Toledo Zoo Toledo Zoo and Aquarium News 2024

[JVM]

Thank you all for so much help. I had assumed Toledo was a winter-friendly zoo as so much of what I knew about it was relating to the buildings and bird and reptile collections, but finding out they had elephants, rhinoceros, and hippos made me a bit more curious about their megafauna housing, and it sounds like they should be still be visible enough. It sounds like a great weekend trip, the only reason I've put it off is some of my other zoos of interest seemed a bit more weather-sensitive. I asked about rarities because with birds and reptiles there are groups I'm not good with.

Time isn't a huge issue as I prefer full days whenever possible. Lincoln Park Zoo can be done in a couple of hours but I usually hang around until closing regardless and take a leisurely enough pace that I usually take more hours to finish than anyone on zoochat would.

My last two questions: Can someone tell me more about the train and how it relates to seeing species in the winter? Does it go through a barn? Also, is there indoor viewing for the Tasmanian devils?

 

[birdsandbats]

Thank you all for so much help. I had assumed Toledo was a winter-friendly zoo as so much of what I knew about it was relating to the buildings and bird and reptile collections, but finding out they had elephants, rhinoceros, and hippos made me a bit more curious about their megafauna housing, and it sounds like they should be still be visible enough. It sounds like a great weekend trip, the only reason I've put it off is some of my other zoos of interest seemed a bit more weather-sensitive. I asked about rarities because with birds and reptiles there are groups I'm not good with.

Time isn't a huge issue as I prefer full days whenever possible. Lincoln Park Zoo can be done in a couple of hours but I usually hang around until closing regardless and take a leisurely enough pace that I usually take more hours to finish than anyone on zoochat would.

My last two questions: Can someone tell me more about the train and how it relates to seeing species in the winter? Does it go through a barn? Also, is there indoor viewing for the Tasmanian devils?

If you spend all day at Lincoln Park, then you'll probably need multiple days to see Toledo tbh.

 

[JAG]

This is especially true for Toledo. The outdoor exhibits are (mostly) unimpressive. They’re not particularly bad, just not particularly good. A few bird rarities but that’s about it if you’ve been to a few major zoos already. The real appeal are the many buildings. Each has dozens of exhibits loaded with rare, interesting animals. ProMedica has non-animal dioramas, too. So the zoo grounds aren’t that big. Solid mid-size zoo. You could walk it or see an equivalent zoo of its size in a brisk half day. But Toledo? No. The buildings essentially double, if not triple, the amount of time it takes to see the place.

Good to know. Have I mentioned how glad I am that I found this forum? So much helpful, practical information it would be hard to find anywhere else.

 

[15399]

I would not recommend trying to see the whole zoo in just half a day, although as @Neil chace has said, it is possible.

Correct- I wouldn't recommend half a day either, I was just saying that it can be done. On my visit, I was limited by time as I had to leave by mid-afternoon, and despite researching the exhibits to know where to prioritize, I managed to see the whole zoo (minus the farm and nature play sections). That included multiple trips through both ProMedica and the Aviary as well. I would've loved longer to actually read graphics, spend more time in the dart frog walk-through, etc., but if I could see the zoo in half a day it shouldn't be a problem to see everything in a day moving at a reasonable pace.

Another thing good to know @JVM: the main nature play section of the zoo does have animal exhibits, including pied tamarins, inside the building. I didn't wander through the outdoor sections as I don't think there are any animals there, but definitely pop in the building to see the tamarins.

 

[USZOOfan42]

My last two questions: Can someone tell me more about the train and how it relates to seeing species in the winter? Does it go through a barn? Also, is there indoor viewing for the Tasmanian devils?

The train passes by a bts cheetah yard and many outdoor barns for hoofstock species that are viewable from the train, the train passes right next to it. There are multiple groups of devils with 2 of them currently in an indoor enclosure.

 

[Smaggledagle]

On August 5th, the zoo announced that a (0.1) lowland nyala named Peach was born on June 8th which is on exhibit.

Nyala Baby, Peach | We have some news that is just peachy! Welcome the newest Nyala baby born at the Toledo Zoo, Peach. She was born on June 8 to Sunny and Orek and can... | By The Toledo ZooFacebook

On August 17th, the zoo announced that a (1.0) snow leopard named Murphy was born on May 31st to Shishir x Greta and is now on exhibit.

Meet the newest Toledo Zoo resident pouncing into our hearts... Snow leopard cub, Murphy! This significant birth, part of a Snow leopard Species... | By The Toledo ZooFacebook

On August 23rd, the zoo announced that (2.0) Giant Malaysian leaf insects hatched, a rare occurrence.

The Toledo Zoo

 

[TigerValley98]

Video about the zoo’s Tasmanian devil project. You also get to see the new area for the devils.

 

[CMP]

Toledo is a great winger zoo but there are a few animals you may miss including, many African species (possible to see if you do the train), and a few tortoises (galapagos and leopard). The phesantry and flamingo habitats could also be closed. Almost all of their larger animals have indoor viewing but if you do take the train you would be able to see the African species off display. As for must see exhibits I would say are the museum, aquarium and aviary.
The hippos may be the only animals you would not see but they are usually out and the indoor viewing may be viewable.

I'm also thinking of visiting sometime soon, perhaps Thanksgiving break. Chances of pheasantry being open then? Also, is there a reason the GBBG would not be out given they are a very hardy and cold tolerant species during the winter?

