Toronto Zoo Toronto Zoo Discussion thread 2022
- Thread starter Kalvin
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- pavilion size toronto zoo
@BovidBabe, first off lie to your family about opening times. If you say its open 2 hours earlier then compromise on the actual start time you win! Yes I may be the devil. Lol.
I usually tackle the zoo going to the left when I arrive. Statistically most people go right so you can lower the crowds you are fighting. It does work. Trade off to that though is you are on the wrong side of the zoo if you want to hit the Health Center around 11am to see whoever is the featured guest for the day. I like that very much so its a tough call. I have been lucky enough to see them working on a cheetah and a Vancouver Island marmot. The cheetah didnt make it. No idea about the marmot but super cool to be one of a handful of Ontarians who have seen one in the flesh. Problem with the health center is you never know what you are going to get at 11am. Could be super cool like a tiger or gorilla. Could be something more boring like a snake. Sorry snake lovers.
You want to watch our news as the orang baby is due in April and you wouldnt want to miss them possibly. The cheetah cubs might also be ready for display.
Do a wild encounter if possible. You wont regret it.
Dont buy food at the zoo. It is not worth the price.
Do the zoomobile if possible. Not sure when it starts. Just a nice way to get around the zoo.
I usually tackle the zoo going to the left when I arrive. Statistically most people go right so you can lower the crowds you are fighting. It does work. Trade off to that though is you are on the wrong side of the zoo if you want to hit the Health Center around 11am to see whoever is the featured guest for the day. I like that very much so its a tough call. I have been lucky enough to see them working on a cheetah and a Vancouver Island marmot. The cheetah didnt make it. No idea about the marmot but super cool to be one of a handful of Ontarians who have seen one in the flesh. Problem with the health center is you never know what you are going to get at 11am. Could be super cool like a tiger or gorilla. Could be something more boring like a snake. Sorry snake lovers.
You want to watch our news as the orang baby is due in April and you wouldnt want to miss them possibly. The cheetah cubs might also be ready for display.
Do a wild encounter if possible. You wont regret it.
Dont buy food at the zoo. It is not worth the price.
Do the zoomobile if possible. Not sure when it starts. Just a nice way to get around the zoo.
ProjectGames
Well-Known Member
Just got the great news, when I come home to visit, we will be spending a day at Toronto Zoo! It has been many many years since I have been. Any tips or tricks I should know about? Any recommendations? We are going Easter weekend so I am expecting large crowds.
I know my mother very much wants to see the baby giraffe, so I am trying to get it into my family's heads that we should go for opening, but you know how it is with family....
Thats great for you that you will be coming back to the zoo after years! I haven't been to the zoo since summer of 2019, I sure miss those days at the zoo. Looking forward to coming to the zoo this summer.
You could expect some new revamps and developments, as they will be coming here maybe soon. Check out the developments thread to find some new exciting updates, features, and developments discussed by the other members. I recommend you check out the orang exhibit as it looks like we are getting close to finished, definitely an exciting development. By the time you come to the zoo at Easter, you could expect a new baby orangutan, as it will be another exciting addition for the zoo community.
The baby orang is due on April, which is next month. We're getting REALLY CLOSE.
BovidBabe
Well-Known Member
Now that I am thinking about it, I think the last time I have been to TZ was when the pandas were still there with the cubs! It has been way too long. I have a lot of family going, so I am hoping I can break off from the main group with siblings/cousins and see the zoo as I please. I am the oldest, so they have to listen to me right? 
Thank you for all the advice. And don't worry, I regularly lurk in the Toronto threads. Always lots going on here, not so much over in my neck of the woods.
Thank you for all the advice. And don't worry, I regularly lurk in the Toronto threads. Always lots going on here, not so much over in my neck of the woods.
ProjectGames
Well-Known Member
Just as TZFan said, you may also wanna check the TZ news daily, as there will be some updates, and possibly a Ramai (orang) pregnancy update soon.
Check out the twitter too as they announce updates there too.
Check out the twitter too as they announce updates there too.
I'll miss Johari but from her perspective she's been at the bottom of the family hierarchy for all of her life excited at the idea of her becoming a mother or even a more dominant member of another troop.
ProjectGames
Well-Known Member
Yeah, shes been around the zoo for over 20 years now, the clock is ticking for her departure. It could actually benefit her being transferred into another troop, since she would become a mother there, or possibly a dominant female. In the other gorilla talk on facebook the keeper mentioned that Ngozi was the dominant female around, and Johari wouldn't challenge her. I'll bet you if she'd get transferred she'll be happy, since she would finally go into new additions on producing offspring. But at the same time, she'll also miss her old family troop.
