part of their body at the surface. I decided to look at the beavers instead. One day I will see a beaver not sleeping in its dam, it hasn't happened yet! It was a treat to continue outside and walk behind the falls. Last time the falls was frozen over. They also had a nice pair of macaws in the area. A real treat was further back...the jaguars. I have seen pictures of Luca and he has such an adorable face! I also liked there was a glass area so I could take a picture without fencing in the way. The black jaguar was pacing, one of only couple animals I saw display that behavior today (which I was glad not to see!) I had a staring contest with one of the spidermonkeys and enjoyed seeing the flamingos.
TUNDRA TREK:
It's a real nice area! A place I'm sure people can enjoy in all seasons. It may be weird to see some of these animals in grass, but I'm glad they have the option of that natural setting in off cold seasons. I did notice the rocks in the polar bear exhibit did have a bit of a fake look, but they've started to age and don't look too bad. I came right around their feeding time, a treat, but also a nightmare with kids all around. I snuck down to the underwater level since it was less crowded. I enjoyed it until other people got my idea. I wish there were more of a viewing area under ground. But I finished watching the trio up above and they are all so adorable. I didn't get a chance to see them in the grass, but I did return and saw one of them got dirty! I almost didn't find the arctic wolves and it baffled me that space would be empty already. But they were just on the other side and there's a good collection of them. Do arctic foxes change color in their coats? They look grayish now and I had a woman who was trying to coax one out of hiding so she could get a picture of its new coat. I also enjoyed the animals engraved in the back of the chairs in the food area.
INDO-MALAYA AREA:
I liked both pavilions with their looks and selection of animals. I didn't mind the orangutan exhibit. It may not be the most natural looking, but they didn't have high areas and poles for the orangs to climb on. The baby was taking full advantage of that today! I didn't spot the male orangutan, not sure where he was. A peacock was on one of the pavilion's roof and it was amusing to see. I love free roaming peafowl. I also liked going down the ramp and seeing natural settings all around me. I also liked seeing the Sumatran Tigers and the Tapir! Most animals who had outside exhibits enjoyed the nice weather today. It was hard to spot the Clouded Leopard, but I did see him/her eventually.
The Average:
AUSTRALASIA:
I really wanted to like this exhibit. I loved the animals, but some were hiding or nonactive. Which I understand with some being nocturnal. I kept checking, but Hamlet the wombat was sleeping in his food plate all day. The tree kangaroo made this exhibit worth while! I'll be posting photos soon and I need your help, please, in telling me if I saw Harrington or Chrissie. I'm pretty sure it was Chrissie...I have some photos of her standing up and I think I see a pouch. She was sleepy in the morning, but we finished up with the zoo by 3 so I ran back since I was told here she's active for her feeding time. Oh so adorable! I also enjoyed seeing the Komodo Dragon and I wish I paid more attention to the wallabies inside. I wasn't impressed with Great Barrier Reef. I thought it was going to be a lot bigger than it actually was. But I must admit I could have spent more time there studying the variety of fish the tank did have. As for the outside exhibit, do the kangaroos usually stay on one side? I'm used to Cleveland and Erie where they're on both sides and closer to the path. They were so far down and it was a time I wish I had a better camera. I also didn't see the Emu, but maybe they were in another area.
KIDS ZOO:
It's hard to enjoy the area when kids are around. But I'm fully aware the area was designed for them. I enjoyed peeking my head up in the domes to see the prairie dogs. I also made sure to stick my head in the bunny ears, hatch from one of the eggs, and look like an awkward turtle. Some areas I brushed over if it was too crowded. There was a couple animals not in their areas...whether it be they were sleeping in a stump or maybe getting ready for the stage show. Maybe not the most funniest children zoo I've been too, but it had its perks.
AFRICAN RAINFOREST PAVILION:
I can't say much about it since half of it was closed off. I do miss the pygmy hippos! The gorillas were in their outside exhibit today and the baby was hitting his mother on her back, it was too funny! I thought their indoor area was quite big and although their outside exhibit might have not looked the most natural, they did have structures for them to walk up and climb around. I'll look forward to see when the pavilion is finally completed.
My Least Favorite:
EURASIA:
I feel this area needs an upgrade! Is it in the works? I saw construction in one area and a diagram of what looked like what the area would look like in the future; it looked great! I felt there were a lot of empty areas in this section and starting off with this area, it didn't get me pepped up about the zoo. I have no clue where the red pandas were. I checked all areas of their exhibit, nice space and toys for them, and I even checked high in the trees. No clue where they were. This area is so spread out too, I almost wish there were more animals or something along the way to keep visitors engaged. I did enjoy seeing the snow leopards and I like how many of the animals get dens in their exhibits to sleep in/hide in the
shade.
CANADA:
Now I've always been one who doesn't care if I have to hike down & up the hill to see this exhibit. But I feel it needs an upgrade as well. Some exhibits were empty with animals moving to Tundra Trek or the animals were hiding. I like how they're right by the woods and have that natural setting, but I wish they weren't in fenced areas, but vainly because it be easier to take pictures. I was so disappointed with the moose exhibit this time around. I had one right next to me last time I went, it made the whole venture worth while. I really wanted to see the babies. But today they were all on the other side far away. I assume I could go back to where the bison were and see them up close on that side. Unfortunately that doesn't work. And there was a dead end/restricted area where you could wrap around the moose exhibit. That's one of my complaints with the dead ends. I understand it's because its where the restricted buildings are, but I almost wish they were certain trails in areas to connect things together. One thing I did enjoy were the Grizzly Bears. One was in the water playing with his ball and he was very amusing! Part of me feels with some of these animals going to Tundra Trek and the Americas section, that they might no longer need the Canadian Section anymore. Maybe they could use the area for another section of the world. Or maybe more variety of Canadian animals. I always wish the monorail still went down there, but I just read the problems they had with it.
So even with my complaints I did end up having a pleasant time at the zoo. Like I said, there are some things I would change for next time! I got the official field guide as a souvenir even if it's a little outdated. I thought it at least provided photos of some of the animals I missed today. Do any other zoos have a similar field guide? I spotted my magnet from the Cleveland Zoo today! But this time it was titled, "Wild Animals." But my partner and I did up finding a very unique magnet! We got the polar bear one who has images and words in its body that represents Toronto. Awesome design!
I will be posting pictures sometime tomorrow!
