Toronto Zoo Toronto Zoo Discussion thread 2021
- Thread starter RNg0905
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Polar bear, Hudson, has been limping lately requiring him to be knocked out to be examined. There was swelling between his pads and fluid was drained for comfort relief and to conduct a biopsy at the University of Guelph. Hes back in his exhibit limping less on his pain meds. Hopefully whatever the cause is it's nothing serious. Little concerning though that it isnt just something they think they can test in house.
For anyone who needs a good giggle for the day check out yesterday's Facebook live which featured the black footed ferrets. It was one of the most entertaining ones yet. One little guy was just... nope wont ruin it for you. I had a hard time paying attention to the keeper.
hyena142
Well-Known Member
Just got back from a huge visit at the zoo, September is my favourite time to go because there's no crowds and the animals are a lot more active so I tried to do as much as possible today. It was an awesome visit, pretty much everything was up and out.
The zoomobile is officially closed for the season, I guess they didn't wanna bother hiring drivers and tour guides after summer was over this year since attendance is probably gonna be lower for the rest of the year.
No rhinos at Indo today, there was an off-exhibit sign outdoors and the indoor viewing was closed. Sekali was out at the orangs solo, Budi wasn't with her. Construction was happening on the outdoor exhibit, it's slowly but surely taking shape.
Over to the savanna, as suspected the recent string of off-exhibits is because they're adding new permanent shade structures there. The elands, ostriches, wildebeests, lions and penguins all have one or two, and they were installing another one at the wildebeests today as well as some new enrichment for them. The giraffes were a lot of fun, Mstari was chasing Kiko around the exhibit trying to rub necks but he was having none of it and just wanted to snack, and Amani was following them both around trying to figure out what they were doing. Construction on the giraffe roof looks like it's almost finished.
At the temple ruin, all 3 spider monkeys are still here. Also do we still have green-winged macaws? I haven't seen them all summer. Americas Pavilion was the only part of the trip that was a bit of a bust, pretty much everything was sleeping or off exhibit. No sloths, snapping turtles or otters were out, but Nicole the porcupine was out of her sleeping box so that was pretty cool.
Tundra was pretty good, the polar bears were super active and I got some great views of them. the pheasant that's taken over the snowy owl exhibit wasn't there today, they had an off exhibit sign in there.
This might've already happened last year but so forgive me if I'm repeating old info but the frilled lizard is gone from Australasia, the bearded dragons are in there now and there's a Fiji iguana in their old exhibit. Also the lionfish seems to have died, the tank was covered up and had a big social distancing sign in front of it.
Did Eurasia quickly on my way out, everything seems normal there. Dunno if this is new but they've officially updated the signage on the Eurasia zoomobile stop so hopefully that'll finally return next year. I cut through the Discovery Zone to get to the entrance and I ran into Dolf! He looked busy so I didn't interrupt him but he was helping move a tent canopy and talking with the other person helping him. Super cool that we have a CEO who's so hands on.
Anything else you guys wanna hear about? I did everything except the Domain and the Kids Zoo.
The zoomobile is officially closed for the season, I guess they didn't wanna bother hiring drivers and tour guides after summer was over this year since attendance is probably gonna be lower for the rest of the year.
No rhinos at Indo today, there was an off-exhibit sign outdoors and the indoor viewing was closed. Sekali was out at the orangs solo, Budi wasn't with her. Construction was happening on the outdoor exhibit, it's slowly but surely taking shape.
Over to the savanna, as suspected the recent string of off-exhibits is because they're adding new permanent shade structures there. The elands, ostriches, wildebeests, lions and penguins all have one or two, and they were installing another one at the wildebeests today as well as some new enrichment for them. The giraffes were a lot of fun, Mstari was chasing Kiko around the exhibit trying to rub necks but he was having none of it and just wanted to snack, and Amani was following them both around trying to figure out what they were doing. Construction on the giraffe roof looks like it's almost finished.
At the temple ruin, all 3 spider monkeys are still here. Also do we still have green-winged macaws? I haven't seen them all summer. Americas Pavilion was the only part of the trip that was a bit of a bust, pretty much everything was sleeping or off exhibit. No sloths, snapping turtles or otters were out, but Nicole the porcupine was out of her sleeping box so that was pretty cool.
