Drawings have been posted in the business section for the Health Center. I haven't really taken a good look at them.
Toronto Zoo | Business Opportunities at the Toronto Zoo
Toronto Zoo | Business Opportunities at the Toronto Zoo
Toronto Zoo Toronto Zoo Future Developments 2014
- Thread starter TZFan
- Start date
arcticwolf
Well-Known Member
I know that CAZA accreditation is also very important. That's why I was happy that the zoo got it renewed. I'm just hoping that they will also soon get accredited by AZA because I remember you saying how difficult it is for the zoo to get new animals without it.
Also the plans for the health centre look really exciting. It seems like there will be tons of room for the animals and staff. I still don't fully understand where all the new parts of the health centre are being built.
arcticwolf
Well-Known Member
I know that CAZA accreditation is also very important. That's why I was happy that the zoo got it renewed. I'm just hoping that they will also soon get accredited by AZA because I remember you saying how difficult it is for the zoo to get new animals without it.
Also the plans for the health centre look really exciting. It seems like there will be tons of room for the animals and staff. I still don't fully understand where all the new parts of the health centre are being built.
I wonder how annoying thae build will be for staff? Unlike an area redevelopment elsewhere where many of the animals can be relocated at least temporarily this is a vital area of the zoomwhich still needs to operate at maximum efficiency. I suppose the lay out and building schedule considers that though. Wont rip down the OR until the new one is ready.
WILDforLife
Member
The new Wildlife Health Centre will be built on the site of the existing health centre. All the existing facilities will be renovated to meet new purposes. An all new section will be added for the Clinical Unit including areas such as Clinical Lab, Endocrine Lab, Intensive Care, Radiology, Surgery and Treatment Suites. This new space will occupy what is now open space between the back of the Admin building and the horticulture building.
You can get a copy of the layout on the Zoo's website at Toronto Zoo | Wildlife Health Centre by clicking the "Download Project PDF" button.
The health centre will be built in phases, where staff and procedures will be temporarily relocated while each phase is completed. Once a phase is complete, staff will move back in, then the process will be repeated for the next phase. There will not be an interruption in service or animal care during construction.
You can get a copy of the layout on the Zoo's website at Toronto Zoo | Wildlife Health Centre by clicking the "Download Project PDF" button.
The health centre will be built in phases, where staff and procedures will be temporarily relocated while each phase is completed. Once a phase is complete, staff will move back in, then the process will be repeated for the next phase. There will not be an interruption in service or animal care during construction.
I appreciate you taking the time to give us a little more info WILDforLife. I knew there wouldn't be interruptions but more like irritating little inconveniences, just like renovating a house only they have 3 years of irritation coming. Whatever inconveniences they go through will be well worth it though when they get to enjoy the brand new facilities which are well suited to the needs of the staff and animals for years to come.
What are facilities are they starting with? Is there a firm start date yet?
What are facilities are they starting with? Is there a firm start date yet?
On the Toronto Zoo website I noticed that the White Lions are listed in the Animals of Display. Here's what it says about it:
"White lions off display - The Toronto Zoo is working on research related to breeding of this species and as a result the white lions will be off exhibit for a period of time so they can be closely monitored by Zoo staff. The tawny lions will be on exhibit to meet their adoring fans!"
Interesting that they are further looking into this. It'll also be good to see Jerroh and Lindy out. Their size is pretty impressive compared to the White Lions. Do they feed them during the Keeper talk, or do they just talk facts?
"White lions off display - The Toronto Zoo is working on research related to breeding of this species and as a result the white lions will be off exhibit for a period of time so they can be closely monitored by Zoo staff. The tawny lions will be on exhibit to meet their adoring fans!"
Interesting that they are further looking into this. It'll also be good to see Jerroh and Lindy out. Their size is pretty impressive compared to the White Lions. Do they feed them during the Keeper talk, or do they just talk facts?
arcticwolf
Well-Known Member
I really like what the health centre is supposed to look like. Thank you WILDforLife for posting the great plans for it. Also now I can completely picture where the new sections will be built. I can't wait for it to all be finished.
Interesting that they have pulled the white lions. Could be so simple as they want keepers to be able to see them while breeding to make sure its actually happening. They can monitor them on exhibit but maybe cant see if its being done correctly as well from a distance. There could be other reasons of course but its probably just something simple. The next three months would be critical in having lion cubs ready for spring display. Three month pregnancy, 3 more months of being in the den growing and getting shots, which would put cubs conceived between now and December in that prime April to June window for debut.
They will be working hard on all of the cats right now.
The cheetahs would probably be receiving AI soon.
