Toronto Zoo Toronto Zoo Present Happenings
- Thread starter Meaghan Edwards
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JMANPROJECT88
Well-Known Member
That is awesome! lol. When I went today, they threw in a huge paper bag into the exhibit with Tatiana. Inside the bag was meat, but it was cool to see such a big cat enjoy playing inside of a paper bag just like a smaller domesticated cat would.
The tug of war is a enrichment item that a zoo in the states came up with to keep thier lions entertained while thier enclosure was getting a face lift. Worked so well that they applied it to thier other cats Ill post the article when I can
Meaghan Edwards
Well-Known Member
It's amazing how the simplest things are what amuse animals the most 
My rats love toilet paper rolls more than some things I've paid for.
My rats love toilet paper rolls more than some things I've paid for.
Zoo update:
- Carousel: really not sure when its going to open, it is supposed to be the long weekend but I am not to sure about that, not much is there except for mud and a concrete slab
- African Rainforest Pavilion: It looks like it is coming along fast I can say maybe early August for the opening? Some big trees in the future mandrill exhibit, its going to be an exciting reno!
- Primate Wing in Americas: The glass walls allow for much better viewing and really is photographer friendly looks really good and updated!
- Bat Exhibit: Has a cave, if it was their before it looks much more noticeable now. Still under renos.
- Ostrich:I think has eggs male very territorial towards me when I was their and the female, was sitting on the nest.
- Peacock Cafe: Walls up covering the outside section of this area supposed to have a large reno.
- Coyote Jack's: In both restaurants now and looks to be very tasteful, have not tried it yet!
- Greenhouse Giftshop: New graphics and I think some renos done.
- Carousel: really not sure when its going to open, it is supposed to be the long weekend but I am not to sure about that, not much is there except for mud and a concrete slab
- African Rainforest Pavilion: It looks like it is coming along fast I can say maybe early August for the opening? Some big trees in the future mandrill exhibit, its going to be an exciting reno!
- Primate Wing in Americas: The glass walls allow for much better viewing and really is photographer friendly looks really good and updated!
- Bat Exhibit: Has a cave, if it was their before it looks much more noticeable now. Still under renos.
- Ostrich:I think has eggs male very territorial towards me when I was their and the female, was sitting on the nest.
- Peacock Cafe: Walls up covering the outside section of this area supposed to have a large reno.
- Coyote Jack's: In both restaurants now and looks to be very tasteful, have not tried it yet!
- Greenhouse Giftshop: New graphics and I think some renos done.
Zooplantman
Well-Known Member
A few weeks old but here is the official up-date:
http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2010/zb/bgrd/backgroundfile-29722.pdf
This is a site that, if you don't already know it, you will be interested in:
City of Toronto, City Council Legislative Documents
So I just got my passport in the mail after wanting to return to Canada. I think to celebrate, I wanted to go to the Toronto Zoo in the next couple of weeks! For zoo regulars, is it true that part of the African Pavilion is still closed off for construction? I wanted to see the pygmy hippos, but read they were off exhibit. Well last time I went in late winter and was unable to see the river hippos so if you can tell me they are at least on exhibit, I'll be happy! Also, I've read you can pay for parking at the admission gate, but also read you pay when you enter the parking lot. Could someone clarify this for me?
And lastly, I'll be sure to see every section of the zoo, but any favorites people think I should definitely check out? Australasia was closed last time I was there and I'm dying to see Chrissie the Tree Kangaroo since she looks so adorable in photos. When is her most active time? When I went to the Cleveland Zoo it was in the morning and the koalas and tree kangaroos were sleeping with their backs to me.
If anyone could answer any of these questions, that be great. Thank you!
And lastly, I'll be sure to see every section of the zoo, but any favorites people think I should definitely check out? Australasia was closed last time I was there and I'm dying to see Chrissie the Tree Kangaroo since she looks so adorable in photos. When is her most active time? When I went to the Cleveland Zoo it was in the morning and the koalas and tree kangaroos were sleeping with their backs to me.
If anyone could answer any of these questions, that be great. Thank you!