Tundra was pretty good, the polar bears were super active and I got some great views of them. the pheasant that's taken over the snowy owl exhibit wasn't there today, they had an off exhibit sign in there.
This might've already happened last year but so forgive me if I'm repeating old info but the frilled lizard is gone from Australasia, the bearded dragons are in there now and there's a Fiji iguana in their old exhibit. Also the lionfish seems to have died, the tank was covered up and had a big social distancing sign in front of it.
Did Eurasia quickly on my way out, everything seems normal there. Dunno if this is new but they've officially updated the signage on the Eurasia zoomobile stop so hopefully that'll finally return next year. I cut through the Discovery Zone to get to the entrance and I ran into Dolf! He looked busy so I didn't interrupt him but he was helping move a tent canopy and talking with the other person helping him. Super cool that we have a CEO who's so hands on.
Anything else you guys wanna hear about? I did everything except the Domain and the Kids Zoo.
@hyena142, thanks for the update first off. I too love September visits for every reason you outlined plus better weather.
The zoomo might be closed too because Covid cases are definitely on the rise yet again. They had a threshold were they were comfortable starting it in the summer and we may will be past that comfort level once more. Just cant rule out covid these days. Might be lower attendance too but even that might be tied to covid as well. Usually its running until Thanksgiving.
Figured the savanna work would be something mundane like shade structures. Not that they are bad or unnecessary. Just not thrilling changes for guests.
I would hope the giraffe roof is almost done. They have been working on it since the spring so clearly it was extensive work but winter is coming and they need a roof thats ready for the elements.
I think its safe to say since no one has seen the green winged macaw and the third blue and gold macaw all summer they are dead or transferred. The zoo may still have a second green winged macaw as part of outreach. They had one of both species as late as this spring. I wish they would get a few more macaws for macaw island. We could surely rescue a few others and maybe mix it up with the species. I would love to see a blue and gold, green winged, scarlet, and military on the island. I wouldnt waste a hyacinth there unless its unbreedable since they have an SSP. I am ok with phasing out the current macaws if their goal is to pick up a breeding pair of hyacinths.
You do know we are down to one sloth right? I ask only because you wrote sloths instead of sloth but for all I know it could have been an auto correct. Helps though if you werent aware to know there is just one sloth, Sally. She could have been off display simply because she was outside when you were in and then you swapped positions. Last fall I thought we had two sloths again because of that very thing. I really thought it would have taken her longer to go from outside to in. Tricky old gal. But then again she is super old, 32, so nature could have taken its course too. I think they would announce her death though. She's been there since the late 1989 and I can't see letting her pass without mention when they didn't really have to mention the tawny frogmouth or secretary bird because most wouldnt have even known they were missing.
Good I am glad the pheasant is off exhibit. Hope its gone for good from Tundra Trek even if it means Rodney has passed. I don't like when things are out of place.
The frillies were there last fall when I visited. Hope we didnt get rid of them. I doubt the were old enough to have passed. I dont think we need an exhibit for bearded dragons when they are so common in the pet trade. The iguana has been in that exhibit for quite a long time.
That is exciting to see Dolf. He does see very much an active part of the zoo and he seems approachable. I bet if you had walked over to ask him a question he would have stopped what he was doing no matter how busy he was in that moment to engage a guest. Not that it probably would be right to interrupt if he was busy. He just seems the type who would stop what hes doing to talk and build those bonds. Im pretty sure at some point one of us will get a chance to talk to him and it will be a cool experience for that person.
I don't expect you to know anything but have you heard if they ever figured out what was causing the hand tremors in gorilla, Charlie? You or anyone else. It was a big deal for like two weeks then nothing. I assume shes ok and it was either a bug, injury or condition that was treatable but I do wonder if shes ok.
The zoomo might be closed too because Covid cases are definitely on the rise yet again. They had a threshold were they were comfortable starting it in the summer and we may will be past that comfort level once more. Just cant rule out covid these days. Might be lower attendance too but even that might be tied to covid as well. Usually its running until Thanksgiving.