Currently how many Arctic wolves, Caribous, European Mouflons, West Caucasian Turs Przewalski's Horses in Trt Zoo now?
Kalvin
Well-Known Member
And soon enough we'll have bison calves as well! Glad to see at least one other person shares my enthusiasm for the domain
I was at the Zoo yesterday afternoon ... I was finishing my work, realized how nice outside it was and the fact that I could see baby Matumaini and raced out the door! Matumaini didn't disappoint! What a cutie! The family was pacing a little, but a volunteer suggested that it likely meant that something was happening in the back and the giraffes were excited! Given that it was well after 1pm, that made sense to me. I can't wait to see Matumaini outside enjoying the larger space and the sunshine!
There wasn't much happening outside yesterday. I was a little surprised more animals weren't outside given how nice, albeit windy, it was. But the lions were out and clearly enjoying the warmth and fresh air!
I didn't go into any of the pavilions, so it was a quick visit.
I saw yesterday that the marketplace vendors are opening again but for Easter ... here's hoping the weather is great and the Zoo is packed and the vendors see huge sales! I hope to go and check it out!
There wasn't much happening outside yesterday. I was a little surprised more animals weren't outside given how nice, albeit windy, it was. But the lions were out and clearly enjoying the warmth and fresh air!
I didn't go into any of the pavilions, so it was a quick visit.
I saw yesterday that the marketplace vendors are opening again but for Easter ... here's hoping the weather is great and the Zoo is packed and the vendors see huge sales! I hope to go and check it out!
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We did that today @kknudsen and it was such great weather for the zoo.
Not much exciting to report, but a few items to note:
1) Canadian Domain - it really was open! The grizzlies were out (looking a bit thin) sunning themselves and napping outside. The wood bison were out (and relatively close to the fence) in both enclosures. We also saw the eagle and the raccoons. The trail around the pond is still closed and they closed down past the wetlands lookout - so no moose sightings. BUT (and saving the best for last) we did see Bailey (cougar)! The last I heard he was in and out of the wellness centre and they weren’t optimistic, but apparently he’s still with us. I would have liked to think they would have announced that - but still a relief to see him.
2) Indo-Malay - we’ve all seen the news - but they’ve shut down the front half-ish of the pavilion to prevent bird flu - so you go in the exit and loop back. Holly (white handed gibbon) and Bucky (babirusa) were both active and there was a small-ish tortoise in there with them cruising around that I’d never seen before. Budi was in the orangutan enclosure and he really is getting bigger. I couldn’t see the outdoor exhibit progress (with the closure) but even with Dolf’s post saying they were pouring concrete I cannot report if it looks different to last week. I’m not sure if they’re getting them ready for spring - but the peacocks were off exhibit (or also flu prevention?).
3) African rainforest pavilion - same story - the middle part of the pavilion is shut down (but I think if we had left and swung around we could have seen the other side of the gorillas from the other door). The boys were out in the gorilla exhibit and were playing around. Apparently Nassir had been antagonizing Saddiki all day according to the volunteer there. There was another keeper spraying down the Aldabra tortoises who seemed to be enjoying the shower.
4) African Savannah - the animals that were out did seem to be enjoying the sun, and the cheetah that was out was pretty active.
We only spent a half day at the zoo - so that’s all we did. Although there is a woman at the zoo (I.e. a frequent guest - not a volunteer or worker) that we’ve now seen 5-6 times in the last year who is always friendly and talks to us when we see her, so I tried to convince her to join the zoo chat group today. She is always carrying around her camera and chatting to the animals by name, and if I see her that often she must go a lot, so maybe we’ll get a new member.
Not much exciting to report, but a few items to note:
1) Canadian Domain - it really was open! The grizzlies were out (looking a bit thin) sunning themselves and napping outside. The wood bison were out (and relatively close to the fence) in both enclosures. We also saw the eagle and the raccoons. The trail around the pond is still closed and they closed down past the wetlands lookout - so no moose sightings. BUT (and saving the best for last) we did see Bailey (cougar)! The last I heard he was in and out of the wellness centre and they weren’t optimistic, but apparently he’s still with us. I would have liked to think they would have announced that - but still a relief to see him.
2) Indo-Malay - we’ve all seen the news - but they’ve shut down the front half-ish of the pavilion to prevent bird flu - so you go in the exit and loop back. Holly (white handed gibbon) and Bucky (babirusa) were both active and there was a small-ish tortoise in there with them cruising around that I’d never seen before. Budi was in the orangutan enclosure and he really is getting bigger. I couldn’t see the outdoor exhibit progress (with the closure) but even with Dolf’s post saying they were pouring concrete I cannot report if it looks different to last week. I’m not sure if they’re getting them ready for spring - but the peacocks were off exhibit (or also flu prevention?).
