Toronto Zoo Questions I have about Toronto zoo

G

Greendottie

Active Member
I love the Toronto zoo but always have so many questions need help
Is there away to tell the elephants apart?
How many orangutans are at the zoo? Only see four
Usually
 
re. Elephants

There are three females. Their names are Toka, Iringa and Thika. Toka has the long tusks, with one that is broken. She also has a small hole in one of her ears. Iringa is very easy, she has a large rip in one ear and short stubby tusks. The one without these characteristics would be Thika, who is leaner and taller as well

re. Orangutans

There are 6 orangutans at Toronto Zoo, 3 adult females and 3 youngsters (who are all offspring of each adult female. Puppe is the mother to male "Budi" (Born 2005). These two live together in one group, as they do not get along with the other groups females. Ramai and Sekali are the mothers to male "Kembali" (Sekali's son, 2006) and female Jingga (Ramai's daughter, 2006). They live together as the second group, the one you usually see, although Sekali is occasionally housed with Puppe and Budi (Ramai and Puppe do not get along)
 
Thank you. Is there certain time of day that
Most of the animals are out? We have been different days and
Are never able to see the bats and lemurs. Also the tapir is always out even though
the sign at gate says Baribusa in morning.
 
Animals out on exhibit are sorta hit and miss, but dusk and dawn are probably the best time to see animals active. I have never had a problem seeing the lemurs or bats. The tapir and baribusa share the same exhibit so again it just depends on what day the keepers have them out.

Special exhibit previews are usually days for members, press, or VIPs to get a sneak peak of the newest thing at the zoo, I am assuming you are talking about the white lions?
 
What's going on with the orangutan breeding, and the orangutan exhibit in general? I thought the zoo was building a new indoor/ outdoor exhibit complex in the next few years?
 
A weekday has always been a good time to go to the zoo. Usually less people around. And honestly if you want to really have time to look around without crowds try a winter visit. No one is around. The animals outdoors might be a little more lively in the cold, yes some are off exhibit but then theres everyone inside to visit. With no crowds you can really take a leisurely stroll through the pavillions. Its an underrated time to go. Spring and fall are awesome times to go too, so its cooler for both you and the animals.

Orangutan breeding is a tricky question. While the youngsters are all old enough now to have a sibling arrive we currently lack an adult male. The zoo has sperm from two previous males deceased males I believe so more young are possible. However if a new exhibit is indeed on the way they may wait. Also Puppe is fairly old I believe and might be too old for breeding given the amount of time young orangutans spend with and dependant on mom. She might not be able to have more young or they might not want risk her dying while a new baby is young especially since it wouldnt socialize with the other adults often and it would have an older brother not sister (who could care for it if puppe died). The other females however are still breeding age. The zoo also might not have the space for much more than 6 orangutans. Without space they would have to wait until the current youngsters are independant enough to be moved to other zoos. Probably sooner for the boys than Jingga. I guess it would depend a lot on what the zoo wanted and what the AZA recommended for breeding. I personally think a lot of it will depend on the zoos plans for the exhibit because what would be better for the opening of a brand new exhibit than a couple of newborn orangutans and an impressive looking new adult male. I think we'll just have to wait and see.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top