The tigers might be reintroduced if they think the issues with Kemala have been resolved.
If they are going to try to breed the snow leopards to be ready for the spring opening of Eurasia they would need to be introduced soon. But that might depend a lot on the readiness of the exhibit and their level of comfort combined. Though at 15 they might not want to risk breeding Tiga again. I kind of selfishly hope they do. Love snow leopard cubs.
There is also a very remote chance the clouded leopards are mature enough to breed but I wouldn't count on it. The mature at two. Mingma wont be two until January while Pavarti hits that point in April. I'd guess they are too young.
They will be working hard on all of the cats right now.
The cheetahs would probably be receiving AI soon.
The tigers might be reintroduced if they think the issues with Kemala have been resolved.
If they are going to try to breed the snow leopards to be ready for the spring opening of Eurasia they would need to be introduced soon. But that might depend a lot on the readiness of the exhibit and their level of comfort combined. Though at 15 they might not want to risk breeding Tiga again. I kind of selfishly hope they do. Love snow leopard cubs.
There is also a very remote chance the clouded leopards are mature enough to breed but I wouldn't count on it. The mature at two. Mingma wont be two until January while Pavarti hits that point in April. I'd guess they are too young.
Went to the zoo today, mainly for the exclusive look at the Eurasia Wilds. It was interesting but ultimately disappointing. Eurasia is not nearly close to being open. It seems the Zoo wanted to cancel this opening to members because it wasn’t near their target phase in construction. But they already advertised it, and didn’t want to anger members by cancelling it. They may do an opening like this again in November for members. Also seems the target date for Eurasia Wilds to open is Spring 2015. Probably for the better.
The Steller’s Sea Eagles and Eagle Owls weren’t in their exhibits, despite the exhibits being basically finished. Apparently they are pretty nervous around people still and getting used to being near them. So I didn’t see them at all.
The Snow Leopard exhibit is still under construction, so I didn’t see them at all either. They’re still being held in their old exhibit. Their exhibit is the one with the black rocks and wire meshing that I posted a while ago in the gallery. The rocks are for visitors to walk up and look down to the Snow Leopards which is completely in the wire meshing.
Animals that were on exhibit were the Red Pandas, which I haven’t visited in a couple years, so that was cool. The Bactrian Camels were on exhibit, including the new baby. I counted 5 plus a loan one at the Camel Palace. West Caucasian Tur were also on exhibit. Someone said they counted at least 21, which included at least 1 newborn. 2 Chamois were also on exhibit. The Dr. Schofield Statue and Memorial Gardens was also open, although that area seems very plain. I’m guessing they’ll add something there to spruce it up.
They also had tours into the indoor housing for the new bird and snow leopards, although it was only housing a Gyrfalcon, and later a Bald Eagle. The housing was pretty spacious. There are five housings for birds and four housings for the Snow Leopards. There’s also an incubation room for any eggs from the birds.
Last bit on news on the Eurasian Wilds is that the Zoo is getting a new younger female Snow Leopard from Japan. But the best news about that is that the Snow Leopard is wild born, making it great for future breed in terms of genetics.
Now for news outside of Eurasia, the Plush Crested Jay in the America’s Pavilion escaped from the Pavilion. It was hanging around the hill that leads from the Pavilion up to the African Savanna. I noticed it calling out while walking by. Its call is not something you hear often in that area. Upon spotting it, I went and notified a Keeper in the Pavilion while my brother kept an eye on it. Eventually Keepers came to get the bird to put back in the Pavilion. I didn’t stick around to see the catch because my brother wanted to see the Polar Bear talk. But there were zoo workers keeping eyes on the escapee.
Humphrey was in the large grassy yard for the second time today.
And lastly, The Giraffes were finally in the Second yard today. The walkway at the Hippos to see the second Giraffe yard was also open. There is an added feeding platform, although I have no clue if it’ll be used for the public to feed the Giraffes. Let’s keep our fingers crossed.
I’ll definitely post some pictures of today’s visit.
The Steller’s Sea Eagles and Eagle Owls weren’t in their exhibits, despite the exhibits being basically finished. Apparently they are pretty nervous around people still and getting used to being near them. So I didn’t see them at all.
The Snow Leopard exhibit is still under construction, so I didn’t see them at all either. They’re still being held in their old exhibit. Their exhibit is the one with the black rocks and wire meshing that I posted a while ago in the gallery. The rocks are for visitors to walk up and look down to the Snow Leopards which is completely in the wire meshing.