Figured the savanna work would be something mundane like shade structures. Not that they are bad or unnecessary. Just not thrilling changes for guests.
I would hope the giraffe roof is almost done. They have been working on it since the spring so clearly it was extensive work but winter is coming and they need a roof thats ready for the elements.
I think its safe to say since no one has seen the green winged macaw and the third blue and gold macaw all summer they are dead or transferred. The zoo may still have a second green winged macaw as part of outreach. They had one of both species as late as this spring. I wish they would get a few more macaws for macaw island. We could surely rescue a few others and maybe mix it up with the species. I would love to see a blue and gold, green winged, scarlet, and military on the island. I wouldnt waste a hyacinth there unless its unbreedable since they have an SSP. I am ok with phasing out the current macaws if their goal is to pick up a breeding pair of hyacinths.
You do know we are down to one sloth right? I ask only because you wrote sloths instead of sloth but for all I know it could have been an auto correct. Helps though if you werent aware to know there is just one sloth, Sally. She could have been off display simply because she was outside when you were in and then you swapped positions. Last fall I thought we had two sloths again because of that very thing. I really thought it would have taken her longer to go from outside to in. Tricky old gal. But then again she is super old, 32, so nature could have taken its course too. I think they would announce her death though. She's been there since the late 1989 and I can't see letting her pass without mention when they didn't really have to mention the tawny frogmouth or secretary bird because most wouldnt have even known they were missing.
Good I am glad the pheasant is off exhibit. Hope its gone for good from Tundra Trek even if it means Rodney has passed. I don't like when things are out of place.
The frillies were there last fall when I visited. Hope we didnt get rid of them. I doubt the were old enough to have passed. I dont think we need an exhibit for bearded dragons when they are so common in the pet trade. The iguana has been in that exhibit for quite a long time.
That is exciting to see Dolf. He does see very much an active part of the zoo and he seems approachable. I bet if you had walked over to ask him a question he would have stopped what he was doing no matter how busy he was in that moment to engage a guest. Not that it probably would be right to interrupt if he was busy. He just seems the type who would stop what hes doing to talk and build those bonds. Im pretty sure at some point one of us will get a chance to talk to him and it will be a cool experience for that person.
I don't expect you to know anything but have you heard if they ever figured out what was causing the hand tremors in gorilla, Charlie? You or anyone else. It was a big deal for like two weeks then nothing. I assume shes ok and it was either a bug, injury or condition that was treatable but I do wonder if shes ok.
hyena142
Well-Known Member
Yeah the new shading's not the most exciting thing in the world but it was pretty fun watching them put it together for a bit, it was kinda like extreme IKEA furniture assembling in a way lol. It's just weird that they waited until now to put them in, 4 out of the 5 animals that got one are gonna be inside for winter in like a month so they aren't gonna get much use out of them until next summer.
Oh man I'd go nuts for scarlet or hyacinth macaws, I do love our blue and yellows but those ones are just so striking. A macaw breeding program would definitely make the temple even more lively.
Yeah I'm aware we're down to one sloth, I guess I just wasn't paying attention to what I was typing. Like you said she probably went outside when I went inside and vice versa. I'm sure she's fine. I forgot to mention has anyone seen the octopus this year? I've done Americas three times since reopening and struck out on her all three times. I know we got a new one not that long ago, did she die or get phased out and I missed it?
If the pheasant is gone for good that means we now have 2 empty exhibits in Tundra. Hopefully they'll get on adding something new to the old snowy owl exhibit, or maybe they'll just move the great horned owl from the entrance to Americas over there and put something else in that exhibit. Wouldn't really fit the theme but it's something I guess.
I did notice that the frilleds weren't included in the Animal Plan when that got released so they might've been gone for a while now, which is a shame. Even though they never moved I always enjoyed seeing them. I get the feeling the bearded dragons are a placeholder and when they go we'll get something a little more exciting to replace them.
I saw Charlie today and she seemed like her usual energetic self, she was throwing the stuffing out of some toy she was playing with. I haven't heard an update on any of the Zoo's socials so I'm guessing that whatever it was probably turned out okay, if it was an ongoing concern they probably would've kept us posted like they have been with Zednick's wing over the last while
Also that's good to hear that the lionfish isn't gone! I didn't see it today but that could be because the GBR was a little crowded and I kinda wanted to get out of there quickly
Oh man I'd go nuts for scarlet or hyacinth macaws, I do love our blue and yellows but those ones are just so striking. A macaw breeding program would definitely make the temple even more lively.
