Toronto Zoo Toronto Zoo Discussion thread 2024

[milkandcookies]

Had a recent visit and got some updates:

• A keeper said there are 3 gibbons currently in quarantine, a breeding pair and their offspring. Didn’t say which species.
• Kembali (orangutan) has been getting really comfortable going outside! Keeper said they recently tried putting him and Puppe out at the same time (the towers are set up so that they can see each other but can’t physically interact). Also saw a cute moment where a volunteer blew a kiss to Puppe and she blew one back. Later saw one of the males (pretty sure it was Budi) in the pavilion and he started vocalizing, keeper said he has been long calling a lot lately and this is the first time an orang has long called in the pavilion in 10 years.
• The kids zoo has had some work done, the spider web climber has been fixed and some of the empty habitats have been cleaned up. There are 2 new rabbits to the left of the ferret habitat and the guinea pigs have been placed in the old skunk habitat.
• Speaking of the guinea pigs, keeper said there are 2 males and 2 females, the females came as a pair, and the males are neutered. It might be hard to see them as they still feel more comfortable in their crates, they are currently being trained to come out into the habitat and the males have been a bit braver.
• A few other empty habitats around the zoo have been cleaned up, the turkey vulture is now in the small habitat near the Arctic wolves (I think it’s the old Arctic fox habitat). The small habitat next to the caribou now has a garden in it (I think it’s the old snow geese habitat). Also, the water has been turned back on in the old African spotted necked otter habitat (don’t know if that means anything).
• Obi (zebra) wasn’t in the giraffe house next to the Watusi cattle, zoomobile commentator said he has been moved to another part of the zoo.
• There were wild turkeys in with the bachelor bison, don’t know if they belong to TZ or came over on their own.
• Got to hear a cougar keeper talk (this was before Teeka was moved so I don’t know how she and Bowen are getting along). Apparently Bowen was a rescue, he was taken in by a BC zoo but they didn’t have room for him so TZ offered to take him. His muscles were underdeveloped when he first came so keepers had to work with him on climbing, he’s doing much better now. They also said Teeka will only be here temporarily while her habitat at Assiniboine Park Zoo is under construction, so sounds like she’s not a breeding match for Bowen.
• I finally got to see the bettong. He was in the red-tailed black cockatoo habitat, it seems like they occasionally put him in there even though his main habitat is with the galah.
• I think someone else said that the red-tailed black cockatoos are both females but the keeper said they are a brother-sister pair (the male is Louis/Lewis).
• Keeper said RJ and Maybelle (American river otters) have been getting along well, although RJ occasionally gets grumpy with her. When I came by they were playing together and it was very cute.
• It looks like there are going to be 2 vr stations, 1 in front of Caribou Café and another in front of Australasia pavilion.
• I like the new Charles statue. It’s very nice, especially surrounded by all the plants.

 

[AJ the TZ Guy]

Hey fellas, so I'm planning ahead for my next visit to the zoo, and I want this to be as perfect a trip as possible, both to fully enjoy the 50th anniversary year with everyone and because this could potentially be my last annual visit (I've considered switching to going every other year after this). I need to know a few things in advance to best figure out my schedule, potentially save myself some valuable time and figure out how many rest stops I'll need. Can I go ahead and ask some questions related to recent goings-on at the zoo and some of the animals?

 

[Zoo adventures]

Hey fellas, so I'm planning ahead for my next visit to the zoo, and I want this to be as perfect a trip as possible, both to fully enjoy the 50th anniversary year with everyone and because this could potentially be my last annual visit (I've considered switching to going every other year after this). I need to know a few things in advance to best figure out my schedule, potentially save myself some valuable time and figure out how many rest stops I'll need. Can I go ahead and ask some questions related to recent goings-on at the zoo and some of the animals?

I want to ask a question. Do you take photos or videos of an entire exhibit? I was planning on making a Toronto Zoo tour of each pavilion but I am missing some clips. I do not know if you have the habit of taking a photo or video of the entire exhibit.