3) African rainforest pavilion - same story - the middle part of the pavilion is shut down (but I think if we had left and swung around we could have seen the other side of the gorillas from the other door). The boys were out in the gorilla exhibit and were playing around. Apparently Nassir had been antagonizing Saddiki all day according to the volunteer there. There was another keeper spraying down the Aldabra tortoises who seemed to be enjoying the shower.
4) African Savannah - the animals that were out did seem to be enjoying the sun, and the cheetah that was out was pretty active.
We only spent a half day at the zoo - so that’s all we did. Although there is a woman at the zoo (I.e. a frequent guest - not a volunteer or worker) that we’ve now seen 5-6 times in the last year who is always friendly and talks to us when we see her, so I tried to convince her to join the zoo chat group today. She is always carrying around her camera and chatting to the animals by name, and if I see her that often she must go a lot, so maybe we’ll get a new member.
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hyena142
Well-Known Member
Thanks for the update @Zooer
That's great to hear Bailey managed to make it back to the Domain, at his age it wasn't really a surprise to hear he wasn't doing so hot but I had a good feeling he'd survive after so much time passed and we hadn't heard anything. Glad the Domain will still have cougars for at least a little longer, that area needs all the help it can get.
That sounds really annoying that you have to crisscross your way through the pavilions because the aviaries aren't open, hope that doesn't last too long. Peacocks were probably off exhibit for that same reason, if this goes into the summer I wonder if they'll take the year off of free roaming.
LOL I love that you're spreading the good word of ZooChat around, it's always nice to get some new faces in here
Thanks again!
That's great to hear Bailey managed to make it back to the Domain, at his age it wasn't really a surprise to hear he wasn't doing so hot but I had a good feeling he'd survive after so much time passed and we hadn't heard anything. Glad the Domain will still have cougars for at least a little longer, that area needs all the help it can get.
That sounds really annoying that you have to crisscross your way through the pavilions because the aviaries aren't open, hope that doesn't last too long. Peacocks were probably off exhibit for that same reason, if this goes into the summer I wonder if they'll take the year off of free roaming.
LOL I love that you're spreading the good word of ZooChat around, it's always nice to get some new faces in here
Thanks again!
Oh! And this was actually a photo from last week that I never got around to posting - and it’s very temporary looking, but at some point someone was asking about the naked mole rats and they now have a very temporary and laminated sheet in their window.Maybe they were tired of people asking if they were chameleons.
Also @hyena142 - I must admit I felt awkward bringing it up (I’m not that extroverted) but I thought about it when I saw her last week and didn’t say anything, so figured seeing her twice in one week felt like a sign.
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Jefferson
Well-Known Member
So glad they have that sign up, my biggest pet peeve is adults telling their kids what the animal is when they are obviously wrong and the chameleons for naked mole rats was the worst offender. Although calling the Red River Hogs warthogs still gets me going every time I hear it.
BovidBabe
Well-Known Member
Not as bad as at Assiniboine when parents point to the japanese serrow and take a guess. Best I have heard is anteater and hyena. Too flabbergasted both times to politely point to the sign right in front of them!
Very much looking forward so seeing those chameleons
. Sad I won't be able to see the aviaries, but understandable. Has any one been to one of the markets the zoos have? What kind of goodies may I be bringing home with me?Hello all, Zoo visit today...
Started with Indo-Malaya
Bright and early 9:30 opening. Rhinos were not outside but rather inside and I think it was Kiran but I can't tell him and Dad Vishnu apart. Then, moving I got a morning glimpse of Kemala the female Sumatran Tiger. She was quite active which is not like her. Every time I pass by her she is always sleeping in her den. Next was the pavilion and a great greeting by Holly my favourite gibbon, with her amazing singing skills. Not only did the hornbill Jonah appear to be scared. And he is the worlds most aggressive hornbill. Anyways Holly was interacting with Bucky the Babirusa which was really nice to watch her viewing him as he was swimming. Also great time with Puppe as she was right up at the glass. Nice to know that she is the oldest Sumatran orangutan in North America and Youngest are in Toronto right now. But that was most of Indo and the Orangutan Exhibit is coming together really nicely.
Then Africa...
Started off with a really nice keeper interaction by the giraffe house and ended up getting some nice early access to view Matumaini the new baby giraffe was adorable. A nice size comparison between Matu, Amani and Mstari. Can wait til dad Kiko joins them. In the Savanna only the lions were out along with the Cheetahs and Baboons. All sleeping by the time I got to them. Also most of the African pavilion animals were all sleeping. Nothing out of the norm for the gorillas. but interestingly enough the red river hogs were breeding so I do wonder if that contraception is working.