Yeah I'm aware we're down to one sloth, I guess I just wasn't paying attention to what I was typing. Like you said she probably went outside when I went inside and vice versa. I'm sure she's fine. I forgot to mention has anyone seen the octopus this year? I've done Americas three times since reopening and struck out on her all three times. I know we got a new one not that long ago, did she die or get phased out and I missed it?
If the pheasant is gone for good that means we now have 2 empty exhibits in Tundra. Hopefully they'll get on adding something new to the old snowy owl exhibit, or maybe they'll just move the great horned owl from the entrance to Americas over there and put something else in that exhibit. Wouldn't really fit the theme but it's something I guess.
I did notice that the frilleds weren't included in the Animal Plan when that got released so they might've been gone for a while now, which is a shame. Even though they never moved I always enjoyed seeing them. I get the feeling the bearded dragons are a placeholder and when they go we'll get something a little more exciting to replace them.
I saw Charlie today and she seemed like her usual energetic self, she was throwing the stuffing out of some toy she was playing with. I haven't heard an update on any of the Zoo's socials so I'm guessing that whatever it was probably turned out okay, if it was an ongoing concern they probably would've kept us posted like they have been with Zednick's wing over the last while
Also that's good to hear that the lionfish isn't gone! I didn't see it today but that could be because the GBR was a little crowded and I kinda wanted to get out of there quickly
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@hyena142, you are hilarious... extreme Ikea. I appreciate your humor.
The new shade shelters might help them be out maybe a little more often over the winter. Not a guarantee for sure but even if they could be out a few more days because of it is worth it. Probably had to wait on the wood or decent wood prices.
I love the macaws being in front of the waterfall. It makes for impressive photos. Honestly they couldnt have too many macaws in my opinion.
I haven't heard anything about the octopus. They do seem to go through them fairly fast though.
Im sure for the snowy owl exhibit they could easily get snow shoe hares or arctic hares or lemmings or rock ptarmigan. Lots of little options who would do just fine in that exhibit. Dont get me started on the fox exhibit.
Pity if we are out of frillies. I also liked that exhibit when we had feather tailed gliders. The exhibit was so alive it was amazing. Sadly they didnt last long.
You are right about Charlie's health. She's probably fine or its a treatable condition. I just wish they had told us she was ok. Its one thing to give updates on an ostrich but lets face it most guests couldnt have told you how many ostriches we even have. Many know Charlie by name and have watched her grow since birth. Its a little different the level of connection most of us have to her. It would be nice to get an update just saying we have it under control and she's good. Also good PR move because then they look even more competent, important after a summer where they have had to do limb amputations on 2 different animals (not that they did anything wrong just bad luck).
Yet again I appreciate you sharing your visit. Need to live vicariously through you until hopefully spring.
The new shade shelters might help them be out maybe a little more often over the winter. Not a guarantee for sure but even if they could be out a few more days because of it is worth it. Probably had to wait on the wood or decent wood prices.
I love the macaws being in front of the waterfall. It makes for impressive photos. Honestly they couldnt have too many macaws in my opinion.
I haven't heard anything about the octopus. They do seem to go through them fairly fast though.
Im sure for the snowy owl exhibit they could easily get snow shoe hares or arctic hares or lemmings or rock ptarmigan. Lots of little options who would do just fine in that exhibit. Dont get me started on the fox exhibit.
Pity if we are out of frillies. I also liked that exhibit when we had feather tailed gliders. The exhibit was so alive it was amazing. Sadly they didnt last long.
You are right about Charlie's health. She's probably fine or its a treatable condition. I just wish they had told us she was ok. Its one thing to give updates on an ostrich but lets face it most guests couldnt have told you how many ostriches we even have. Many know Charlie by name and have watched her grow since birth. Its a little different the level of connection most of us have to her. It would be nice to get an update just saying we have it under control and she's good. Also good PR move because then they look even more competent, important after a summer where they have had to do limb amputations on 2 different animals (not that they did anything wrong just bad luck).
