Toronto Zoo Toronto Zoo Present Happenings 2011
- Thread starter Damian_07
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I love how the video makes it sound so easy. The sanctuary will take the elephants for free, but lets not mention the cost to actually move them down there on the other side of the continent and the stress that could do to the elephants. I'm all for elephant sanctuaries and large exhibits as long as the elephants get proper care, but they already got their wish of the elephants to move out of the zoo. Why won't they stop just because the zoo decided not to put them in the two locations they recommended?
Meaghan Edwards
Well-Known Member
Oh I know. And of all the animal issues in Ontario that DO need more support in fighting; such as the proposed coyote slaughter contest, breed specific legislation and the like, no, they'd rather harass zoo keepers. 
Again I think it's because elephants are viewed as noble and they are indeed, but what about our wildlife? What about frogs/turtles in general? Why don't these people volunteer at a animal shelter or a legit wildlife organization where you can truly make a difference for animals?
Again I think it's because elephants are viewed as noble and they are indeed, but what about our wildlife? What about frogs/turtles in general? Why don't these people volunteer at a animal shelter or a legit wildlife organization where you can truly make a difference for animals?
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JMANPROJECT88
Well-Known Member
Was at the zoo on saturday, here are a few updates:
- There is a new turtle species now sharing the Mata Mata Turtle exhibit with the Mata Matas. They have no sign for them. The turtles are small and black with yellow spots.
- Smallmouth Bass is now in the old Reside Dace exhibit
- Baby spider monkey and baby two-toed sloth were very active
- There are 5 Rooks in the Kid Zoo avairy that are new
- Pygmy Hippos were giving access to the Red River Hog indoor exhibit thus expanding their current one temporaily. RR Hogs were outside.
-Ngege have been added to the Nile Softshell Turtle Pond
- There is a new turtle species now sharing the Mata Mata Turtle exhibit with the Mata Matas. They have no sign for them. The turtles are small and black with yellow spots.
- Smallmouth Bass is now in the old Reside Dace exhibit
- Baby spider monkey and baby two-toed sloth were very active
- There are 5 Rooks in the Kid Zoo avairy that are new
- Pygmy Hippos were giving access to the Red River Hog indoor exhibit thus expanding their current one temporaily. RR Hogs were outside.
-Ngege have been added to the Nile Softshell Turtle Pond
Zoogoer2000
Well-Known Member
Is our oldest female giraffe Ginetta still alive ? She would be very old by now, late 20's at least. If all the giraffe are together, Ginetta will most likely be on birth control as they don't want to risk anything at her age, her last calf in 2004 was a stillborn so breeding on her was ceased after that
I would also expect to see new giraffes added to the herd once they move to the elephant exhibit. Our current holding area is too small to add any more adult giraffes, so I'm guessing thats why we haven't had any new adult giraffe arrive in over 10 years! I'm sure they would like to add a few new females or a new male though, as our current herd is very well represented and not very genetically diverse I would think, as our male Stripes has fathered all of Twigga's calves and almost all of Ginetta's, and thats probably over 10 calves by now
I would also expect to see new giraffes added to the herd once they move to the elephant exhibit. Our current holding area is too small to add any more adult giraffes, so I'm guessing thats why we haven't had any new adult giraffe arrive in over 10 years! I'm sure they would like to add a few new females or a new male though, as our current herd is very well represented and not very genetically diverse I would think, as our male Stripes has fathered all of Twigga's calves and almost all of Ginetta's, and thats probably over 10 calves by now
Ginetta is still alive, I too believe she is on birth control due to her age. You are right about the space, we only have the space for the 3 giraffes we have now, and even thats pushing it in the building they have. I think that they are all together is cause Stripes prefers Gintetta over Twiga, so I believe that he will show interest in Twiga if he is able to do what he wishes with both. If Twiga becomes pregnant she will have her baby about 18 months down the road and by the time its weened from her there will be enough space to have another giraffe at the zoo in the new exhibit. I am pretty sure Stripes has fathered over 20 calves now!
