Toronto Zoo Toronto Zoo Developments 2022

[Jefferson]

Also @cypher thanks for bringing these up, I always forget to look at the RPFs for new projects, but it is a great source for the less flashy projects at the zoo.

The one that stood out to me is redoing the greenhouses to allow guest access to three instead of one including an proper entry and exit vestibule, benches and signage, and an area to have controlled access and display to rare plants, assuming for the next time Vincent Van Gross or Pablo “Pew-ew” Caso (the Corpse Plants) bloom.

This sort of links in to the plan to redo the area around the entrance for a plaza, new zoo mobile station and the eventual plans for a restaurant in the area. I like the idea of these focal guest hubs and focus on the horticulture as well as bringing people towards the animal health centre.

@TZFan Perhaps they will retro fit the old wildebeest holding to open up space in the rhino barn?

 

[TZFan]

@Jefferson it is a very small building we are talking about. The zoo has always known it was built far too small. Just had to go small to get something done when the funds ran out. It could house something smaller or they might just abandon it until they are ready to really work on the new exhibit one day.

 

[cypher]

Seeing new upcoming projects is always a bit exciting and interesting. Sometimes you get to see the initial plan, and when it's finally done, you get to see the end result in comparison.

 

[TZFan]

Interestingly the Wild Encounters has welcomed back the gorillas. I thought they would have held off on them again until next summer just to see how things develop. The rainforest encounter as been downgraded to just the aldabras. They are also offering unique wild encounters for special events like weddings and birthdays.

Toronto Zoo | Wild Encounter

 

[hyena142]

A few updates on the penguin pool construction and outdoor orangs from Dolf's insta

 

[hyena142]

another orang update from Dolf

 

[Zooer]

I saw that - but can anyone remind me what a "shift tower" is?

 

[Akula]

I believe that the shift tower is the space they will use for the orangutans to shift on exhibit. So likely a connection from the indoor exhibit to the outdoor exhibit.

 

[TZFan]

@Akula is correct. Normally they would just transfer via a chute but this time I think the plan is to get the orangs out via the O Line so they would need a tower to release them from into the exhibit. Though they do have that other O Line coming out of the front of the pavilion so maybe they want to loop that one around back over the exhibit and the tower is to get them back inside without using the exhibit. Might have to wait and see how it all works exactly. At this point the zoo should just take their time. Do it all up right and open it in the spring of 2023 finally. I can wait because it already looks a lot better than anything the zoo has been able to produce in ages.

 

[Flixox101]

I hope this shift tower gets covered with foliage. It's sort of an eye sore.

 

[hyena142]

A few more updates from Dolf. Looks like the macaws have been given a bit of a facelift

 

[cypher]

Nice photos of the shift tower. The more I see of this outdoor Orangutan exhibit, the more I like what I'm seeing. It's a shame that it's going to seemingly miss this summer, but it is what it is.

Interesting improvement to the Macaws area. Looks more natural.

 

[TZFan]

The flamingos are back on display. Nice to see the group back out on exhibit even if their pond looks a little green right now with vegetation. Im sure the flamingos will work on it. Sadly there doesn't appear to be a chick with them so unless they are artificially incubating and hand rearing any chicks I dont think we got any this year.

 

[Akula]

On July 29th, 2022 the CN Tower will be lit up with orange, black and white stripes in support of the Toronto Zoo's mission in saving tiger species and supporting tiger conservation.

As well "Teo" is the new Toronto Zoo mascot who went to the heart of Toronto to promote tiger conservation and the Toronto Zoo.

 

[animalman0341]

Hello all! Apologies if you are already know some of this - just trying to be insightful for those of us who can’t attend our increasingly more beautiful zoo as often as I am fortunate and thankful enough to!

Looks like they added a water area just across from the Gharial exhibit up-top near the Orangs. A similar one was installed in Australasia for some of the birds, so this makes me think some of the birds might be given access to this space in the future? Truly not sure how new this is but I never remember seeing it.



Looks like some of the o-line ropes are up!! Or at least a tester. Either way, it is really amazing to stand there and envision what it will be like to walk out and see an orangutan sitting there peering down! This is going to be a good one folks!



This is the space in between the old caracal/porcupine, current hornbill exhibit and the hyenas. Not sure how long this has looked like this, but it definitely stood out. Loving how a few of these smaller details catch my eye with each visit! I love the gradual improvements.



There was a painter in finishing the mural in the Tamarin exhibit. That room looks so much less like a dungeon now!



Good view of the renovated Macaw island. Gives them a lot more space to move around, and access to raised ground.



Some of the baby tur, which were extremely active today!



A wonderful surprise on a humid day! Not really a development, but I thought you’d all appreciate seeing this guy. He was sitting there for a while fixated on our last remaining Chamois.

 

[Kalvin]

@animalman0341 there used to be a very small cage there, housing a single White-crested Laughingthrush. The bird and the cage were gone sometime between september and december 2020 if I remember correctly. The empty water bit has been there just as long, maybe longer. I don't remember much about the layout of the area when the bird was there, but my first thought seeing it back then was that the horticulture staff might've cleaned up the area after the cage was removed, so that the moat was visible. But it could've also been put in after they took out the cage.

 

[hyena142]

New viewing area coming up at the outdoor orangs

 

[TZFan]

Each glimpse we are given of the exhibit as it develops now gives me such hope that we are going to get an incredible new exhibit. Its already way cooler than the gaur exhibit it is replacing.

 

[Zooer]

This is definitely on message and very welcome:

 

[hyena142]

Some updates on the penguins and outdoor orangs from Dolf




Speaking of the orangs when I was there yesterday the zoomo driver said they were aiming for late summer, which is a far cry from the next summer I heard last time. Personally I think next year is far more likely for a number of reasons but it'd be cool if they got it done before the snow hits.