Canadian Domain...
I absolutely love that the trees have no leaves since I was able to see from the top of the hill around the new raccoon exhibit, the whole female bison herd from an overhead view. The Bison bulls had 4 in their enclosure, 2 were sparring. I saw samson and shintay in the holding but nothing else in the Domain too interesting besides I did not see the remaining cougar which was a shame since I usually do not go down the hill.
Then, Tundra Trek
It was just Humphrey and Juno. Humphrey had to be separated because he was too hyper with Hudson and all of the girls around apparently. Juno has not looked so furry in a while, she was active and having a good time with her barrel in her kiddie pool. The caribou herd appears to be in good shape right now all running around and chasing one another in herd formation. The Wolf pack was half asleep and half awake doing laps around the enclosure.
Eurasia was a blast, lots of breeding. First off the Amur Tigers were all asleep. But a really nice Volunteer there. But Suva and Paprika are still together. So I guess the keepers still have hope. Also zip was in with Everyone, The whole camel complex was open for free range. So maybe the breeding just needed some space. Also I only saw one of the Eagles out today. Pemba has found a nice hiding spot right at at the back of enclosure, you can only see his ears.
Americas.
Love the new indoor holdings for the monkeys, the Sakis were having a nice view watching their neighbours being the lion tamarins. The Whole section has a nice mural in the background as well. Also not sure if it was just me or did they also renovate the indoor otter holding? it did look quite outdated from what I remember but I could just be foolish.
That was my trip, if there are any questions about anything specific I'll try to answer them if anyone has questions.
Photos will hopefully be uploaded tomorrow.
Started with Indo-Malaya
Bright and early 9:30 opening. Rhinos were not outside but rather inside and I think it was Kiran but I can't tell him and Dad Vishnu apart. Then, moving I got a morning glimpse of Kemala the female Sumatran Tiger. She was quite active which is not like her. Every time I pass by her she is always sleeping in her den. Next was the pavilion and a great greeting by Holly my favourite gibbon, with her amazing singing skills. Not only did the hornbill Jonah appear to be scared. And he is the worlds most aggressive hornbill. Anyways Holly was interacting with Bucky the Babirusa which was really nice to watch her viewing him as he was swimming. Also great time with Puppe as she was right up at the glass. Nice to know that she is the oldest Sumatran orangutan in North America and Youngest are in Toronto right now. But that was most of Indo and the Orangutan Exhibit is coming together really nicely.
Then Africa...
Started off with a really nice keeper interaction by the giraffe house and ended up getting some nice early access to view Matumaini the new baby giraffe was adorable. A nice size comparison between Matu, Amani and Mstari. Can wait til dad Kiko joins them. In the Savanna only the lions were out along with the Cheetahs and Baboons. All sleeping by the time I got to them. Also most of the African pavilion animals were all sleeping. Nothing out of the norm for the gorillas. but interestingly enough the red river hogs were breeding so I do wonder if that contraception is working.
Canadian Domain...
I absolutely love that the trees have no leaves since I was able to see from the top of the hill around the new raccoon exhibit, the whole female bison herd from an overhead view. The Bison bulls had 4 in their enclosure, 2 were sparring. I saw samson and shintay in the holding but nothing else in the Domain too interesting besides I did not see the remaining cougar which was a shame since I usually do not go down the hill.
Then, Tundra Trek
It was just Humphrey and Juno. Humphrey had to be separated because he was too hyper with Hudson and all of the girls around apparently. Juno has not looked so furry in a while, she was active and having a good time with her barrel in her kiddie pool. The caribou herd appears to be in good shape right now all running around and chasing one another in herd formation. The Wolf pack was half asleep and half awake doing laps around the enclosure.
Eurasia was a blast, lots of breeding. First off the Amur Tigers were all asleep. But a really nice Volunteer there. But Suva and Paprika are still together. So I guess the keepers still have hope. Also zip was in with Everyone, The whole camel complex was open for free range. So maybe the breeding just needed some space. Also I only saw one of the Eagles out today. Pemba has found a nice hiding spot right at at the back of enclosure, you can only see his ears.
Americas.
Love the new indoor holdings for the monkeys, the Sakis were having a nice view watching their neighbours being the lion tamarins. The Whole section has a nice mural in the background as well. Also not sure if it was just me or did they also renovate the indoor otter holding? it did look quite outdated from what I remember but I could just be foolish.
That was my trip, if there are any questions about anything specific I'll try to answer them if anyone has questions.
Photos will hopefully be uploaded tomorrow.