Zoogoer2000
Well-Known Member
I did some digging and have found a list of all births to our giraffes Ginetta and Twigga (Who were born at TZ themselves) that have been sired by Stripes (from Cleveland Metroparks)
2006: 1.0 Shomari (Twiga) - to Parc Safari
2004: 1.0 Teeko (Twiga) - to Elmvale (passed away soon after transfer)
(Ginetta had a stillborn in 2004 as well)
2003: 0.1 Aisha (Twiga) - to Parc Safari
2000: 1.0 Mowgli (Twiga) - to Toledo
2000: 0.1 Autumn (Ginetta) - to Mountain View
1998: 1.0 Janja (Twiga) - to Mountain View
1998: 0.1 Simama (Ginetta) - to Mountain View
(1996: Twiga had a problematic birth, I don't know the details)
1995: 1.0 Fupi (Ginetta) - to Winston, OR (eventually)
So only 10 births by Stripes, and only eight survived atleast a fair while
2006: 1.0 Shomari (Twiga) - to Parc Safari
2004: 1.0 Teeko (Twiga) - to Elmvale (passed away soon after transfer)
(Ginetta had a stillborn in 2004 as well)
2003: 0.1 Aisha (Twiga) - to Parc Safari
2000: 1.0 Mowgli (Twiga) - to Toledo
2000: 0.1 Autumn (Ginetta) - to Mountain View
1998: 1.0 Janja (Twiga) - to Mountain View
1998: 0.1 Simama (Ginetta) - to Mountain View
(1996: Twiga had a problematic birth, I don't know the details)
1995: 1.0 Fupi (Ginetta) - to Winston, OR (eventually)
So only 10 births by Stripes, and only eight survived atleast a fair while
Just found this article and I am wondering as to wether the new baby is the grandchild of Stripes and Twiga through their son Mowgli?
Toledo Zoo giraffe gives birth to 160-lb. baby girl
BY TOM HENRY
BLADE STAFF WRITER
Elvira, a Masai giraffe, nuzzles her newborn, which arrived at 8:18 p.m. Saturday. The baby is nearly 6 feet tall. - TOLEDO ZOO
The Toledo Zoo's new baby giraffe is cute and cuddly and all that.
But let's put our giddiness on hold for a second to consider what Mama Giraffe, aka Elvira, went through when she gave birth on Saturday night.
First, there was a 15-month pregnancy. That's a long time for any mammal, let alone a giraffe, to carry an unborn offspring.
Giraffes are like humans in one respect: We both have seven vertebrae in our necks.
But ask women what they'd think of a 15-month pregnancy. Odds are likely, to put it mildly, most would agree that nine months is more than enough.
Long pregnancy or not, the wait is over. The zoo's latest infant was born at 8:18 p.m. Saturday. She stood 50 minutes later and started nursing at 10:40 p.m., said Randi Meyerson, the zoo's curator of mammals.
"Everything's going really well," said Ms. Meyerson. "We're excited. We're really happy they're doing well on their own."
The size of Elvira's calf is also worth mentioning.
The baby girl, who hasn't yet been named, was nearly 6 feet tall and 160 pounds at birth.
Enough said about what Elvira went through there, even though that's about average for a giraffe baby.
Most giraffes, according to online resources, give birth standing up. And the labor typically lasts two to six hours.
Full disclosure: We did not witness this event firsthand, perhaps because the zoo has regulations prohibiting intruders from entering the birthing area of a 1,500 or 2,000-pound mammal that instinctively tries to protect its newborns by stomping hyenas and lions with its hooves. According to the Web site answers.com, 50 to 75 percent of the giraffes born in the wild die in the first few months because of attacks by predators.
So hats off to Elvira, who had a relatively uneventful pregnancy and birthing experience this time, Ms. Meyerson said.
The giraffe's first baby was a stillborn. Its second was a male, Enzi, born two weeks prematurely on Dec. 26, 2009.
Elvira's milk came in late for Enzi.
But the zoo helped Enzi pull through with colostrum -- early milk from a cow -- then switched over to his mother's milk once she began producing it days later.
There were no delays in Elvira's milk production this time, Ms. Meyerson said.
Ms. Meyerson didn't give a date, but said she expected veterinarians to allow Elvira and her latest baby to go on exhibit within a couple of weeks.
Baby Giraffe joins Lucas the elephant-- so named by the public during a contest -- as the second baby animal born to the zoo this summer.
Unlike Lucas, the giraffe will be named by the keepers, as is traditionally how it works for animals that aren't as high-profile to zoo visitors, zoo spokesman Andi Norman said.
Regardless, the new baby probably will get just as many "oohs" and "aahs" from visitors.
"When [zoo-goers] see animals that were born at our zoo, that shows that the zoo field entrusts us to breed and raise them based on our expertise, our staffing, our care of the animals," Ms. Norman said.
The father of both Enzi and the newborn female giraffe is Mowgli.
The family is part of a species known as Masai giraffes, the tallest mammals on Earth.
Characterized by their dark brown splotches, Masai giraffes typically grow to heights of 16 to 20 feet.
