It only took 21 years before my first visit to the Toronto Zoo and I’m still kicking myself for having waited this long for my first visit. A couple weeks ago we took the drive down to the Toronto Zoo and what an amazing time we had… but tiring. The last time Caron had been here was back when she was in primary school, so it was like a new experience for both of us. Indy and Kieana were once again too cool to travel with us and Tehya was halfway between San Diego and San Fransisco on her Diners Drive-ins and Dives road tour. So this meant we could hold hands while we explored all that the Toronto Zoo had to offer without any cheeky remarks by them.
After checking in with guest services at the main gates I was about to start taking pictures as I would normally do for the post, plus it seems every corner there was a new and exciting opportunity for a picture.. after 5 pics I had the dreaded “insert memory card”. Guess who forgot the memory card on the laptop where I was editing pics from our trip to Niagara Falls? I could tell that Caron was secretly chuckling away, thinking..”this time it’s not me… HA!” We tried the gift shops, but all they had were disposable film cameras (yea I too was surprised they still made those). So I must apologize for the lack of pics in this post, but you’ll find some neat videos below. Additionally you can check out the You Tube Channel where we’ve uploaded about 8 videos from our trip to the zoo… who knows maybe you’re in one of them?
The parking lot is huge so after going through the main entrance (don’t be alarmed when you don’t get a parking stub or don’t think parking is free either) you may find attendants guiding you to the current vacant area they’re trying to fill. As Caron mentions in the video clip below, do take note of which section you’re parked in and do remember to pay for parking as you enter the main gates (ticket booths). It’s $10 and you’ll be given a plastic swipe card which you’ll use on exit to get out. If you didn’t already reserve tickets online, here is also where you purchase tickets to actually enter the zoo. I think for a couple dollars more you can secure tickets for the Stingray Bay area (more on that shortly).
After using the bathroom (left side as you enter), we grabbed a map to get our bearings and to plan how we’d be spending the day. There’s a beautiful carousel (see in the video above) just before the main gift shop on the left side as you approach the area where one can get rides on a camel for a small fee. The kids really seem to be enjoying the rides, but we didn’t stick around to give it a try.
Rather than document everything we did, I’ll briefly touch on what stood out for us as well as some tips from making the most of your day at the Toronto Zoo. The management and staff are really big on environmental and conservation issues and this was quite clear by the recycling bins we saw everywhere, breeding and reintroduction efforts (saw a number of baby animals), extensive plant collection, The Ice Bear storage technology (stores energy at night, when demand on the grid is low), use of geothermal exhibits and a simple thing as a straw (for drinking) could not be found in any of the restaurants or food service areas. We were told that they don’t have straws, since they were dangerous to the animals.
As we worked our way through the Australasia exhibit not only were we captivated and mesmerized by the movement of the Moon Jellyfish, we had to laugh when we saw the pot bellied sea horses. Sea horses are already funny looking, so you can imagine how they stood out with their little pot bellies. Next up was Stingray Bay, where for a small fee (couple $$) you can go pet stingrays and and sharks. After a quick introduction by staff, you then wash your hands from the elbow down, before being allowed to put your hands into the huge tank. Though Caron chickened-out, I could not resist. That’s one check for my do-to list!
It was about 1 pm when we finally got to some of the bigger animals like the cats and with the heat of the midday sun directly above us, most of them were hidden in the shade keeping cool and napping. So my advice is to get there as early as you can to see the big cats in action. After catching the freaky Capybara in action, we caught the flamingos and their brilliant plumage, then it was on to the polar bears and Przewalski’s horses. These beautiful horses are some of the only remaining wild horses in existence. I came with the intention to see the elephants, penguins and rhinoceros and I got my full share of them. However the penguins were huddled in a corner and wasn’t as impressive as I hope they’d be. The effects of the day’s heat was apparent. All Caron could talk about was seeing the giraffe which were not only majestic, but had a sort had a sort of clumsy grace when they ran. Caron was also looking forward to the zebras and we were lucky enough to see them in full view even though it was hot and most of the other big animals were seeking the refuge of shade.
