Toronto Zoo Toronto Zoo Developments 2021
- Thread starter TZFan
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Oh interesting and very important to know. Its a decent choice for the stop though. Close to all the service buildings so bringing up more cleaning supplies is easier. Its also not close to the restaurant like the main station so people are more spread out. The only other choice that would work is the savanna station (domain is probably too remote), but with the picnic tables nearby Tundra Trek seems like a better option. They could probably spread the line better there too.
Does it go down into the domain? Oh wait I saw the live today and I know they are using the old zoomos. Never mind.
Does it go down into the domain? Oh wait I saw the live today and I know they are using the old zoomos. Never mind.
Below article is about a free bus service that will run from downtown to Toronto Zoo, Rouge Park.
Service will run on weekends and holidays for the summer and may be extended into the fall.
Free bus from downtown to Toronto Zoo, Rouge Park launching this month | Urbanized
Service will run on weekends and holidays for the summer and may be extended into the fall.
Free bus from downtown to Toronto Zoo, Rouge Park launching this month | Urbanized
@hyena142, I thought this would be coming any time now. I did see a photo of them in the dayroom so clearly the cub is ready for the adventure of the dayroom. She will probably only be in there for several weeks to ensure they are taking no risks with a cub so vulnerable to covid. I know increase distancing exists to protect them but she is their only surviving cub from what will be Mazy's last litter and Mazy is high ranking. Extreme caution is likely to be taken. Bet a naming contest kicks off next week too.
A naming contest would be really great. Great Public engagement. But I really hope they don't put some really lame names in their. Amani's naming contest in my opinion had some of the most Cliche giraffe names such as Mosi. But I can't wait to see the cub. In terms of crowds those are inevitable. When I went to see the pandas every time it would always be huge crowds at one exhibit even when they gave members the early access. But it really shows that people go nuts for the baby version of the animals.
hyena142
Well-Known Member
An update from the zoo's twitter: Now that Ontario's moved to phase 3 pavilions are reopening with limited capacity starting Friday, and masks are mandatory when you're inside them. Also starting Friday members don't need to book a time anymore, you can show up whenever you want and show your card at the entrance and they'll let you in like normal.
That's interesting. So that means overall capacity will be increased. They're still selling ticket to non members by time slot, but members can come and go as they please. So, limits would be unpredictable for the zoo to control. Either way, I think it's a good thing.
@cypher, I dont think the limits would be too unpredictable. They have several weeks of members data to gage things by now and they could also look to last summers data. They probably have a good idea that say 500 members visit a day on average so they just keep purchased tickets a little further below that and they are good for the most part. Members are also more likely to come for a few hours and then bail in comparison to a paying guest who probably wants to make the most out of the admissions price. The point is the zoo is probably far more aware of members trends then we think. They have been tracking us for years. They will also probably really appreciate the app too when its developed if it has a GPS component so they can track traffic flow around the zoo and when people leave. Ah the spying... I mean data mining... that will be possible when the zoo joins the rest of us in the modern age. Lol.
Every little bit they can increase capacity is important for the zoo to help feed the animals after a rough 18 months.
Here is the new list for Wild Encounters and several of them offer 2-3 visits a day.
Penguin
Giraffe
Kangaroo
Clouded Leopard
Camel
Indian Rhino
Savanna Hoofstock (Zebra, Eland, Watusi)
Grizzly Bear and Bison
Polar Bear
Hopefully even more will be added in the future so we can get back up to the large selection we had in 2019 but the zoo needs to do what it needs to do to keep the animals safe.
Every little bit they can increase capacity is important for the zoo to help feed the animals after a rough 18 months.
Here is the new list for Wild Encounters and several of them offer 2-3 visits a day.
Penguin
Giraffe
Kangaroo
Clouded Leopard
Camel
Indian Rhino
Savanna Hoofstock (Zebra, Eland, Watusi)
Grizzly Bear and Bison
Polar Bear
Hopefully even more will be added in the future so we can get back up to the large selection we had in 2019 but the zoo needs to do what it needs to do to keep the animals safe.
@hyena142, I can't think of one reason why going in March or April of 2020 wouldn't have worked out. Lol.
What is troubling about Terra Lumina being closed for most of the first 2 years it has been open is that to get the funding for it the zoo asked for a 5 year loan from the city. I highly doubt there is any way its going to end up being a profitable venture for the zoo and they may even have a problem recouping enough money to repay the loan. The timing of the pandemic was just horrible for the zoo. It had barely been open 4-5 months (during the cold of winter) and missed the hype it could have had during its first full summer. Yes it was open for part of last summer but at reduced capacity. They also lost last Christmas when people really like to go looking at lights. They could open it now at full capacity (which they wont) but people know its been around for awhile so it will lack the same level enthusiasm they could have used last summer. I do hope they can repay the loan and pad their pockets a little but it will be a tough go. I'd like to think the city will be generous and extend the loan but the zoo does have a difficult relationship with city council so I wont hold my breath on that one.