 

[The_Leopard_Seal]

https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.7302605
The red panda that gave birth to two cubs died three weeks after the last cub was born.

 

[AJ the TZ Guy]

I want to ask a question. Do you take photos or videos of an entire exhibit? I was planning on making a Toronto Zoo tour of each pavilion but I am missing some clips. I do not know if you have the habit of taking a photo or video of the entire exhibit.

If I get a significant amount of the habitat in the shot, that's a great bonus, but I often just get a couple good shots of the animals, observe and admire them for a moment and move along to the next exhibit.

 

[Zoo adventures]

Other: Dolf posted a post on instagram veterinarian visit for some kind of monkey. In the comments, people asked if it was the new gibbons. Since it was memtionned that the gibbons are on quarantine in the previous post. It might be them. Can you guys identify the species by looking at the 3 photos?

Dolf DeJong on Instagram: "Caring every day. to our incredible teams who share their passion & commitment for all the world to see!"

Also the zoo made a Bronze statue for Charles the western lowland gorilla. He has not passed away, I think it is just a statue to always remember him.
Dolf DeJong on Instagram: "THE , the myth, the legend…! A week later still loving this epic addition to your @thetorontozoo - #charles4ever!!"

If I get a significant amount of the habitat in the shot, that's a great bonus, but I often just get a couple good shots of the animals, observe and admire them for a moment and move along to the next exhibit.

If you can, can you send me the photos that you took on your visit?

 

[Madadad]

Other: Dolf posted a post on instagram veterinarian visit for some kind of monkey. In the comments, people asked if it was the new gibbons. Since it was memtionned that the gibbons are on quarantine in the previous post. It might be them. Can you guys identify the species by looking at the 3 photos?

Dolf DeJong on Instagram: "Caring every day. to our incredible teams who share their passion & commitment for all the world to see!"

Doesn't look like a Lar Gibbon to me, unless it's an older Lar Gibbon. Could be an Eastern Grey Gibbon judging by the whiter fur along its arms.

 

[Riverdale Zoo]

Hey fellas, so I'm planning ahead for my next visit to the zoo, and I want this to be as perfect a trip as possible, both to fully enjoy the 50th anniversary year with everyone and because this could potentially be my last annual visit (I've considered switching to going every other year after this). I need to know a few things in advance to best figure out my schedule, potentially save myself some valuable time and figure out how many rest stops I'll need. Can I go ahead and ask some questions related to recent goings-on at the zoo and some of the animals?

Zoomobile is highly recommended, by far the best way to move between the various domains.

 

[AJ the TZ Guy]

Zoomobile is highly recommended, by far the best way to move between the various domains.

That's actually related to a question on my list of questions--what's the average wait been like for the Zoomobile lately? I skipped a planned ride last year because the estimated wait was like 40 minutes and I was already running behind schedule, and it'd be nice to finally have a nice relaxing round trip on it this year and seeing a few animals I don't normally get to see.

As for my other questions so far, for just anyone who sees this...

- Is the Kids' Zoo worth checking out this year? If it is, maybe I'll arrange to get to the zoo earlier than usual to make sure I have time for that.
- Is the new boardwalk at Indo-Malaya likely to be as difficult for me as the Core Forest one was last year? I really hope there's at least somewhere to sit along it and no unnecessary added length...
- I've noticed Indian rhinos are currently off display. Is this a temporary thing, or will they not be there in October when I go there?
- Where is the Charles statue located? I want to be sure I don't miss it!
- Just to be sure, where in the African Rainforest Pavilion should I look to find the fruit bats and naked mole rats? I especially don't want to miss out on seeing my precious nakies this year. :'3
- Have the Zootique and main plaza food trucks been affected at all by the construction on the new conservation centre, or are things all good for those? I want to be sure I can still get my annual Smoke's poutine, rock candy and charming souvenirs. Also, what's the noise level in the plaza with the construction?
- Are the peacocks finally back to wandering about?
- That Coca-Cola Recycle Zone I read about in an earlier post sounds awesome, is it still up?

