Toronto Zoo Toronto Zoo Developments 2024

I have to admit, I'm in the camp of the Core Forest boardwalk being worse than the path we had before, purely because of my experience with it last year during my annual visit. I've got some mobility issues and amazingly enough never had anywhere near as much trouble scaling the original path as I did with the new boardwalk. Doesn't help that there wasn't much in the way of sitting areas, I saw like one bench that was already totally occupied, and I'm pretty sure the wonky turns they added just make it needlessly longer, but maybe that was also because I pulled a muscle in my thigh halfway up and had to go much slower from there. The whole ordeal really ruined my day, a day that already wasn't going well, and contributed to my decision to cut the visit short after going through the Savannah. It was such a bad experience for me that I've decided to alter my whole path this year so I go DOWN the Core Forest boardwalk instead of up, and I pray that the new Indo-Malaya boardwalk isn't as bad.
 
I've used both boardwalks and found them both more tolerable. Granted, I don't have mobility issues, but both boardwalks are far less steep, making them more ideal for those in wheelchairs, which I'm sure was the main reasoning for the AODA compliance requirement. In terms of seating areas, I thought there were the same amount as previously, assuming you're not counting the curb. At the same time, seating was never a priority.
 
I'm surprised by the number of people saying the new boardwalk is less of a chore to travel, given my own struggle with it. I'm also nearly certain there's less seating, but maybe I was too distracted by my pulled muscles to notice if there was more. Either way, it wasn't pleasant, and I hope the walk down it is easier than going up was.

At the same time, I don't really get where the other user is coming from with the maintenance concerns--the Indo-Malaya boardwalk existed for 49 years, enduring 49 harsh icy Ontario winters, and kept up just fine, after all. Don't see why this one would fare any differently.
 
AJ the TZ Guy said:
I'm surprised by the number of people saying the new boardwalk is less of a chore to travel, given my own struggle with it. I'm also nearly certain there's less seating, but maybe I was too distracted by my pulled muscles to notice if there was more. Either way, it wasn't pleasant, and I hope the walk down it is easier than going up was.

At the same time, I don't really get where the other user is coming from with the maintenance concerns--the Indo-Malaya boardwalk existed for 49 years, enduring 49 harsh icy Ontario winters, and kept up just fine, after all. Don't see why this one would fare any differently.
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Hi AJ, my comparison of maintenance, construction cost and longevity was between asphalt on grade vs the new composite steel and wood on concrete footings construction. The original asphalt roads will almost certainly out live all of us. The original core wood walkway had trees growing right through it, which proved that having trees growing through boardwalks is problematic, all of those large trees were eventually removed for visitor safety concerns and the walkway patched. The original walkway was much wider and shorter and you are correct on there being no room for seats on the new narrow, winding, raised pathway that replaced the full scale asphalt road. Snow previously plowed from the asphalt road surface and the application of sand & salt previously done by trucks and tractors must now be done by gravely walk behind blade and blower or by labourers with hand shovels. You might have also noticed no waste receptacles along the length of the core woods walkways because garbage collection is more difficult where you can't drive trucks to collect it. Possibly the thought is people will no longer litter if there are fewer trash cans to fill. When the zoo first opened I was tasked with snow removal and to collect trash from under the boardwalks where the street sweeper could not work, now labourers can do the same under all of the core woods walkways.

The zoomobile was my dads idea 50+ years ago and it only operates on asphalt roads. If you use the zoomobile to travel between the domains you will see far more and spend much less time and effort hiking. Riding the zoomobile becomes complicated if you are pushing a kids stroller so best to travel light when using it and wheelchair space on the train is also limited. Best wishes with your next zoo visit!
 
Judache said:
Glad you're an engineer and an architect, and also have such intimate knowledge of the requirements and how they would safely, legally, and sensibly fit in to the available space.
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5 years training in architectural drafting, structural design and survey, they were my favourite subjects.
 
There is now a robot named Bubs that delivers food to animals so the Zoo can reduce time, carbon emission and keepers to do other things.

Meet Bubs, one of the latest additions to the Toronto Zoo. Only Bubs is no creature of the ordinary kind

Also Toronto Zoo, a reproductive scientist, named Gabriela Mastromonaco is a nominee to the Indianapolis Award nomination, it is like a Nobel prize. If she wins the award, she will receive 250 000$
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/toronto-zoo-indianapolis-award-1.7335479
 
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I think the Toronto Zoo should get better charging outlets and stations cause when I went to the zoo on the 50th anniversary our phone died so we couldn't take photos and we had to rent one.
 
TZelephantlover44 said:
I think the Toronto Zoo should get better charging outlets and stations cause when I went to the zoo on the 50th anniversary our phone died so we couldn't take photos and we had to rent one.
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I believe there are some solar powered benches with charging ports that are free. Otherwise yes you need to rent one that is portable, or bring your own portable charging pack.
 
I hope Toronto Zoo does something about the remaining old part of the old boardwalk cause it looks weird when you enter the boardwalk you start off walking on the old remaining piece of the old one and then you go into the new one so they should do something about that like replace the old remaining part with the new wood.
 
Are you referring to the boardwalk from Malayan woods to into-malaya pavilion?

I imagine it will be on the list at some point, however the more pressing issues are the areas with steeps grades, that is why the core woods and into-malaya pavilions have been done first. I do think there will be some up coming work at the top of the indo-malaya board walk and then some grading from there over to the giraffes to even that out and remove som grade, although I have no confirmation of this.

I would love to see the indomalaya board walk connect back up where it used to as well, to provide a slightly shorter route to the giraffes.
 
Yes I am referring to that I hope they remove that part and redo it so it looks like the new one and I also hope they have 2 exits to the boardwalk. 1 exit going to the Giraffes and the other one going to the African Pavilion. I hope when the entire Indo-Malaya area is done I would like it to look cool with the new Sumatran Tiger enclosures and the new boardwalk with the 2 new exits I think that would look awesome.
 
The Zoo shared an unfortunate update about our dear Charles the Gorilla.

Over the past 48 hours, Charles, the iconic Western lowland gorilla, has shown some concerning health symptoms that suggest he may be experiencing significant heart issues.

At 52, Charles is geriatric, and his advanced age is a true testament to the outstanding care he has received at your Toronto Zoo since his arrival more than 50 years ago. Western lowland gorillas typically live between 30 and 40 years of age in the wild.

While our Wildlife Health and Wildlife Care teams continue to closely monitor and support him, Charles will not be visible to guests. He has been prescribed medications and the veterinary team will adjust the treatment plan based on how he responds.

Our team is doing everything possible to keep Charles comfortable, and we will continue to keep you updated as we learn more. Thank you for your support and understanding as we navigate this delicate time with a cherished member of our Zoo family.

This critically endangered species continues to decline at an annual rate of 2.7% mostly due to poaching for bushmeat, disease, and habitat loss and degradation. Because of poaching and disease, the gorilla’s numbers have declined by more than 60% over the last 20 to 25 years. Your Toronto Zoo is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Western lowland gorilla Species Survival Plan (SSP) Program, which aims to establish and maintain healthy, genetically diverse populations, and overall conservation efforts to save this incredible species.
 
Hmm this would explain why @Madadad Only saw two groups of two gorilla's out last week, Charles must be off display for a few days now.

Hopefully he bounces back, but we will unfortunately need to face the inevitable. I can't help but feel like based on what the zoo has been posting lately, that maybe our time with Charles is coming to an end sooner than later?
 
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