What is troubling about Terra Lumina being closed for most of the first 2 years it has been open is that to get the funding for it the zoo asked for a 5 year loan from the city. I highly doubt there is any way its going to end up being a profitable venture for the zoo and they may even have a problem recouping enough money to repay the loan. The timing of the pandemic was just horrible for the zoo. It had barely been open 4-5 months (during the cold of winter) and missed the hype it could have had during its first full summer. Yes it was open for part of last summer but at reduced capacity. They also lost last Christmas when people really like to go looking at lights. They could open it now at full capacity (which they wont) but people know its been around for awhile so it will lack the same level enthusiasm they could have used last summer. I do hope they can repay the loan and pad their pockets a little but it will be a tough go. I'd like to think the city will be generous and extend the loan but the zoo does have a difficult relationship with city council so I wont hold my breath on that one.
Went to the Zoo again this week ... and got to see Mazy's cub! I went for 10am and headed right there. There was a short line that moved very quickly. Once in the actual exhibit area there are green dots for social distancing that you stand on. A staff member directs you to the dots, then gives you 30-60 seconds at that dot and then asks you to move to the next dot ... it's a great system to keep the line moving and give everyone a chance to see the little one!
The cub was quite playful when I was there
I don't think I've ever seen a baby tiger before, so they were fun to watch! I too hope they have a naming contest! I think it's such a great way to engage guests!
The Zoomobile is now open to everyone, with pick-up at the Tundra and Savanna stations. But of course I did not realize that had changed and trekked back to the front entrance to hop on it ... boo hiss boo the front entrance was closed! So next time!
One thing that surprised me, at the front entrance a masked-volunteer was actively seeking guests out as they arrived to tell them that they did not need to wear their masks except at designated spots. When I asked him about the Zoomobile, he answered my question and then told me I didn't need to be wearing my mask. I can understand if people seek him out to ask what the policy is, but to actively discourage people from wearing their masks is not appropriate. I was just a few feet from him when he told me. I'm fully vaccinated
but he doesn't know that. And what about the animals - the signs say - wear your masks because the animals cannot. He might have thought he was being considerate to me, but what about the wider community?
The water fountains and water refilling stations were all open this time ... so I suspect what I saw a few weeks back was their installation or maintenance.
The Zoo was a lot busier than any time I've been during Covid (apart from when we went for Terra Lumina) ... and it was lovely! I don't have children and getting back into public places reminds me how much I miss hearing kids laugh, being inquisitive and even being a bit bratty
Even with the increase in guests, I continued to feel that the guests were very respectful of my space, were socially distancing and complying with mask requirements.
And I love that the next step in the Zoo's reopening is that members don't have to book a timed-ticket!
The cub was quite playful when I was there
I don't think I've ever seen a baby tiger before, so they were fun to watch! I too hope they have a naming contest! I think it's such a great way to engage guests!The Zoomobile is now open to everyone, with pick-up at the Tundra and Savanna stations. But of course I did not realize that had changed and trekked back to the front entrance to hop on it ... boo hiss boo the front entrance was closed! So next time!
One thing that surprised me, at the front entrance a masked-volunteer was actively seeking guests out as they arrived to tell them that they did not need to wear their masks except at designated spots. When I asked him about the Zoomobile, he answered my question and then told me I didn't need to be wearing my mask. I can understand if people seek him out to ask what the policy is, but to actively discourage people from wearing their masks is not appropriate. I was just a few feet from him when he told me. I'm fully vaccinated
but he doesn't know that. And what about the animals - the signs say - wear your masks because the animals cannot. He might have thought he was being considerate to me, but what about the wider community? The water fountains and water refilling stations were all open this time ... so I suspect what I saw a few weeks back was their installation or maintenance.
The Zoo was a lot busier than any time I've been during Covid (apart from when we went for Terra Lumina) ... and it was lovely! I don't have children and getting back into public places reminds me how much I miss hearing kids laugh, being inquisitive and even being a bit bratty
Even with the increase in guests, I continued to feel that the guests were very respectful of my space, were socially distancing and complying with mask requirements. And I love that the next step in the Zoo's reopening is that members don't have to book a timed-ticket!
@kknudsen, oh how I wish they had thought about distancing and traffic flow in the indoor exhibit area when the pandas were there. It would have made the panda experience so much more enjoyable.
That is a shame there isnt big signage letting you know where the two stops are for the zoomo because you cannot be be only one who trekked all the way back to the main station for nothing. Too bad you missed out on seeing the Przewalski's horse foal.
Oh that does not sound good about the volunteer encouraging people to remove their mask. I wonder if he was doing that because the zoo told him to or because he thought it was a good idea. I'm fully vaccinated too now and can live a normal life as of Monday but I still think wearing the mask is the right thing for those who aren't yet or can't yet be vaccinated. The zoo is full of kids under 12 who can't be vaccinated yet so the zoo should be considering them just as much as the animals.