 

[AJ the TZ Guy]

If you can, can you send me the photos that you took on your visit?

I have over 1,660 photos from all my annual trips between 2015 and 2023, so you'd have to be more specific about which visit. I have been meaning to upload more photos sometime though.

 

[Zoo adventures]

I have over 1,660 photos from all my annual trips between 2015 and 2023, so you'd have to be more specific about which visit. I have been meaning to upload more photos sometime though.

I would like to see photos of the entire exhibit because I am trying to make a tour of each pavilion at TZ. That is why I asked you if you habitually took pictures of each exhibit. When are you visiting TZ? 2023 pictures would be fine, but 2024 one would be better. You can take your time. Thank you in advance

 

[animalman0341]

That's actually related to a question on my list of questions--what's the average wait been like for the Zoomobile lately? I skipped a planned ride last year because the estimated wait was like 40 minutes and I was already running behind schedule, and it'd be nice to finally have a nice relaxing round trip on it this year and seeing a few animals I don't normally get to see.

As for my other questions so far, for just anyone who sees this...

- Is the Kids' Zoo worth checking out this year? If it is, maybe I'll arrange to get to the zoo earlier than usual to make sure I have time for that.
- Is the new boardwalk at Indo-Malaya likely to be as difficult for me as the Core Forest one was last year? I really hope there's at least somewhere to sit along it and no unnecessary added length...
- I've noticed Indian rhinos are currently off display. Is this a temporary thing, or will they not be there in October when I go there?
- Where is the Charles statue located? I want to be sure I don't miss it!
- Just to be sure, where in the African Rainforest Pavilion should I look to find the fruit bats and naked mole rats? I especially don't want to miss out on seeing my precious nakies this year. :'3
- Have the Zootique and main plaza food trucks been affected at all by the construction on the new conservation centre, or are things all good for those? I want to be sure I can still get my annual Smoke's poutine, rock candy and charming souvenirs. Also, what's the noise level in the plaza with the construction?
- Are the peacocks finally back to wandering about?
- That Coca-Cola Recycle Zone I read about in an earlier post sounds awesome, is it still up?

Hello @AJ the TZ Guy !!

I’m not able to answer the zoomobile question but I can help with some others.

The Kids Zoo is not worth stressing over, though if you have some extra time it’s cool to see the armadillos. There are other critters in there, but it’s not like the old days when it was packed with a variety of animals.

I may not be one to speak as I do not have any mobility issues, but both boardwalks have treated me much better than the old paths. I don’t find myself grabbing by knees when I get to the top. If you didn’t enjoy the first one, you will not enjoy the second one.

The Indian Rhino is able to access the indoor space, but mainly resides in the off-show outdoor habitat. We have likely come to the point where we can no longer consider them a featured species. The phase out is real.

The Charles statue is located between the African Pavilion entrance and the outdoor gorilla exhibit. Can’t miss it!

The Naked Mole Rats are next to the chameleons in the African pavilion, across from the smaller fish tanks. The bats are harder to see as there is no official viewing area, but they can sometimes be seen in the area near the Meerkats (towards the outdoor Savanna overlook), and again when looking at the Ibis/Spoonbills. There is a sign by the aquatic birds that says to look up to see the bats. They share an aviary with White-Cheeked Turacos.

There were tacos and beaver tails in the front area in terms of food trucks. The construction was not loud at all on my last visit, but you never know what they’ll be working on on a given day.
Fear not, you’ll be able to get your poutine and rock candy!

The peacocks reside in the Australasia outdoor aviary, they are no longer free roaming, and I’m not sure they ever will be again.

Not sure about the Coca-Cola recycle zone. Wasn’t aware of it outside of your post, unless I’m drawing a blank.

Hope this helps! Happy to answer any and all questions that I can!

 

[Zoo adventures]

what's the average wait been like for the Zoomobile lately? I skipped a planned ride last year because the estimated wait was like 40 minutes and I was already running behind schedule, and it'd be nice to finally have a nice relaxing round trip on it this year and seeing a few animals I don't normally get to see.