Animals that were on exhibit were the Red Pandas, which I haven’t visited in a couple years, so that was cool. The Bactrian Camels were on exhibit, including the new baby. I counted 5 plus a loan one at the Camel Palace. West Caucasian Tur were also on exhibit. Someone said they counted at least 21, which included at least 1 newborn. 2 Chamois were also on exhibit. The Dr. Schofield Statue and Memorial Gardens was also open, although that area seems very plain. I’m guessing they’ll add something there to spruce it up.
They also had tours into the indoor housing for the new bird and snow leopards, although it was only housing a Gyrfalcon, and later a Bald Eagle. The housing was pretty spacious. There are five housings for birds and four housings for the Snow Leopards. There’s also an incubation room for any eggs from the birds.
Last bit on news on the Eurasian Wilds is that the Zoo is getting a new younger female Snow Leopard from Japan. But the best news about that is that the Snow Leopard is wild born, making it great for future breed in terms of genetics.
Now for news outside of Eurasia, the Plush Crested Jay in the America’s Pavilion escaped from the Pavilion. It was hanging around the hill that leads from the Pavilion up to the African Savanna. I noticed it calling out while walking by. Its call is not something you hear often in that area. Upon spotting it, I went and notified a Keeper in the Pavilion while my brother kept an eye on it. Eventually Keepers came to get the bird to put back in the Pavilion. I didn’t stick around to see the catch because my brother wanted to see the Polar Bear talk. But there were zoo workers keeping eyes on the escapee.
Humphrey was in the large grassy yard for the second time today.
And lastly, The Giraffes were finally in the Second yard today. The walkway at the Hippos to see the second Giraffe yard was also open. There is an added feeding platform, although I have no clue if it’ll be used for the public to feed the Giraffes. Let’s keep our fingers crossed.
I’ll definitely post some pictures of today’s visit.
arcticwolf
Well-Known Member
It's too bad that Eurasia was a disappointment, but I hope you still had a good day. At least you got to see some of the animals that have been off exhibit for a while. I'm especially surprised that both of the chamois are still alive because they must be getting pretty old. When I visited Eurasia in the summer even the bird exhibits weren't ready yet, so at least they're finished. I'm guessing that the zoo will do a big opening for the exhibit in the spring.
The news about the snow leopard from Japan is great! I can't wait to see her and hopefully she will breed and have cubs at the zoo.
I'm glad that the giraffes are finally in their second exhibit and if there is a feeding station I would be extremely happy.
The news about the snow leopard from Japan is great! I can't wait to see her and hopefully she will breed and have cubs at the zoo.
I'm glad that the giraffes are finally in their second exhibit and if there is a feeding station I would be extremely happy.
Eurasia Wilds was open all day for members unlike the usual 3 or 4 hour availability.
We were able to walk through only part of the Wilds but could go inside the new Snow Leopard/Eagle Owl/Steller's Sea Eagle exhibit. Of course none of them were there. A Gyrfalcon from the Outreach program and Mikisi, the Bald Eagle from the entry plaza were standing in! Snow Leopards Tiga and Kota are in their old exhibit which we could not visit. After Kota returned from Safari Niagara a few months ago to the Health Centre he then went back to the old exhibit. The Eagle is in the Savannah hoofstock/bird barn, and the owl is in the Discovery Zone Bird Barn.
Since Tiga is now 15, there is a four year old F coming from Tokyo for breeding. No time estimate yet, but no one believes the zoo's estimates anyway!
For the Snow Leopards there are 4 indoor holding spaces, 3 outside, and a large outdoor space. It has several ways for them to climb and to hide, and there are many ways for visitors to view them, including a place to climb beside the exhibit. From there you look down into it and into the nearby chamois and tur exhibits. We were able to go right into the exhibit for a closer view and chat with keepers.
There was an older Chamois pair out and they have more off-exhibit.
There were at least 21 West Caucasian Tur out (I counted 15, then 19, then 21, and gave up) and it was great to see them all over their mountain after close to three years. There were quite a few young ones.
The Bactrian Camels were all out except the male who is kept separately. That is 6 adult F and 1 baby F (mother is Sally). In the morning they were in the paddock where there are basic yurt structures inside and one finished and looking lived-in yurt outside that you can examine closely. In the afternoon the camels were in their holding area - the Camel Palace - but outside and quite visible.
Both Red Pandas were out and quite active morning and afternoon.
The Dr Schofield Garden is beautiful, with a large pond, unstocked at this time of year, a statue of him, and gardens surrounding it. Eventually, when funds are raised, the plan is to include birds and small mammals.
The pathways and landscaping throughout the parts we could walk in are very nice. There is a lot of new signage that seems very informative, although I did not stop to read many of them. On the offside of the path passing the camel paddock, there are viewing points that are not ready yet for watching the Przewalskis, Yaks, and Mouflon.