Yet again I appreciate you sharing your visit. Need to live vicariously through you until hopefully spring.
The Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy is hosting a live auction now through Sep 19th to celebrate International Red Panda Day. Items for auction include 2 30 minute behind the scenes tours of the red panda house (free admission for 2 and free parking included) and various artwork done by animals from all over the zoo, including the red pandas.
MobilBid
Funny thing about the tour is that they say its a value of $500. Ridiculous!!! When you add it up for a regular guest, 2 adult admissions, 1 parking pass and 2 Wild Encounters and tax its $315. Sure there is no encounter for the red pandas but that doesnt make it work an extra $200. I don't think its someone purposely being dishonest. I think they just randomly assigned a value that is roughly what they hope to get for them. The bids this moment are both $250 so it would be a deal but as of the next bid unless you just wanna donate or really want to sit close to a red panda (but not touch because of covid) you would be better off going to visit another animal.
I didnt realize the prices for the Wild Encounters had increased. Im pretty sure I paid $60ish for my hippo encounter last fall. This year I would have to pay $75 with a membership. Thats a big increase when you cant even do the cool parts of the encounter.
MobilBid
Funny thing about the tour is that they say its a value of $500. Ridiculous!!! When you add it up for a regular guest, 2 adult admissions, 1 parking pass and 2 Wild Encounters and tax its $315. Sure there is no encounter for the red pandas but that doesnt make it work an extra $200. I don't think its someone purposely being dishonest. I think they just randomly assigned a value that is roughly what they hope to get for them. The bids this moment are both $250 so it would be a deal but as of the next bid unless you just wanna donate or really want to sit close to a red panda (but not touch because of covid) you would be better off going to visit another animal.
I didnt realize the prices for the Wild Encounters had increased. Im pretty sure I paid $60ish for my hippo encounter last fall. This year I would have to pay $75 with a membership. Thats a big increase when you cant even do the cool parts of the encounter.
Today's Facebook Live was Vancouver Island marmot health check day. It was really fascinating watching what they do to check all of the marmots at this time of year before they go into hibernation and separating the pups to go to the release site for their first hibernation. Without them being awake it was easier for the keepers to show off some of their distinct features given how shy they are.
Jefferson
Well-Known Member
New poster. Long time fan of the zoo, but only recently moved to Toronto in Covid times. Now that things are open I got my membership and finally get to go regularly compared to the trips years in between prior.
Went by yesterday afternoon and did the North part of the zoo. Was quite warm out, so not too much activity. Nice and busy though, good for the zoo to have this weather keeping it busy into the fall.
Two blue and yellow macaws out in the temple, along with Diego. Flamingos were quite active, saw two of the spider monkeys out. Luca was pretty relaxed along the glass.
At the America Pavilion, no common marmosets, construction was on going on in the interior enclosure between the tamarins and saki monkeys. Looks like som new "rocks" are being built among other things. Sally was sleeping in her box. The otters were out and about quite playful. No sign of any beavers, still some construction going between the tanks. Seems like they have the water level a little lower than normal.
Puzzle was hanging out in Australasia. and the kangaroos made a bit of an appearance, although were mostly hiding in the shelter or over in the sand.
The snowy owl and arctic fox exhibits were both empty. Again no phesant. Three arctic geese were out. Couldn't see a caribou to save my life. Two polars bears out, one in the grassy area and then in the back. None in the pools today. Wolves were out and all sleeping.
Either the snow leopard was hiding really well or wasn't out. The tur and mouflon were uneventful, just the one chamois out. Two camels together in the enclosure and the other 4 by the shelter. Both Suva and Adira were up in trees looking pretty relaxed. Got a quick glimpse of what I think was the Przewalski foal, but it was fast, so I can't be certain.
We saw Mila who was inside today, she was getting ready to nap when we went by, so not too much activity. We didn't see Mazy with her. Vasili was sleeping inside.
Overall a nice day at the zoo and looking forward to the next trip back
Went by yesterday afternoon and did the North part of the zoo. Was quite warm out, so not too much activity. Nice and busy though, good for the zoo to have this weather keeping it busy into the fall.