I visited the zoo 2 months ago. The first Zoomobile to be out of the day is at 10:10. For the Canadian Domain stop, it comes every 10 minutes. For Eurasia and Tundra, it seems like it is every 15-20 minutes. I do not know how you want to walk the zoo. Before leaving the zoo around 5pm, I recommend that you take the zoo mobile again, to get more better view without having too many guests.

For the animals in the Zoomobile that you will see are:
There are 2 Himalayan tahr when you depart from the zoo mobile. There is also the outdoor Indian rhino now called the Barurisa exhibit and you can see the outdoor exhibit for the orangutans. Kiko the giraffe is usually in the back exhibit, I am not sure about that but he lives separately from his family on my last visit. There is also the back of the cheetah exhibit that you can see on the zoo mobile. All these exhibits are on your right. All these exhibits can be seen before arriving at the Canadian Domain.

En route to Africa Savanna, you will only see ostrich and construction for the new indoor habitat for Savanna animals.

En route to Tundra, you may see the watusi or one zebra if they are behind.

En route to Eurasia, you will see a Lion-tailed macaque on your right, and then on your left, there is that wattled crane exhibit on the left. Then you arrive at the Asian Wild horse, Yak, and West Caucasian Tur area. Before arriving at Eurasia, you will see the alpaca exhibit. That is all for the animals.

I think someone else said that the red-tailed black cockatoos are both females but the keeper said they are a brother-sister pair (the male is Louis/Lewis).

I remember hearing a guest calling Louis the echidna? I am pretty sure that he messed up. I think that one of the animals is called Louis.

https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.7302605
The red panda that gave birth to two cubs died three weeks after the last cub was born.

This was announced in Toronto Zoo Births, Deaths and Transfers 2024 [Toronto Zoo].

 

[kingoffreaks]

Doesn't look like a Lar Gibbon to me, unless it's an older Lar Gibbon. Could be an Eastern Grey Gibbon judging by the whiter fur along its arms.

That would be interesting Grey Gibbons aren't one of the managed species by the SSP. With recent trends within the zoo to more endangered species I don't see them taking non-SSP animals unless it was requested or some kind of rescue/closure situation.
For reference the three managed species are Siamangs, White Handed and White Checked Gibbons though Agile Gibbons are also present at Safari Niagara.

 

[milkandcookies]

That's actually related to a question on my list of questions--what's the average wait been like for the Zoomobile lately?

The wait for the zoomobile honestly depends on how busy the zoo is that day, if it's a weekend (especially a long weekend) and the weather's nice the zoo will probably be packed. In my experience it's not even worth trying to get on the zoomobile on packed days, it could be a 30+ minute wait, particularly for any station that isn't main station. If it's a weekday and the weather's more gloomy the zoo will probably be quieter and you'll have better chances with the zoomobile, maybe 15-20 minute wait. You may fare better going in October since you won't have to deal with the summer crowds. Also, it tends to be easier to get on the zoomobile in the morning, the further you get into the afternoon the more crowded it gets.

The new Indo-Malaya boardwalk is definitely longer and more winding than the old one, that's kind of the trade-off with making it a more gradual slope. There is a lot of seating though.

If you go on a cooler day you might have a better chance of seeing the Indian rhino in the rhino house, it all depends on him though.

As @animalman0341 said the noise level of the construction really depends on what they're working on, some days it isn't noticeable at all, other days it's quite loud (not cover your ears loud but definitely disruptive). On noisier days it's usually fine once you get away from the plaza.

The Coca-Cola recycle zone is still up, it's to the right of the walking path between Caribou Café and the Americas pavilion (across from the pretzel/beer stand).

@Zoo adventures Louis is definitely not the echidna, that's Annie.

 

[Madadad]

That would be interesting Grey Gibbons aren't one of the managed species by the SSP. With recent trends within the zoo to more endangered species I don't see them taking non-SSP animals unless it was requested or some kind of rescue/closure situation.
For reference the three managed species are Siamangs, White Handed and White Checked Gibbons though Agile Gibbons are also present at Safari Niagara.