Males are larger, growing to weights of 3,000 pounds or more.
Giraffes are normally walkers, but can run as fast as 35 mph when startled.
Elvira came to Toledo from the Cleveland Zoo in 2004, three years after Mowgli came from the Toronto Zoo in 2001.
The zoo has another Masai giraffe named Charlotte.
"People love them. They bond with them," Ms. Meyerson said of giraffes in general. "They're sort of like a flagship species for African exhibits."
Toledo Zoo giraffe gives birth to 160-lb. baby girl
BY TOM HENRY
BLADE STAFF WRITER
Elvira, a Masai giraffe, nuzzles her newborn, which arrived at 8:18 p.m. Saturday. The baby is nearly 6 feet tall. - TOLEDO ZOO
The Toledo Zoo's new baby giraffe is cute and cuddly and all that.
But let's put our giddiness on hold for a second to consider what Mama Giraffe, aka Elvira, went through when she gave birth on Saturday night.
First, there was a 15-month pregnancy. That's a long time for any mammal, let alone a giraffe, to carry an unborn offspring.
Giraffes are like humans in one respect: We both have seven vertebrae in our necks.
But ask women what they'd think of a 15-month pregnancy. Odds are likely, to put it mildly, most would agree that nine months is more than enough.
Long pregnancy or not, the wait is over. The zoo's latest infant was born at 8:18 p.m. Saturday. She stood 50 minutes later and started nursing at 10:40 p.m., said Randi Meyerson, the zoo's curator of mammals.
"Everything's going really well," said Ms. Meyerson. "We're excited. We're really happy they're doing well on their own."
The size of Elvira's calf is also worth mentioning.
The baby girl, who hasn't yet been named, was nearly 6 feet tall and 160 pounds at birth.
Enough said about what Elvira went through there, even though that's about average for a giraffe baby.
Most giraffes, according to online resources, give birth standing up. And the labor typically lasts two to six hours.
Full disclosure: We did not witness this event firsthand, perhaps because the zoo has regulations prohibiting intruders from entering the birthing area of a 1,500 or 2,000-pound mammal that instinctively tries to protect its newborns by stomping hyenas and lions with its hooves. According to the Web site answers.com, 50 to 75 percent of the giraffes born in the wild die in the first few months because of attacks by predators.
So hats off to Elvira, who had a relatively uneventful pregnancy and birthing experience this time, Ms. Meyerson said.
The giraffe's first baby was a stillborn. Its second was a male, Enzi, born two weeks prematurely on Dec. 26, 2009.
Elvira's milk came in late for Enzi.
But the zoo helped Enzi pull through with colostrum -- early milk from a cow -- then switched over to his mother's milk once she began producing it days later.
There were no delays in Elvira's milk production this time, Ms. Meyerson said.
Ms. Meyerson didn't give a date, but said she expected veterinarians to allow Elvira and her latest baby to go on exhibit within a couple of weeks.
Baby Giraffe joins Lucas the elephant-- so named by the public during a contest -- as the second baby animal born to the zoo this summer.
Unlike Lucas, the giraffe will be named by the keepers, as is traditionally how it works for animals that aren't as high-profile to zoo visitors, zoo spokesman Andi Norman said.
Regardless, the new baby probably will get just as many "oohs" and "aahs" from visitors.
"When [zoo-goers] see animals that were born at our zoo, that shows that the zoo field entrusts us to breed and raise them based on our expertise, our staffing, our care of the animals," Ms. Norman said.
The father of both Enzi and the newborn female giraffe is Mowgli.
The family is part of a species known as Masai giraffes, the tallest mammals on Earth.
Characterized by their dark brown splotches, Masai giraffes typically grow to heights of 16 to 20 feet.
Males are larger, growing to weights of 3,000 pounds or more.
Giraffes are normally walkers, but can run as fast as 35 mph when startled.
Elvira came to Toledo from the Cleveland Zoo in 2004, three years after Mowgli came from the Toronto Zoo in 2001.
The zoo has another Masai giraffe named Charlotte.
"People love them. They bond with them," Ms. Meyerson said of giraffes in general. "They're sort of like a flagship species for African exhibits."
Zoogoer2000
Well-Known Member
This is most definitely Mowgli the giraffe from Toronto Zoo, born to Twigga and Stripes in 2000. He has sired 5 calves now, although (I think) only the latest two, Enzi and the newest calf are still alive
A few updates from my last visit today,
- I am assuming that the Aurora is reunited with her cub, as the den has been completely blocked off, while Inukshuk and Nikita were on exhibit together. I doubt that more info will be revealed soon but lets hope for this new addition!