Two blue and yellow macaws out in the temple, along with Diego. Flamingos were quite active, saw two of the spider monkeys out. Luca was pretty relaxed along the glass.
At the America Pavilion, no common marmosets, construction was on going on in the interior enclosure between the tamarins and saki monkeys. Looks like som new "rocks" are being built among other things. Sally was sleeping in her box. The otters were out and about quite playful. No sign of any beavers, still some construction going between the tanks. Seems like they have the water level a little lower than normal.
Puzzle was hanging out in Australasia. and the kangaroos made a bit of an appearance, although were mostly hiding in the shelter or over in the sand.
The snowy owl and arctic fox exhibits were both empty. Again no phesant. Three arctic geese were out. Couldn't see a caribou to save my life. Two polars bears out, one in the grassy area and then in the back. None in the pools today. Wolves were out and all sleeping.
Either the snow leopard was hiding really well or wasn't out. The tur and mouflon were uneventful, just the one chamois out. Two camels together in the enclosure and the other 4 by the shelter. Both Suva and Adira were up in trees looking pretty relaxed. Got a quick glimpse of what I think was the Przewalski foal, but it was fast, so I can't be certain.
We saw Mila who was inside today, she was getting ready to nap when we went by, so not too much activity. We didn't see Mazy with her. Vasili was sleeping inside.
Overall a nice day at the zoo and looking forward to the next trip back
Welcome @Jefferson love the update from your zoo visit, glad you got a membership definitely worth it for a zoo lover. Can’t wait to hear more and also so glad to have another local Zoo lover just like many of us here.
hyena142
Well-Known Member
Hey welcome @Jefferson! Always nice to meet another TZ superfan, can't wait to chat with you!
Awesome you got to see Diego, I've been looking out for him all summer but no dice. Only two spider monkeys being out is interesting, maybe there's a chance they're starting to move out? Eh probably not, maybe one just felt like hanging out backstage today.
Last I checked we're down to just one marmoset and I'm not even sure if he's still around, I haven't seen him since reopening. Nice to hear they're doing more touchups to the Primate Wing. Were the otters outside? I've only seen them inside this summer since the construction's been going on for forever.
The caribou like to hide in the back of their exhibit where it's shadier in the summer months, as it gets cooler they start to visit the front a lot more. I wouldn't be surprised if the pheasant was gone. I'm pretty sure it was on the phase-out list anyways. So now we have two empty exhibits in Tundra, hopefully those get filled soon.
Thanks so much for sharing your visit details!
Awesome you got to see Diego, I've been looking out for him all summer but no dice. Only two spider monkeys being out is interesting, maybe there's a chance they're starting to move out? Eh probably not, maybe one just felt like hanging out backstage today.
Last I checked we're down to just one marmoset and I'm not even sure if he's still around, I haven't seen him since reopening. Nice to hear they're doing more touchups to the Primate Wing. Were the otters outside? I've only seen them inside this summer since the construction's been going on for forever.
The caribou like to hide in the back of their exhibit where it's shadier in the summer months, as it gets cooler they start to visit the front a lot more. I wouldn't be surprised if the pheasant was gone. I'm pretty sure it was on the phase-out list anyways. So now we have two empty exhibits in Tundra, hopefully those get filled soon.
Thanks so much for sharing your visit details!
Jefferson
Well-Known Member
I thought Diego was a rock at first haha, he wasn't moving at all. Also very possible one of the spider monkeys was inside, it was pretty warm out.
The otters were outside, they were bouncing between the inside and outside.
Also hoping for something exciting in the Tundra.
A couple of pictures from the day:
The otters were outside, they were bouncing between the inside and outside.
Also hoping for something exciting in the Tundra.
A couple of pictures from the day:
Wow Luca is always sleeping when ever I go to visit, truly a chance of a lifetime to see him so close I've gone so many times and he is never that close, Nice to see Mila has grown so much since I last saw her, I sure hope she can stay here and won't leave as she is the first cub born in about 14 years, so she would be a nice legacy cat to keep as father and ancestors have some sort of tie to Toronto's Tonghua, Pam or Tatianna I believe, hopefully the SSP thinks the same.