I had looked up the managed species, but those photos don't really look anything like a managed gibbon species. It's a conundrum of identification, but I'll wait and see.

 

[Jefferson]

@milkandcookies Wow some great updates!

- Interesting about Teeka, I wasn't aware it was just a short stay. I have also heard that Bowen is a rescue, and I would be surprised if they bred them as most zoos use their cougar holding for rescues.
- I guess Obi and the Watusi didn't work out, too bad as it would have been nice to see them together.
- You are right, originally thought that the cockatoos were females but based on the feathers, I think they reached out to some experts and the thought is Louisa was a male, hence the new name Louis. I think they have collected a sample to send for testing to confirm the sex of the bird.
-Overall lots of great small changes, happy to hear they have cleaned up tundra, I think both Tundra and Kids Zoo need some love and filling up, although if they keep phasing things out, I will feel the same about Indo-malaya

@AJ the TZ Guy
My expereicne with the zoomobile this summer was on a crazy Sunday afternoon where we parked in overflow, just for context, and the wait was a long time. The worst wait was in Africa to get back on. If doing a whole tour in one go, then I would start at the entrance and they force a full changeover of people.

I think the rest of your questions have been answered. The entrance noise is so hit or miss each day, so cross your fingers for quiet. The food trucks and snack bars int he front are not open everyday, I think in the summer they always are, but with September coming up I don't know if the hours change. As for the boardwalks, based on your experience, I think you would do better going up core-woods and down Indomalaya for the boardwalks to be honest. I do not think you will be happy with the new Indomalaya as it is longer, as the grade was such a big change. You actually can see much more how much higher the land is up at Indomalaya pavilion.

 

[BovidBabe]

Just reading back on this this thread - @milkandcookies They said Teeka's habitat was under construction? Fascinating enough, they just extended her habitat in 2022. While that happened, she was placed in the snow leopard complex. There must be something more afoot! I will be visiting both zoos back to back next month so I will report back on the Assiniboine Zoo thread if I hear anything. It seems like an awful lot of work to send her all the way to Toronto for some habitat construction.

 

[AJ the TZ Guy]

Thanks to everyone who's answered my questions so far, you've legit been a big help! Another question about the Indo-Malaya boardwalk comes to mind. So, my difficulty getting up the Core Forest one was likely made worse by the fact that I'd been almost constantly walking for a good while at that point. I had gone through the Indo-Malaya Pavilion and seen the new outdoor orangutan home, walked all the way back to the main plaza, and gone through Australasia, the Eurasia trail, Tundra Trek and the Americas. If I go the opposite way, that means I'll only have visited the whole Indo-Malaya section of the zoo before going up the new boardwalk. With this in mind, and the fact that there's apparently plenty of spots to take a sitdown break, will I probably have an easier time getting up it?

And for those wondering when I plan to go, same as every year--as is tradition, my visit will be on the first Saturday of October, second if it looks like the weather will be bad or I'm not feeling well on the first one. Maybe if Zoomobile wait times are looking like they'll be okay around then, I can arrange to get to the zoo earlier than usual, go my usual route, skip the Core Forest boardwalk by having a nice relaxing trip from Tundra Trek's station all the way around to the Savannah's, and enjoy a nice easy downhill walk on the Indo-Malaya boardwalk! I also admittedly plan to skip the Eurasia walk this year, might go see the red pandas and then turn back and head towards Tundra Trek at most, so that'll likely buy me more time to wait for the Zoomobile as well.

Added thought as well, I'm glad to hear there's something new at the Kids Zoo--even if there's not a whole lot, I'm still eager to see more animals I've never seen in person before!

 

[Van Beal]

I’ll likely be making my second trip of the year in the next 2-3 weeks, and though things change, is there anything at least for now that I should take note of that would be different from a trip earlier in the year, around March? Particularly I wanted to know where I can find the galah and red-tailed cockatoo, as well as what has taken residence in Kilat’s old enclosure.