Toronto Zoo Toronto Zoo- Births, Deaths, Arrivals and Departures 2014

Kifaru Bwana said:
Tried to do some digging on Toronto's white rhinos. I can re-trace the females and Tony, but your Tom remains an unidentified soul.

TMM, the erstwhile males Mtondo/Bull and Yeki both died in 2008. There is a third female in old Shaboola - Toronto born and bred - and at one point (around 2005-ish) a young female Leni (wildborn in 1996) from ALS Rockton was there. So, it would be interesting to know what happened to the latter two and where the fourth male rhino came out under … :confused:
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I believe Bull died at the beginning of 2008 from old age, while Yeki died in September of that year from an intestinal blockage (the Zoo attempted a life-saving surgery- http://www.torontozoo.com/pdfs/TorontoZoo20080916_WhiteRhino.pdf). Yeki was unique in that he disliked his horns and rubbed them into a stump.

Leni was at the Zoo until 2009ish. I think the plan was for her to breed with Yeki, but when he passed away, ALS took her back. That left Shaboola as the only white rhino for a short while.

Tom was born at Disney's Animal Kingdom and is turning 7 tomorrow apparently (http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions...inoceros-birth-at-disney's-animal-kingdom.htm). He arrived at the Zoo sometime in 2010/2011. The plan was that he would keep Shaboola company until the Zoo was able to obtain younger females for breeding. There was talk about importing from South Africa, but that plan fell through.

Sabi (4) and Zohari (3) arrived from Busch Garden's Tampa in the Fall of 2012 and Tony (11) arrived around the same time from Granby Zoo (originally from White Oak in Florida), while Shaboola left for Granby. Tom is supposed to be the breeding male and Tony only arrived because he and his brother were becoming too aggressive with each other.
 
Heres a list of our history with White Rhinos.

Bull's estimated birth was 1963. He came to us from San Diego Safari Park in 1974 and lived there until died in February of 2008. He had 4 offspring, Yeki, Shamboola

Bull arrived with a female I dont knows name. She died in 1985.

Also arriving that year was the female's 2 year old son who left for Calgary in 1988 and bounced around until eventually dying in 2007.

Another young female joined them. She was just one. She died at the zoo in 2001.

African Lion Safari sent us a female in 1989 and she was returned to them in 1992... probably on a breeding loan. She died in 1995.

1979 saw our first birth, Shamboola. Her mother was the one year old who came from San Diego and bull was her father. Shes never bred.

Yeki arrived in 1982 from the same female and Bull. Yeki died in September of 2009. He never bred.

A male calf was born in 1985 to the same female and Bull. He was transferred overseas the next year.

Leni was born in Kruger National Park in 1998. She went to African Lion Safari that same year. She came to Toronto to breed in late 2005 but nothing came of that. After Yeki's death she did return to African Lion Safari in May of 2008.

Tom was born at Disney's Animal Kingdom January 4, 2007. At two he arrive here.

Tony was born at White Oaks May 30, 2003 and moved to Granby with his big brother before coming here. His parents are wild born.

Sabi was born November 11 2009 at Busch Gardens to wild born parents.

Zohari was born July 12, 2010 at Busch Gardens to wild born parents. She and Sabi have the same father.

We used to have black rhinos as well but only from 1974 to 1977.

Fun fact for those of you who dont know. Bull was given to the Royal Ontario Museum when he died. They had him stuffed. He is the first thing that greets you when you approach the Schad Gallery of Biodiversity. Im glad he got to live on as a museum piece continuing to educate.

Virtual Tour generated by Panotour

Iconic: White Rhino | Royal Ontario Museum
 
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Ok I was reading an article about a pair of yearling female Komodo Dragons who have just arrived at Gladys Porter Zoo and the article says they are on loan from Toronto. I dont remember hearing that Kiliat and Kiki had bred. Did they? I suppose they could belong to us if their father or mother are any of Doni or Loka's offspring. Anyone have any ideas?

http://www.valleymorningstar.com/co...cle_631a8d18-73d4-11e3-a784-0019bb30f31a.html
 
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TZFan said:
Ok I was reading an article about a pair of yearling female Komodo Dragons who have just arrived at Gladys Porter Zoo and the article says they are on loan from Toronto. I dont remember hearing that Kiliat and Kiki had bred. Did they? I suppose they could belong to us if their father or mother are any of Doni or Loka's offspring. Anyone have any ideas?

Baby Komodo dragons debut at zoo - Valley Morning Star : News
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Kilat and Kiki have not bred. After doing a few searches, I found an article that mentioned the young komodos hatched at the Memphis Zoo. According to this article (Komodo Dragons hatched at Memphis Zoo), the mother, Norberta, is owned by the Toronto Zoo. Her father would be Doni, but the mother could be Draca or Loka.
 
Thanks Adams7. I didnt think we had been successful breeding Kiki and Kiliat. Its nice to know we have other dragons out there we could call back for breeding down the line if necessary. It would be nice to have our own little ones again. Not really a reptile person myself but komodo babies could bring in lots of guests who are.
 
