Toronto Zoo Toronto Zoo Discussion thread 2022

@cypher I noticed the white board the last few times. I think it is so great to have it out there to identify which orangutan are on display along with the sign that explains the different groups and why. I can only hope they have something similar for the outside enclosure.

I also noted the invertebrate wing closed when I was there over the weekend, but wasn't certain why. I can't remember if it was closed during other covid reopenings I also noted the walk way at the front by the current Prehensile-Tailed Porcupine exhibit is blocked off as well. I think they had that closed during one of the other Covid reopenings. I find it hard to keep track of honestly.

I too noticed the filtration system, and actually took a photo of it to share.

Filter System in America Pavilion

Filter System in America Pavilion

  • Media owner Jefferson
  • Date added
 
@Jefferson, we must've walked right by each other today, lol. Nice shot of the filtration room.

The path right after the aviary was blocked off previously.

Also, I noticed that the above viewing to the Otter exhibit outdoors has brought back access to the little nook that over looks the Otter. It's currently blocked off with rope along with the rest of the overhead viewing outdoors.
 
Thanks for the updates @cypher, did you happen to visit Australasia? I wanna know if you noticed any significant changes to the tree kangaroo exhibit and the aviary after they got hit by weather damage a while back.
 
I noticed virtually no change in Australasia. Nothing weather damaged related and nothing out of the ordinary with the Tree Kangaroo exhibit.
 
@lintworm you could have just politely asked @cypher to tell you what species the animals are. It's not often we get people from out of the Toronto area commenting so sometimes we forget to put down the species because most of us frequently posting know most of the animals by their individual names. It's a little mistake and any of us are happy to clear up confusion if asked.

Kiran, Vishnu and Asha are Indian rhinos.

Sadiki and Nassir are gorillas.
 
Oh, is that what you meant @lintworm? Yeah, just ask next time and I can easily clarify. No need to be sarcastic about it. It doesn't help anyone in anyway.
 
Nice to be back at the Zoo again! We mostly stayed outside, but did go see the lemurs. I was super pleased to see a new configuration for the lemurs (or at least new to me). The tree where they love to hangout and sleep was moved to be within a few feet of the windows. It was so nice to see the lemurs so close! I was surprised to see a plastic wrap half way up the bamboo all around the exhibit. The signs said it was for the health and safety of the animals. But above the warp was the usual mesh and so full air circulation - so not really preventing our air from mixing with the lemurs ... so not really sure what the utility is.

Another surprise the size of the wolf pack - I think the most I've seen out at one time was 7 - and yesterday there were 11! What a treat! And Pemba was out. So nice to see such a beautiful animal!

It looked like the outdoor pool area was not accessible for the penguins. Does anyone know why the penguins remain indoors in the winter?
 
@kknudsen, could be a number of reasons the penguins arent out. First off they may be kept in simply because its breeding season and they want key penguins focused solely on their partner, nest and eggs. The zoo has 3 pairs that are recommended to breed with Ellie and Chupa being the most important pair. They would be just about to lay or might even be sitting on their second attempt of the year. The zoo's usually had chicks either in late December/early January or later March/very early April. If that's not their logic they might have winter temperature conditions that need to be met for them to be out like most of the other African animals. Or the pool might be drained for the winter to prevent damage to it, if its not because the pool is damaged and they are actively looking for people to demolish it. There is a contract out for that right now which was surprising. It's demolition might have something to do with the string of penguin deaths. Then again might just be time as the pool is nearly 50 years old with just some retrofitting for the penguins. I guess the simple answer to why the penguins are inside is because the zoo wants them to be in for one or more reasons. Lol.

Glad you got to go though. Interesting to hear there have been some changes in the lemur exhibit. Wasnt expecting that other than the addition of that vestibule no one knows the exact purpose of. Thanks for the update!
 
Late winter/early spring is is also a bad time of year for Asper. With the dry air, wind, and all the fallen, rotting leaves and other plants with little snow to cover it, it’s a perfect environment for an increase in Asper spores being blown about into the birds respiratory systems.
 
Went to the zoo Tuesday to avoid family day, an employee said it was packed
A few highlights
Saw Charlie and Ngozi out in the snow up on the jungle gym.
Saw the Red River Hogs briefly out in the snow, didn't see the little girls just guessing whether they've already left or not.
Saw both parents taking care of the Spoonbill chick awkward angle because you could only see them from beside the former meerkat current Porcupine exhibit.
Noticed a bunch of what I'm guessing are three unnamed black cichlid species in the Dwarf Crocodile tank, Cleo was on display but exhibit has a slight split with a fence providing a small area on exhibit by the off exhibit area possibly to introduce the new male?
The Scarlet Ibis chicks colour is starting to really come in though still fairly patchy.
Is there only one Sunbittern chick? Saw the individuals total.
New shrimp in the last aquarium before the Freshwater Rays.
There were two Golden Lion Tamarins in with the Sakis, Sally has an entire section to herself.
There didn't appear to be any Whiptails on display but the Chuckwallas were there.
The whole wolf pack was lounging on view with one wolf further away from the others believe I counted eleven.
Saw the new Snow Leopard he was on one of the platforms towards the back it had just started raining so I didn't get a great look at him, dies anyone think he looks a bit darker?
 
@kingoffreaks the red river hog girls left about 2 years ago for Granby where they live with a male they could one day breed with from Calgary.

Wouldnt be surprised if they were introducing the new dwarf croc male. No one has mentioned seeing both of them yet so he may have taken longer to arrive than expected. Thank you covid probably.

No one has reported a second sunbittern chick so I would guess we only had the one last year. Maybe another one will come this spring but Ill also be happy with more scarlet ibis chicks because all four adults are super valuable to the population.
 
Subjectively Pemba is actually a fairly pale snow leopard, he’s much lighter than the three I’ve worked around.
 
@kknudsen, you are welcome. As always I appreciate when you share a visits details. Not visiting enough myself I can always live vicariously through you guys! And you are great at noticing little things others miss or don't always think to report on.
 
@TZFan I haven't been enough :( ... but with spring just 24 days away (and my sheer determination that that means warmer weather in 24 days) I intend to go more frequently! I'm also hoping to do some of the behind the scene tours! Hopefully lots of fun zoo days ahead :p
 
I think the zoo will see a large pickup in admissions this spring and summer. People want to get out, and the zoo wants people coming in droves. The outdoor Orangutan exhibit will be a big thing come summer.
 
Dont forget the power of 3 cheetah cubs, 1 giraffe calf and an orang infant.
 
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