- Gaboon viper is finally on display and looking like a great addition! A lot of interest from the public.
- African crowned cranes on display with the lemurs, interesting but unrealistic combination. These two species kept me entertained for a long time.
- How many meerkats did we have cause I was there today and saw at least 6 I was sure we only had 3 maybe 4?
- Interesting conservation news an orangutan was released into the wild that Abigail and Dinding are grandparents of, he was in the Perth zoo.
- Baribousa were put on display inside the Indian Rhino Pavilion
- The memorial gardens I believe are going to look amazing when completed!
- There are also a bunch of other small changes, so I suggest you all visit the zoo soon! Remember things are changing hopefully for the better!
- I am assuming that the Aurora is reunited with her cub, as the den has been completely blocked off, while Inukshuk and Nikita were on exhibit together. I doubt that more info will be revealed soon but lets hope for this new addition!
- Gaboon viper is finally on display and looking like a great addition! A lot of interest from the public.
- African crowned cranes on display with the lemurs, interesting but unrealistic combination. These two species kept me entertained for a long time.
- How many meerkats did we have cause I was there today and saw at least 6 I was sure we only had 3 maybe 4?
- Interesting conservation news an orangutan was released into the wild that Abigail and Dinding are grandparents of, he was in the Perth zoo.
- Baribousa were put on display inside the Indian Rhino Pavilion
- The memorial gardens I believe are going to look amazing when completed!
- There are also a bunch of other small changes, so I suggest you all visit the zoo soon! Remember things are changing hopefully for the better!
His name is Semeru, born at Perth. His father came from Toronto Zoo.
JMANPROJECT88
Well-Known Member
Great Updates Quartz, Thanks!
JMANPROJECT88
Well-Known Member
I went to the zoo on Sunday, here are the updates:
-- Quartz, you were right, there are 6 meerkats on display, I counted them too.
-- The babary apes received sealed containers full of food for them to attempt to open and receive the treats inside. Watched them for a while and one broke their's on a rock.
-- Construction on the Tiger Rat Snake exhibit still on going
-- Concave Casque Hornbill moved again to the Prevost Squirrel Exhibit, Squirrel Signaged removed
--Nicobar Pigeons are now in the Hornbill Aviary in Indo-Malaya
--Gaur exhibit closed off, not sure why
-- Some type of Pheasant has been moved into the Saw-Whet Owl exhibit. All Saw-Whet Owl signage removed.
--Tawny Frogmouths were roasting above the Wallaby/Wombat/Echidna exhibit. They seem to have been moved from the Australasian Aviary
-- Quartz, you were right, there are 6 meerkats on display, I counted them too.
-- The babary apes received sealed containers full of food for them to attempt to open and receive the treats inside. Watched them for a while and one broke their's on a rock.
-- Construction on the Tiger Rat Snake exhibit still on going
-- Concave Casque Hornbill moved again to the Prevost Squirrel Exhibit, Squirrel Signaged removed
--Nicobar Pigeons are now in the Hornbill Aviary in Indo-Malaya
--Gaur exhibit closed off, not sure why
-- Some type of Pheasant has been moved into the Saw-Whet Owl exhibit. All Saw-Whet Owl signage removed.
--Tawny Frogmouths were roasting above the Wallaby/Wombat/Echidna exhibit. They seem to have been moved from the Australasian Aviary
Meaghan Edwards
Well-Known Member
Thanks for the updates! Going on Christmas Eve 
I would have visited more but work schedule's and stuff going on in my life. Always the way 
I wonder what's up with the Guar.
I would have visited more but work schedule's and stuff going on in my life. Always the way I wonder what's up with the Guar.
Yet another article about the elephant move, and this one explores the idea of AZA yanking the zoo's accreditation:
Toronto News: Zoo loses face, along with its elephants - thestar.com
Toronto News: Zoo loses face, along with its elephants - thestar.com
JMANPROJECT88
Well-Known Member
I was talking to a friend who went to the zoo a few days ago and he said that the doors to get outside to the Guar's automatically locked from the outside leaving people stranded lol. Maybe thats why they are closed off.
Meaghan Edwards
Well-Known Member
I think TZ would be fine if they send their eles off to a sanctuary, proving the training goes smoothy, etc, which I can see that'd be a worry, it can't be rushed. Have other zoos lost accreditation for sending off animals to sanctuaries before?
Haha, that's funny about the guar house.
Haha, that's funny about the guar house.
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