TZFan said:
Heres a list of our history with White Rhinos.

Bull's estimated birth was 1963. He came to us from San Diego Safari Park in 1974 and lived there until died in February of 2008. He had 4 offspring, Yeki, Shamboola

Bull arrived with a female I dont knows name. She died in 1985.

Also arriving that year was the female's 2 year old son who left for Calgary in 1988 and bounced around until eventually dying in 2007.

Another young female joined them. She was just one. She died at the zoo in 2001.

African Lion Safari sent us a female in 1989 and she was returned to them in 1992... probably on a breeding loan. She died in 1995.

1979 saw our first birth, Shamboola. Her mother was the one year old who came from San Diego and bull was her father. Shes never bred.

Yeki arrived in 1982 from the same female and Bull. Yeki died in September of 2009. He never bred.

A male calf was born in 1985 to the same female and Bull. He was transferred overseas the next year.

Leni was born in Kruger National Park in 1998. She went to African Lion Safari that same year. She came to Toronto to breed in late 2005 but nothing came of that. After Yeki's death she did return to African Lion Safari in May of 2008.

Tom was born at Disney's Animal Kingdom January 4, 2007. At two he arrive here.

Tony was born at White Oaks May 30, 2003 and moved to Granby with his big brother before coming here. His parents are wild born.

Sabi was born November 11 2009 at Busch Gardens to wild born parents.

Zohari was born July 12, 2010 at Busch Gardens to wild born parents. She and Sabi have the same father.

We used to have black rhinos as well but only from 1974 to 1977.

Fun fact for those of you who dont know. Bull was given to the Royal Ontario Museum when he died. They had him stuffed. He is the first thing that greets you when you approach the Schad Gallery of Biodiversity. Im glad he got to live on as a museum piece continuing to educate.

Virtual Tour generated by Panotour

Iconic: White Rhino | Royal Ontario Museum
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Just to fill in the blanks a bit...

Bull arrived with a female named "Cow".

I'm not exactly sure, but I believe Cow's son may have been "Bender"... not entirely certain though.

Pistol was the female who passed away in 2001. She was the mother of all four white rhino calves born at the zoo, all sired by Bull.

Absolutely no idea regarding the 1989-1992 female.

Shaboola (1979, F), Yeki (1982, M), Not sure of name (1985, M), and Atu (1990, M) were the four calves born to Pistol and Bull at TZ. Shaboola is now at Granby Zoo, Yeki passed away, somewhere overseas for the 1985 calf, and Atu is at Parc Safari (I think).
 
Bull and Cow I like that its funny. Should have renamed her son Calf.

Im suprised calf 4, Atu, didnt show up in my oh so special resource. But it does have gaps in studbook numbers so I guess he was just missed either by the zoo or the person recording the info. Oh well I believe you more then it at times like this. I appreciate you filling in my blanks.
 
TZFan said:
And there is so many other possiblities for babies. Otters (both kinds), lemurs (as always), rumored zebras, probably another kudu, more polar bears to name a few.
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The male River Otter died some time ago - two females remain.

Inukshuk was there yesterday, eyeing the two girls across the fence, lying back in the snow scratching himself.
 
I know Neo passed away awhile back and that we had only had females Maria (a 14 year old otter) and Talise (a 3 year old wild born otter). However Cypher mentioned that they had talked to a keeper during the otters meet the keeper talk and the keeper had said they hoped the pair would breed. That would have to mean we have a new male. He would be very new to the zoo... late fall arrival (PM me if you want to know how I am certain about that). Cypher could possibly give more details from that conversation with the keeper.

I knew the big guy would be back soon. He had to be given that he needs 30 days quarantine and time to be reintroduced to his ladies love before he gets down to business. Maybe this breeding season will finally see Nikita have cubs or Aurora succeed in raising her own cubs. Considering they are breeding we better enjoy Remy while we can because if a new litter or two arrives he will be leaving us around this time next year. Wonder where he will go? Im thinking possibly Cochrane with Dad and big bro Ganuk. They have housed up to 6 bears in the past.
 
In terms of the male otter, I didn't find out much. Just that a new male was introduced with the young female, in hopes that they breed.

Zoogoer2000 was able to confirm this.
 
I do hope they are successful. Otter pups would be a big draw to an area of the zoo that can easily be overlooked. The underwater viewing would be insanely busy when they were in the water playing.
 
cypher said:
In terms of the male otter, I didn't find out much. Just that a new male was introduced with the young female, in hopes that they breed.

Zoogoer2000 was able to confirm this.
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This isn't true as far as I know and I have spoken to several keepers, including within the last 2 weeks. There is no male river otter. As Mr. Wrinkly stated, both river otters are females.
 
TZFan said:
I do hope they are successful. Otter pups would be a big draw to an area of the zoo that can easily be overlooked. The underwater viewing would be insanely busy when they were in the water playing.
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Easily overlooked? This area is steadily busy year round in my experience. It is convenient from both African areas, Australasia, Eurasia, and the entrance.

Thanks, adams7. I will be there again later in the week, weather permitting, and will ask a keeper, but I don't think anything has changed.
 