Well I am very glad you chose to come to the Toronto Zoo to celebrate! The southern portion of the african pavilion is still closed unfortunately, and the pygmy hippos are still off exhibit. You pay for parking at the zoo entrance now, this makes things go faster and you will get a parking card that you will need to submit into a machine when you leave the zoo for the day. I think the most active time to see our tree kangaroos is the early morning or late afternoon. You should also come and visit Sharks and Stingray Bay!
If you have any other questions feel free to ask! Have a great trip!
Updates:
Carousel: Potentially opening up this coming weekend
Turtle Island Conservation Area: Almost complete with the 2 pieces of artwork installed just waiting on the plants!
African Rainforest Pavilion: Looking amazing, about 50% complete I would say, I have high hopes that the mandrill exhibit will be very impressive for both humans and the mandrills
Red River Hog Exhibit: Looking really WILD since the animals have not been on display for a while, I hope the zoo leaves it like this so the animals can have a lot of fun tearing apart what is there!
Pandas: Check it out, to be shared with Calgary and Granby?
If you have any other questions feel free to ask! Have a great trip!
Updates:
Carousel: Potentially opening up this coming weekend
Turtle Island Conservation Area: Almost complete with the 2 pieces of artwork installed just waiting on the plants!
African Rainforest Pavilion: Looking amazing, about 50% complete I would say, I have high hopes that the mandrill exhibit will be very impressive for both humans and the mandrills
Red River Hog Exhibit: Looking really WILD since the animals have not been on display for a while, I hope the zoo leaves it like this so the animals can have a lot of fun tearing apart what is there!
Pandas: Check it out, to be shared with Calgary and Granby?
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There are some very cool animals in Australasia, including the only little pied cormorants in a North American zoo and a hairy-nosed wombat.
As for Chrissie the tree kangaroo, the best times to see her active are first thing in the morning and around 2:45 or 3:00 when she gets her afternoon feeding.
So it looks like it's pretty certain I'll be going to the zoo on Monday (weather looks like it's going to cooperate).
Some additional questions:
-It's June so I assume school groups will be all over the place when the zoo firsts opens. With being such a big zoo, is it that noticeable? Or would you recommend going later in the day (I think I read somewhere that the animals are more active then anyway). Not sure if I can wait that long since I'll be excited, but maybe I'll drop into downtown Toronto before then.
-I just discovered that Chrissie is not the only tree kangaroo, but there's a male also, Harrington? Are there any physical characteristics between the two that people can tell them apart from? Also, thank you for those letting me know about her active times. However if I saw in between those times or after he feeding time, will she be sleeping or just not as active? I just want to see her with her eyes open and somewhat facing people. But I know animals can be unpredictable.
-Anyone aware of the hippos active time? Or if even in their water is it easy to get a good shot? They weren't out last time I was there and I can't remember their exhibit too well.
-What route do you all usually go? Do you start on the right with the childrens zoo and Australasia or on the left with the Indian Rhino? I usually start on the left, but my partner and I are thinking about the right because it seems it might be the less traveled route. Plus I could see the two exhibits I missed out on last time; Australasia and Tundra Trek.
-Any zoo babies or favorites?
-Lastly, am I correct that the zoo does not have a tram? I'm ready for the walk, I hope my partner is too!
Some additional questions:
-It's June so I assume school groups will be all over the place when the zoo firsts opens. With being such a big zoo, is it that noticeable? Or would you recommend going later in the day (I think I read somewhere that the animals are more active then anyway). Not sure if I can wait that long since I'll be excited, but maybe I'll drop into downtown Toronto before then.
-I just discovered that Chrissie is not the only tree kangaroo, but there's a male also, Harrington? Are there any physical characteristics between the two that people can tell them apart from? Also, thank you for those letting me know about her active times. However if I saw in between those times or after he feeding time, will she be sleeping or just not as active? I just want to see her with her eyes open and somewhat facing people. But I know animals can be unpredictable.
-Anyone aware of the hippos active time? Or if even in their water is it easy to get a good shot? They weren't out last time I was there and I can't remember their exhibit too well.