Thank you all for so much help. I had assumed Toledo was a winter-friendly zoo as so much of what I knew about it was relating to the buildings and bird and reptile collections, but finding out they had elephants, rhinoceros, and hippos made me a bit more curious about their megafauna housing, and it sounds like they should be still be visible enough. It sounds like a great weekend trip, the only reason I've put it off is some of my other zoos of interest seemed a bit more weather-sensitive. I asked about rarities because with birds and reptiles there are groups I'm not good with.

Time isn't a huge issue as I prefer full days whenever possible. Lincoln Park Zoo can be done in a couple of hours but I usually hang around until closing regardless and take a leisurely enough pace that I usually take more hours to finish than anyone on zoochat would.

My last two questions: Can someone tell me more about the train and how it relates to seeing species in the winter? Does it go through a barn? Also, is there indoor viewing for the Tasmanian devils?

Something to note is that, at least when I've checked in years past, there have been very odd 'zoo-light' type event hours. 4pm-10pm IIRC during the winter months. Very bizarre and I'd definitely corroborate this closer to your trip date, as it seemed opening times were also varied.

 

[USZOOfan42]

I'm also thinking of visiting sometime soon, perhaps Thanksgiving break. Chances of pheasantry being open then? Also, is there a reason the GBBG would not be out given they are a very hardy and cold tolerant species during the winter?

If you are able to find a warmer day in the winter (at least 50*) the only closed exhibits are the outdoor tortoise yards, meerkats and one or two bird habitats at pheasantry. As in GBBG I believe you mean Greater Black-Backed Gull, they sometimes are in for the winter and sometimes aren’t, it depends on the day you visit. If you visit on a day at least below 50* it is likely you miss out on africa, hippos and the GBBG along with the other birds in the flamingo outdoor aviary.

 

[Milwaukee Man]

10 rhinoceros viper babies born:

Toledo Zoo announces 10 new snakes born | wtol.com

 

[birdsandbats]

If you are able to find a warmer day in the winter (at least 50*) the only closed exhibits are the outdoor tortoise yards, meerkats and one or two bird habitats at pheasantry. As in GBBG I believe you mean Greater Black-Backed Gull, they sometimes are in for the winter and sometimes aren’t, it depends on the day you visit. If you visit on a day at least below 50* it is likely you miss out on africa, hippos and the GBBG along with the other birds in the flamingo outdoor aviary.

It's so strange they bring the Great Black-backed Gulls in for winter, that's probably one of the most cold-tolerant species in the entire zoo. I've seen these guys in the wild times when temperatures are well below 0° F, and nearly always with a strong wind chill as well.

 

[USZOOfan42]

It's so strange they bring the Great Black-backed Gulls in for winter, that's probably one of the most cold-tolerant species in the entire zoo. I've seen these guys in the wild times when temperatures are well below 0° F, and nearly always with a strong wind chill as well.

I probably was wrong but there is either every bird in the habitat or none from based off my visits, I visit in the winter twice each year.

 

[CMP]

I probably was wrong but there is either every bird in the habitat or none from based off my visits, I visit in the winter twice each year.

What about the eider and penguins? Are they out in the cold?

 

[USZOOfan42]

What about the eider and penguins? Are they out in the cold?

They are in a different habitat. My response was meant just for the flamingo habitat, I rarely see the penguins but I always see the ducks and eiders.

 

[CMP]

They are in a different habitat. My response was meant just for the flamingo habitat, I rarely see the penguins but I always see the ducks and eiders.

Yes, I was referring to the aquarium adjacent enclosure.

 

[blospz]

Three Sichuan takin now at the zoo: Log in to Facebook

“
What's everyone Takin' about? The newest hoofed residents on exhibit at the Toledo Zoo! ️

Meet Tenzin (male), Poppy (female) and Lily (female), our trio of Sichuan takin, the first of their species to reside at the Toledo Zoo.

Weighing up to 880 lbs and standing 4 feet tall at the shoulders, Takins are built for their rugged, mountainous habitats in Southwest China and the Eastern Himalayas.

With their split hooves and rear-curving horns, they navigate treacherous terrains effortlessly and are active throughout the day, making any time a great time to visit.

Guests can find the Takin on exhibit daily in Tembo Trail.

We encourage guests to visit tomorrow, Oct. 19, at 10:30 a.m. while the Takin enjoy some special enrichment.

Plan your visit at https://www.toledozoo.org/”

 

[USZOOfan42]

Three Sichuan takin now at the zoo: Log in to Facebook

“
What's everyone Takin' about? The newest hoofed residents on exhibit at the Toledo Zoo! ️

Meet Tenzin (male), Poppy (female) and Lily (female), our trio of Sichuan takin, the first of their species to reside at the Toledo Zoo.

Weighing up to 880 lbs and standing 4 feet tall at the shoulders, Takins are built for their rugged, mountainous habitats in Southwest China and the Eastern Himalayas.

With their split hooves and rear-curving horns, they navigate treacherous terrains effortlessly and are active throughout the day, making any time a great time to visit.

Guests can find the Takin on exhibit daily in Tembo Trail.

We encourage guests to visit tomorrow, Oct. 19, at 10:30 a.m. while the Takin enjoy some special enrichment.

Plan your visit at https://www.toledozoo.org/”

Is it the old yak habitat?

 

[Baryonyx]

Is it the old yak habitat?

I would assume so. Does this mean the Camels, Reindeer, and Yak while stay in Africa?

 

[USZOOfan42]

I would assume so. Does this mean the Camels, Reindeer, and Yak while stay in Africa?

Seems like it, are the yak in Africa still? I have only seen them at the new takin habitat.

 

[USZOOfan42]

Question- Should I create a species list for this wonderful facility? My only concern is the museum and aquarium. With the mountain load of unsigned species ( I struggled with Detroit) and the amount of time this will take.