Well I've never personally had trouble finding it even as a kid... But apparently I've gone directionally challenged people who cannot find the pavilion. The sad part is its more a fair bit more than one person.

That would be awesome Mr. Wrinkly if you could ask and clear up the otter confusion. I know as of the the early fall there wasnt a male reported to be in Toronto as far as the otter SSP was concerned. Its a darn good thing we have so many of you who can go to the zoo frequently and find these things out. I wish I could be of more help.

Anyone want to take a guess when the baby gorilla will arrive and whether the big kids are getting a little brother or sister? Our own baby pool... the prize? Being right.

Ill start us off. Naturally I have to chose my own birthday for the little tyke. Come one Jan 17th. Although I dont want to wait that long... but its not like I can get away to visit until spring anyway. And Im thinking girl. History for Charles says boy. He is a boy maker but the troop would be better off with a female seeing as time is ticking against the old boy. A new silverback will almost definitely arrive before the baby reaches maturity so its probably best that we have another potential breeding female. Then we would have Ngozi, Johari and baby... the foundation of a good breeding group and a suitable male would just have to be found. I know Subria is the current choice for replacement but the baby will probably change that. Easier to bring in one unrelated male than it would be to bring Subria back. If he came home that would mean transfering Johari and a female baby (eventually), transfering Sadiki, Nassir and a baby boy or have them form a bachelor group at the zoo, and then transfer in a couple new females to bring the breeding stock back up to ideally 3. Josephine being post reproductive isnt really a factor.

Ok so my vote was Jan 17th a baby girl.
 
adams7 said:
This isn't true as far as I know and I have spoken to several keepers, including within the last 2 weeks. There is no male river otter. As Mr. Wrinkly stated, both river otters are females.
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Well, if that's the case, I was definitely given some false information by a keeper.
 
Interesting Greendottie saw three otters in the summer. Some keepers say we have a male. Some keepers dont. This seems to be the case of a phantom otter. Im very interested to hear what you learn Mr. Wrinkly. Unfortunately how can we be certain what you learn is right. Either way there is a keeper in the mix who has no idea what they are taking care of. Two people say a keeper said there was a male. Two say theres no male. Clearly some keeper is wrong. And yet a 5th person claims to have seen a male. Perhaps the only ways we can know for certain is more sightings of 3 otters together or pups arrive. Too bad Ungulate hasnt been on in a while. If anyone would be able to find out for certain one way or the other it would be our resident keeper.
 
Remy is walking! He looks so strong and viberant. I remember the clips of Hudson when he first started outside at a much older age and he still couldnt work those tricky back legs. Remy is solidly up on all fours already and has begun wobbly steps. He's definitely going to be a major star just like Hudson. Hes eating from a dish. And it looks like the little man is practicing stills he will need to swim in the future.

Toronto Zoo | Polar bear cub

Watch a Toronto Zoo polar bear cub take his first steps - Toronto - CBC News
 
Zoogoer2000 said:
Just to fill in the blanks a bit...

Bull arrived with a female named "Cow".

I'm not exactly sure, but I believe Cow's son may have been "Bender"... not entirely certain though.

Pistol was the female who passed away in 2001. She was the mother of all four white rhino calves born at the zoo, all sired by Bull.

Absolutely no idea regarding the 1989-1992 female.

Shaboola (1979, F), Yeki (1982, M), Not sure of name (1985, M), and Atu (1990, M) were the four calves born to Pistol and Bull at TZ. Shaboola is now at Granby Zoo, Yeki passed away, somewhere overseas for the 1985 calf, and Atu is at Parc Safari (I think).
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After some searching, I found some more info on the rhinos:

Bull, Cow and Bender, and Pistol all arrived from San Diego Wild Animal Park in 1974, with Bender later moving to Calgary. Bull's original name was Mtondo (changed due to the meaning of Mtondo in Zulu) and he was born in the wild in South Africa in 1963.

Bull and Pistol had 4 calves: Shaboola, Yeki, Abeeku, and Atu. Yeki spent some time at Granby Zoo before returning to Toronto, Abeeku went to Germany (Gelsenkirchen), and Atu was sold to a game park in Hemmingford, Quebec (The gentle giant; after a lifetime of showing us why extinction matters, bull the white rhino finds the perfect resting ground. - Free Online Library)

The other female who was at the Zoo from 1989-1992 was named Katie. She arrived and returned to African Lion Safari (http://books.google.ca/books?id=vDi...epage&q=white rhino katie toronto zoo&f=false pg. 360). During the time that Katie was at Toronto, Shaboola was at African Lion Safari, so there may have been some sort of loan arrangement.
 
Mr Wrinkly said:
Inukshuk was there yesterday, eyeing the two girls across the fence, lying back in the snow scratching himself.
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I don't want to doubt you, but are you positive? The Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat posted on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/#!/PolarBearHabitat) this morning that Inukshuk and Ganuk are both loving the cold temperatures. This would only make sense if both bears were in Cochrane, as I don't think they would be posting about Inukshuk if he was no longer there.
 
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