Did you get into any of the pavilions?
That is a shame there isnt big signage letting you know where the two stops are for the zoomo because you cannot be be only one who trekked all the way back to the main station for nothing. Too bad you missed out on seeing the Przewalski's horse foal.
Oh that does not sound good about the volunteer encouraging people to remove their mask. I wonder if he was doing that because the zoo told him to or because he thought it was a good idea. I'm fully vaccinated too now and can live a normal life as of Monday but I still think wearing the mask is the right thing for those who aren't yet or can't yet be vaccinated. The zoo is full of kids under 12 who can't be vaccinated yet so the zoo should be considering them just as much as the animals.
Did you get into any of the pavilions?
Well on today's visit I did manage to get into the pavilions. The Indo pavilion was going nuts as Budi and Sekali were vocalizing super loudly as they were mating. The keeper said that Sekali was cycling and they gave them the big exhibit for space. Sekali and Budi were also marking up their territory and gosh the smell was super strong. LOL, A smell I will never forget.
The African Pavilion was super quiet though, calm atmosphere for sure. The big gorilla troop was inside and The bachelors were outside running around in the rain. Also I did not see any of the African otters or the Tortoises. Also Penelope was on her own and Harvey was really interested in Kindia who was behind the scenes but I could still see her feet.
But those were the only pavilions I hit today.
The Zoomobile ride was quite interesting. The firs thing was that the Lion Tailed Macaques are down to 2 I thought that there were 3 but as the commentator stated it was only Dave and Vina left. Then I got to catch a glimpse of the baby P-Horse but he quickly ran away with mom to the back of the drive-thru. Also the Bull Yak was gone the commentator said that there were only girls now. So I guess he either was shipped off or passed away. Then passing the Amur Tiger house the behind the scenes area had 2 shipping crates which seemed odd as they just had a cub who is super cute and even jumping on Mazy.
The Americas had quite the event going on as Luca was not out. This was do to some people in the enclosure taking lengths of the perimeter and area and also testing the durability of the climbing structures and they were even checking how level things were.
Tundra Trek was as usual.
Also it may be important to us or not but the Zoomobile Commentator did not mention Lynx when naming the animals that could be found in the Canadian Domain.
The African Pavilion was super quiet though, calm atmosphere for sure. The big gorilla troop was inside and The bachelors were outside running around in the rain. Also I did not see any of the African otters or the Tortoises. Also Penelope was on her own and Harvey was really interested in Kindia who was behind the scenes but I could still see her feet.
But those were the only pavilions I hit today.
The Zoomobile ride was quite interesting. The firs thing was that the Lion Tailed Macaques are down to 2 I thought that there were 3 but as the commentator stated it was only Dave and Vina left. Then I got to catch a glimpse of the baby P-Horse but he quickly ran away with mom to the back of the drive-thru. Also the Bull Yak was gone the commentator said that there were only girls now. So I guess he either was shipped off or passed away. Then passing the Amur Tiger house the behind the scenes area had 2 shipping crates which seemed odd as they just had a cub who is super cute and even jumping on Mazy.
The Americas had quite the event going on as Luca was not out. This was do to some people in the enclosure taking lengths of the perimeter and area and also testing the durability of the climbing structures and they were even checking how level things were.
Tundra Trek was as usual.
Also it may be important to us or not but the Zoomobile Commentator did not mention Lynx when naming the animals that could be found in the Canadian Domain.
@Akula the shipping crates behind the tigers could just be stored there much like there are usually crates and trailers in the savanna barn area. Could also be its time for a full health check for Vasili but that wouldn't explain two crates.
That's interesting to have got to see the zoo inspecting the jag enclosure. Could have been an inspection for just safety but also maybe design teams working on and getting familiar with their future project. I wouldnt be surprised if it was a design team on a research mission considering the zoo is working so hard to get rid of the spider monkeys.
I think its safe to say the lynx is gone considering coons are in the exhibit. Nowhere else in the domain to put her since the red fox is now in the wolf exhibit. The only question I have about it is, did she die or was she transferred out? Really a pity because just one less Canadian species and one of the more stunning ones in my opinion.
I love you guys are back to visiting and so much can be learned again!!!
That's interesting to have got to see the zoo inspecting the jag enclosure. Could have been an inspection for just safety but also maybe design teams working on and getting familiar with their future project. I wouldnt be surprised if it was a design team on a research mission considering the zoo is working so hard to get rid of the spider monkeys.
I think its safe to say the lynx is gone considering coons are in the exhibit. Nowhere else in the domain to put her since the red fox is now in the wolf exhibit. The only question I have about it is, did she die or was she transferred out? Really a pity because just one less Canadian species and one of the more stunning ones in my opinion.
I love you guys are back to visiting and so much can be learned again!!!