Toronto Zoo Toronto Zoo Future Developments 2014

True, but other zoos do name animals after big donors or long time sponsors.

It's all theoretical anyway. We don't know the circumstances or even if the zoo will get the money for sure. A relative could contest the will or there could be strings attached that the zoo cant or wont deal with. Hopefully the money comes through and its immediately invested in new construction, whether its something the zoo decides or the donor requested something which could be interesting.
 
So I have been really busy with school recently and haven't had a chance to put my words in here, so here I go.

I was on placement at the zoo for two weeks in April in Outreach and Discovery.

I can say for sure that Eurasia will not be opening for May. July seems like a much more reasonable deadline.

Both Sea Eagles have arrived and by this time should of cleared quarantine and are living in the Health Unit at this point.

Keepers are looking for tubes and other items for the Bettongs (sp) to hide in so the Tree Kangaroos can't get at them.

It is likely that we will be getting new Eurasian Eagle Owls as the one we already have is part of the O+D team and they are working with her.

Work has started on the old elephant house/new giraffe house, not sure about the enclosure though.

The Eurasia Reindeer holding is part of O+D's area, holds the Goats in the winter, as well as birds and the enclosure holds 0.2.0 Reindeer, Megan and Snow who belong to O+D.

That all being said, I would like to say this. As fans and members of the zoo, I think we owe it to O+D to go to their shows at the Waterside Theater. I know I have never gone, and I'm not sure if anyone else has, but after working with the staff and animals, I think its really important to show our support for all areas of the zoo.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask. I may not be able to answer them due to confidentiality, but I will do my best.
 
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That's a lot of information you brought Sealife357. Thanks for it.

I've never gone to the Waterside Theater show, although I'd like too. Maybe I'll try checking it out this summer.
 
Wow Sealife357 this is awesome stuff. You have answered so many of the questions that plague me.

Yes two sea eagles are here! Do you know their names?

Its cool we could get more than the current two Eurasian Eagle Owls. Do you know the females name?

The tree kangaroos are still bullying the bettongs? Thats unfortunate. Its a shame the pavilion isnt bigger so they could have there own exhibit.

I too wonder what is causing the Eurasian Wilds delay?

Oh, I have heard rumors of Kota's return or soon to be return. Have you heard anything about that? And the female, Sherri, who we were to get from Edmonton?

Thanks for sharing all of this with us. It's so nice of you.
 
Thanks for the huge update Sealife357!

I am so happy about the sea eagle news. I was worried that the zoo wouldn't be able to acquire them in time for the new exhibit.

Construction is going on in the old elephant enclosure. I posted a picture of it in the gallery.

I actually watch the zoo's animal shows a couple times a year. I think they're fun to watch and my only complaint about them is that the species used get a bit repetitive, which is why I don't watch them very often.
 
I've never been to the animal shows, so I have a couple questions. When does it take place, and what goes on exactly? I know where it is, but that's about it.

Also, I been informed that the Malaysian River Turtle laid some eggs. Apparently 15 eggs.
 
Well that explains why I've never gone. During the summer I go early, and since the Panda's have been here the earliest opening time for members is 8:00 am. That's when I go. I'm usually leaving before the show begins.
 
Interesting, I thought the donor wanted to remain anonymous. I remember reading that the estate didn't want to be revealed. Oh well, I hope the money is put to good use.
 
cypher said:
Interesting, I thought the donor wanted to remain anonymous. I remember reading that the estate didn't want to be revealed. Oh well, I hope the money is put to good use.
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I believe that it was to be kept anonymous until the Zoo officially accepted the donation, which they did yesterday at the Board of Management meeting.
 
I said maybe they wanted to be kept anonymous Cypher so maybe thats were you got it. No name was on the board documents. I'm glad Mary was willing to be acknowledged for her generosity. Hopefully when they decide what to do with the money or tell us what she wanted done with it that she is honoured in some way because $2 million is a huge donation she didnt have to make.
 
I thought I read the anonymous thing in an article as well. Either way, let's hope the donation goes to something good and productive, and not wasted on something that doesn't need the money at this moment.
 
My greatest hope is that its poured directly into the orang outdoor exhibit. They are one of the most entertaining animals at the zoo and it saddens me greatly that a wild born Puppe hasn't been outside, enjoyed sunlight, breathed fresh air (not that the air quality in the pavilion is bad), felt wind and rain, hear and see all the wonderful things outside we take for granted, in 40 years. Maybe even more I dont know how she was kept during her year at Riverdale and time on the animal exchange. She could very well have not been able to enjoy nature since she was captured. And the younger orangs have never known the joy of the great outdoors at all. If it were up to me they would get that money.

I cant think of many other great options. The giraffe's exhibit and the new hoofstock building already have funding. The health unit is a worthy candidate because of the work it does but if its to be limited to tours only then the money going there wouldnt have as much impact on people. It could go towards future projects like the Canadian Wilderness or hippos but those are far from happening and the money would just be a drop in their buckets.

Perhaps Mary had something specific in mind like having it go towards her favourite animal?

I do hope they will tell us how the money is to be spent when its decided or the project is started if its going towards building.
 
Sorry for the late reply everyone. Keep forgetting to check back here.
@cypher mainly construction delays. The old mountain has been removed, but the foundation has not been poured for the snow leopard building, so they can't really go forward there.

@TZFan
Our female Eagle Owl is named Edgar. I know, male name for female bird, but is very common for the Birds of Prey and other birds.
As for the Snow Leopards, I know both are residing within the health unit, as to who/names, I'm unsure.
 
The buildings foundation isnt even poured? What the heck have they been doing the last year? I would have thought they would be just about done. Especially since the eagles have arrived and a snow leopard has arrived. Thats nuts. If they dont even have a foundation I have little faith in a July opening. Basically everything needs to be done for the snow leopard/sea eagle building then and they have just 2 months to do that in... I doubt that can be done.

Interesting Sealife. We have a male eagle owl named Luna and a female named Edgar.

Is there a third snow leopard in the old snow leopard exhibit? I thought they had left Tiga in the exhibit because there really nothing wrong with it. At least we can say with some certainty that Kota is back.

Thanks for taking the time to get back to us.
 
Wow, they still haven't laid down the foundation for the snow leopards? That's kinda surprising, especially considering that the snow leopards are in the health unit. I know they couldn't do much during the winter, but I thought they'd be further along than this.
 
I personally thought they would have at least had the shell of the building up by late fall. They had all spring, summer and fall. It cant take that long to demo stuff. I had assumed the building would be up before the end of last year and they could spend the winter installing plumbing, electrical, pens, gates, staff areas ect. I would have thought all that was needed come spring was to put up fencing for the outdoor yards, install climbing structures, caves, and other exhibit dressings. I could have seen installation of outdoor exhibit being delayed significantly by the late thaw and the crews not being able to set fencing. It shocked me to hear that nothing is done except demo. July is extremely optimistic if nothing is done right now. Fall might be more realistic and if your waiting until fall you might as well just leave it until next spring so you can push it as the summer draw.
 
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