-What route do you all usually go? Do you start on the right with the childrens zoo and Australasia or on the left with the Indian Rhino? I usually start on the left, but my partner and I are thinking about the right because it seems it might be the less traveled route. Plus I could see the two exhibits I missed out on last time; Australasia and Tundra Trek.
-Any zoo babies or favorites?
-Lastly, am I correct that the zoo does not have a tram? I'm ready for the walk, I hope my partner is too!
JMANPROJECT88
Well-Known Member
-School groups aren't that bad I find if you look at the "less popular" animals first. I usually leave visiting the Elephants, Gorillas, Lions, Tigers etc. (Animals kids know well) until the afternoon, as the kids get there and are jacked to see the big animals first and do so.
-The pool for the Hippos is really visible for pictures. Its pretty much the focal point of the exhibit and is right at the front so its pretty easy to get a pic
-I personally like going through the Australasia/Eurasia first. Its a longer route of the zoo with less shade, so going in the cooler hours of the morning is easier. Also, by the time you get the Tundra trek it will be right around lunch time, and there is a restaurant there if your hungry so it works out better time wise. Secondly, the school groups usually go to the Rhino Pavillion first because of not only the Rhino, but the Macaques nearby.
- Personally, I always find the America's pavillion a favourite area. Otters are always active a swimming. The Primate Wing in the Americas may smell a little but the animals are always active as well. Of Course, Tundra Trek is amazing.
-Zoo has the Zoomobile. I beleive its 7 dollars to ride as much as you want all day (Correct me if i'm wrong). However, it does not go down to the Canadian Domain. It has a really steep hill, but once your down there is quiet and enjoyable if your up for a walk.
-The pool for the Hippos is really visible for pictures. Its pretty much the focal point of the exhibit and is right at the front so its pretty easy to get a pic
-I personally like going through the Australasia/Eurasia first. Its a longer route of the zoo with less shade, so going in the cooler hours of the morning is easier. Also, by the time you get the Tundra trek it will be right around lunch time, and there is a restaurant there if your hungry so it works out better time wise. Secondly, the school groups usually go to the Rhino Pavillion first because of not only the Rhino, but the Macaques nearby.
- Personally, I always find the America's pavillion a favourite area. Otters are always active a swimming. The Primate Wing in the Americas may smell a little but the animals are always active as well. Of Course, Tundra Trek is amazing.
-Zoo has the Zoomobile. I beleive its 7 dollars to ride as much as you want all day (Correct me if i'm wrong). However, it does not go down to the Canadian Domain. It has a really steep hill, but once your down there is quiet and enjoyable if your up for a walk.
-It sounds like my partner had the right idea starting with the childrens zoo and Eurasia first. That may actually work out because that's the section I skimmed through last time because it was the end of the visit and I was getting tired out by then. And like I said, it will hit areas I didn't see last time first.
-I'll bring up that information to my partner and he can pay if he doesn't want to walk. I don't mind going down to the Canada section. It was quiet there last time I went and I was curious if it was because it was out of the way or that maybe visitors didn't care as much to see their local animals. Last time I had one of the moose walk over to me making noises like it was lonely. It was the only really great picture I took on the zoo trip and I wanted to post it everywhere to advertise that section, "Please visit the moose!" I'm delighted to hear that there are moose babies so I'll definitely go down to see them.
-Are the restaurants/food stands good with prices or a bit expensive? And can we opt them all together and pack a lunch?
Thanks!
-I'll bring up that information to my partner and he can pay if he doesn't want to walk. I don't mind going down to the Canada section. It was quiet there last time I went and I was curious if it was because it was out of the way or that maybe visitors didn't care as much to see their local animals. Last time I had one of the moose walk over to me making noises like it was lonely. It was the only really great picture I took on the zoo trip and I wanted to post it everywhere to advertise that section, "Please visit the moose!" I'm delighted to hear that there are moose babies so I'll definitely go down to see them.
-Are the restaurants/food stands good with prices or a bit expensive? And can we opt them all together and pack a lunch?
Thanks!
It looks amazing! I love the photos of our favourite zoo included on the website. An extremely good start!
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