We then stopped for a cool drink and to cool off a bit as it was extremely hot, before heading to the Gorilla rain forest exhibit. Early we took time off the animal watching to head back to the car where we had packed a lunch in a cooler. Leaving the cooler in the car was our choice as you are allowed to pack a picnic and enter the park with it, if you so desired. Though there are food station (restaurants) littered throughout the park if you’re traveling as a group, you may want to pack a lunch. As it can be a bit expensive.
The African rain forest is without a doubt our favorite area within the Toronto Zoo. From the wonderful assortment of fish, to the pygmy hippo and the way they mimic the rain forest with the temperature, greenery and overall feel.. you think you are indeed in the African rain forest during the time you’re in this indoor exhibit. I looked for Jane Goodall around every corner. This is also where Caron got pretty emotional. The Gorillas were not in the indoor area so we headed out to see them, plus Caron is not a fan of bugs and sakes and she wanted out.
The enclosed area where the gorillas were was like a giant jungle-gym… swings , ropes, ladders, platforms and though we really appreciated the efforts the zoo takes to make these animals not only very comfortable but available to us, as I mentioned Caron got a bit emotional. She stood there watching the gorillas in action and she mentioned that when one of them looked her directly in the eyes all she could see were human eyes. A sort of sudden sadness came over her she explained and she just could not leave this area. I too got caught up with the gorillas and I must say that though I have no love for monkeys, these massive creatures now rank among my favorite animals. The African Rain Forest exhibit alone, is well worth the price of admission to the Toronto Zoo.
Some tips and observations…
- there are bathrooms and emergency phone throughout the park
- there are signs everywhere so it’s hard to get lost (plus you can gets maps on entry)
- it’s a huge area, so be prepared for lots of walking
- if you don’t want to walk you can always get the $7.50 pass which will get you on the zoomobile (bus which takes you around to the different exhibits)
- there are picnic areas if you choose to pack a lunch
- on a sunny day you will need a lot of water, hat and sun block (there are vending machines throughout the park for drinks as well as water fountains)
- zoo staff is everywhere and always ready to answer your questions (don’t be shy)
Don’t be like us and take 20 years before your visit to the Toronto Zoo. It will be a fun-filled day where you’ll be able to get up and personal with animals (many endangered) from just about every corner of the globe.
Toronto Zoo Times:
Dates Hours Last Admission
May 21 – Sep 5 9:00 am – 7:30 pm 6:30 pm
Sep 6 – Oct 10 9:00 am – 6:00 pm 5:00 pm
Oct 11 – Dec 31 9:30 am – 4:30 pm 3:30 pm
Admission Prices:
General Admission (ages 13 – 64) $23.00 ($20.35 + $2.65 HST)
Senior (ages 65+) $17.00 ($15.04 + $1.96 HST)
Child (ages 4 – 12) $13.00 ($11.50 + $1.5 HST)
Child (ages 3 & younger) FREE
Your admission includes access to all pavilions, exhibits and daily shows excluding any separately ticketed events, rides and exhibits.
Full list of animals at the Toronto Zoo, go to:
http://www.torontozoo.com/ExploretheZoo/Animals.asp
Toronto Zoo
361A Old Finch Avenue
Toronto, Ontario
M1B 5K7
Phone: 416-392-5929
Before you go we’d love for you to leave us your comments below, even if it’s just to say hello. And don’t forget to join us on FaceBook (for our latest updates, including discounts, coupons and more pictures from the Toronto Zoo) and do tune in to our videos (escapades) on the youtube channel we’ve created.
The Caribana event was not as large as I hoped, but there was still the opportunity to enjoy in the cuisine, live music and cultural vibe of the islands. As a son of the islands I was beaming with pride as I witnessed one of the best sounding steel pan bands perform, who were on tour from Trinidad and Tobago. Where else in North America can you drink a cold coconut, taste fresh sugar cane and if you’re really hungry, devour a hot chicken roti all in one place? If you’ve not experienced Caribana yet, make next year’s event as a must do on your calendar.
