Wednesday, May 19, 2010

FSO--At the Zoo




The Toronto Zoo has over 5,000 animals representing over 500 species.



There are over 10 km (six miles) of walking trails, and at one time or another, Linda and I have explored them all.



Over 287 hectares (710 acres) in size, it is one of the largest zoos in the world.



The Zoo is divided into six zoogeographic regions: Indo-Malaya, Africa, the Americas, Australasia, Eurasia and the Canadian Domain. Animals are displayed indoors in tropical pavilions and outdoors in naturalistic environments, with viewing at many levels



The Zellers Discovery Zone features the Kids Zoo, a dynamic, interactive children's wildlife experience, Splash Island, an exciting two-acre water play area and the Waterside Theatre, home of exciting family entertainment



Among the most unique exhibits are the incredible 10-acre Tundra Trek featuring an amazing 5-acre Polar bear habitat complete with underwater viewing area, the Gorilla Rainforest home to our Western Lowland Gorilla troop and newest addition Nassir, the Great Barrier Reef.



The 2010 Special Exhibit features Sharks at Stingray Bay - A Touching Experience. This unique and interactive exhibit runs from May 22, 2010 to October 11, 2010



On a more personal note both our daughters worked their way through University by working at the Zoo, which is located not far from our home. My oldest daughter's Mother-In-Law still works there and it was during a visit to the zoo that Kathy told us she was expecting a new baby, Hailey (now 2).

15 comments:

  1. Since having GRAND~girls we fgo to the zoo about once a month. They love it and know most all the animals by name. They love the petting zoo part the best.

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  2. It's so nice to have a quality zoo nearby, where the animals live in large enclosures with several species, instead of being confined in tiny cages. Thanks for the tour!

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  3. Fan-blooming-tastic stuff. Hope you're a lot better today Barry and the nausea has subsided.

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  4. Our kids love the zoo as well, Gigi.

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  5. There are zoos and there are zoos, Nancy. We are fortunate to have a very good one nearby. Some zoos look more like penal institutions for my taste.

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  6. I am feeling somewhat better today, Philip. And my brother John is driving me to the hospital and back.

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  7. How do the animals fare when you have so much snow? One of my daughters join yours, when she was 10, she volunteered in the zoo, the first job they gave her was to clean the elephant zoo. It didn't deter her. She went back week after week.

    How are you Barry?

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  8. Wow, that is a large zoo. Hopefully the animals get to enjoy the space.

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  9. Nice to see the Toronto Zoo again, we have worn out a lot of shoe leather there. It is, as you note, more spacious for its inmates than some other zoos.
    Favorite stop for us - the underwater view at the polar bear pool, where they look deceptively like giant cavorting teddys.

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  10. A grand tour. It is a beautiful and well organized place no doubt. Your description of everything made it come alive. Hope today is a better day.
    QMM

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  11. Spring is the best time to visit the zoo with kids. You can answer the most interesting questions about mating behavior!

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  12. Despite being in the tropic, we do have 2 polar bear here, one was born here and the other it's mother. The zoo has definitely been a hot favorite place to visit, not just for the kids!

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  13. I adore the ending with the elephant. So elegant.

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  14. Hey you two, great trip to the toronto Zoo, I like the outdoor - wildlife areas. the Rio Zoo was horrible - a prison of sorts. what do they do with the animals during winter months. huge barnes?

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  15. These are fantastic. I love the photo of the elephant and the flamingos. I haven't been to a real zoo since I was a kid, but maybe I should make a trip to the SD Zoo.

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