There were a llama, donkey, groundhog, skunk, and maybe more out for meeting and petting.
This was not disappointing at all - there were many keepers around to talk to, animals we have not seen since early 2012, fellow interested and knowledgeable members, no groups, and a pleasant day. Obviously the Newsprint edition announcing this was not up to date on the construction situation so I was not expecting to see the Snow Leopard, etc, but we did get inside the holding.
I will post a few pictures but showing the enclosures well is always difficult for me - need to work on that -so they are mostly of animals.
We were able to walk through only part of the Wilds but could go inside the new Snow Leopard/Eagle Owl/Steller's Sea Eagle exhibit. Of course none of them were there. A Gyrfalcon from the Outreach program and Mikisi, the Bald Eagle from the entry plaza were standing in! Snow Leopards Tiga and Kota are in their old exhibit which we could not visit. After Kota returned from Safari Niagara a few months ago to the Health Centre he then went back to the old exhibit. The Eagle is in the Savannah hoofstock/bird barn, and the owl is in the Discovery Zone Bird Barn.
Since Tiga is now 15, there is a four year old F coming from Tokyo for breeding. No time estimate yet, but no one believes the zoo's estimates anyway!
For the Snow Leopards there are 4 indoor holding spaces, 3 outside, and a large outdoor space. It has several ways for them to climb and to hide, and there are many ways for visitors to view them, including a place to climb beside the exhibit. From there you look down into it and into the nearby chamois and tur exhibits. We were able to go right into the exhibit for a closer view and chat with keepers.
There was an older Chamois pair out and they have more off-exhibit.
There were at least 21 West Caucasian Tur out (I counted 15, then 19, then 21, and gave up) and it was great to see them all over their mountain after close to three years. There were quite a few young ones.
The Bactrian Camels were all out except the male who is kept separately. That is 6 adult F and 1 baby F (mother is Sally). In the morning they were in the paddock where there are basic yurt structures inside and one finished and looking lived-in yurt outside that you can examine closely. In the afternoon the camels were in their holding area - the Camel Palace - but outside and quite visible.
Both Red Pandas were out and quite active morning and afternoon.
The Dr Schofield Garden is beautiful, with a large pond, unstocked at this time of year, a statue of him, and gardens surrounding it. Eventually, when funds are raised, the plan is to include birds and small mammals.
The pathways and landscaping throughout the parts we could walk in are very nice. There is a lot of new signage that seems very informative, although I did not stop to read many of them. On the offside of the path passing the camel paddock, there are viewing points that are not ready yet for watching the Przewalskis, Yaks, and Mouflon.
There were a llama, donkey, groundhog, skunk, and maybe more out for meeting and petting.
This was not disappointing at all - there were many keepers around to talk to, animals we have not seen since early 2012, fellow interested and knowledgeable members, no groups, and a pleasant day. Obviously the Newsprint edition announcing this was not up to date on the construction situation so I was not expecting to see the Snow Leopard, etc, but we did get inside the holding.
I will post a few pictures but showing the enclosures well is always difficult for me - need to work on that -so they are mostly of animals.
First off I apperciate that both Cypher and Mr. Wrinkly have taken the time to share their day with us. Nice to get their explanations and info.
Wow, talk about not even being ready for the preview. The snow leopard exhibit has a lot to be done from Cypher's photo. Maybe there will be another better preview for you members in the spring. At least you got to tour the barn.
Exciting to hear a new female snow leopard is arriving for Kota. I wondered if at 15 they would try breeding Tiga one last time. If a new female is on the way I would say not. Hopefully she arrives in time for spring. Maybe we will see 2016 snow leopard cubs.
Im surprised to hear the zoo has more then the two Chamois on exhibit. I thought the zoo was down to their final two.
With a tur herd that big there should be plenty of little ones come spring.
Ok so there are now 8 camels. I guess the boys from before have moved on. I did hear from someone else that male camel Yasser died recently, so that means the breeding male is either Goober or Lexus. Any clue anyone? I just love to delete names from and add names to my massive list.
Nice to hear the gardens are starting to shape up.
I wondered how the drive through animals would be viewed. Viewing spots sound like a decent idea. Hopefully they will offer good views.
Glad you both got to have a good look around and are willing to share your experiences with us.
Wow, talk about not even being ready for the preview. The snow leopard exhibit has a lot to be done from Cypher's photo. Maybe there will be another better preview for you members in the spring. At least you got to tour the barn.
Exciting to hear a new female snow leopard is arriving for Kota. I wondered if at 15 they would try breeding Tiga one last time. If a new female is on the way I would say not. Hopefully she arrives in time for spring. Maybe we will see 2016 snow leopard cubs.
Im surprised to hear the zoo has more then the two Chamois on exhibit. I thought the zoo was down to their final two.
With a tur herd that big there should be plenty of little ones come spring.
Ok so there are now 8 camels. I guess the boys from before have moved on. I did hear from someone else that male camel Yasser died recently, so that means the breeding male is either Goober or Lexus. Any clue anyone? I just love to delete names from and add names to my massive list.
Nice to hear the gardens are starting to shape up.
I wondered how the drive through animals would be viewed. Viewing spots sound like a decent idea. Hopefully they will offer good views.
Glad you both got to have a good look around and are willing to share your experiences with us.
I don't think there is all that much to be done on the Snow Leopard exhibit. They apparently decided this morning to have another member preview Nov. 9, with animals! However that was a surprise to the keepers so there is probably more discussion to be done about that. There is supposed to be a day in the spring too.
A keeper said no plans to breed Tiga, but keepers are not the decision makers on that, although it seems unlikely.
I was talking to a camel-interested guy who said the male is Lexus, but don't know how he knew.
A keeper said no plans to breed Tiga, but keepers are not the decision makers on that, although it seems unlikely.
I was talking to a camel-interested guy who said the male is Lexus, but don't know how he knew.
arcticwolf
Well-Known Member
Thanks for the review Mr Wrinkly! From what you've said, the Eurasia Wilds seems like a good addition to the zoo.
I'm curious about what species will added to the memorial garden when funds are raised. I have heard about pheasants, but other than I have no idea what species will be included. Also when you mention that the pond isn't stocked, do you mean with fish? I guess koi would look nice in there.
I agree that it is great to see the large herd of tur. They're another species that isn't very common in zoos and it's nice to see that the zoo is still breeding them.
I'm curious about what species will added to the memorial garden when funds are raised. I have heard about pheasants, but other than I have no idea what species will be included. Also when you mention that the pond isn't stocked, do you mean with fish? I guess koi would look nice in there.
I agree that it is great to see the large herd of tur. They're another species that isn't very common in zoos and it's nice to see that the zoo is still breeding them.
Nothing I have read has mentioned specific species and I did not think to ask today. They may not have any definite idea yet.
I assume something will be going in the pond besides the waterlilies they had.
Really hoping they bring back the Golden Pheasant - there is hope because there is a picture of one on a new sign after you enter Eurasia.
I assume something will be going in the pond besides the waterlilies they had.
Really hoping they bring back the Golden Pheasant - there is hope because there is a picture of one on a new sign after you enter Eurasia.
arcticwolf
Well-Known Member
Golden pheasants are a beautiful looking species that I would love to see at the zoo. Maybe they could be mixed with the Himalayan monal and possibly even ring necked pheasants that are already at the zoo. In addition to golden pheasants being on a sign, I also noticed that some of your pictures of signs show falcons (possibly saker), which the zoo already has in its collection. I could see this species given a small exhibit in the memorial gardens as well.
The Golden Pheasant used to be in Indo-Malaya. They would fit in the Schofield garden.
The new signs relating to species have comments on them written as if from that eagle. I will post another.
The new signs relating to species have comments on them written as if from that eagle. I will post another.
I thought Tiga breeding was a long shot at 15 but this would be the last year I could see them trying if they were willing to roll the dice. Probably wise not to breed her. Let her enjoy retirement, especially with Kota getting a young mate who will be totally unrepresented. Waiting is nothing if they can then bang out litters every two or three years for the next while.
Now that you mention Lexus is the breeding male that makes sense to me for some reason. I feel like I have heard Goober left at some point but I didnt make a change on my list which is weird for me. Oh well.
I would like to see golden pheasants arrive. Im happy with most additions but they are really beautiful birds. It would make sense to add them if they are on signs. But when it comes to the garden I wont get excited until Im standing there looking at the animals.
Now that you mention Lexus is the breeding male that makes sense to me for some reason. I feel like I have heard Goober left at some point but I didnt make a change on my list which is weird for me. Oh well.
I would like to see golden pheasants arrive. Im happy with most additions but they are really beautiful birds. It would make sense to add them if they are on signs. But when it comes to the garden I wont get excited until Im standing there looking at the animals.
arcticwolf
Well-Known Member
I remember hearing that golden pheasants used to be in Indomalaya. They would be a perfect species to put in the memorial garden because they are from that region of the world, are fairly easy to acquire and their colouring is fantastic.