On Saturday, my whole family had the chance to “Discover the Hidden Zoo” – a media preview with the Toronto Zoo. Since most press events require me leaving the boys behind, they were tickled pink to join me at the coolest place on earth for kids of all ages. Needless to say, they had a blast.
Needless to say, I was pooped. Almost comatose, actually.
I didn’t take a lot of pictures, because let’s face it, you’ve all seen someone’s zoo shots of a hippo lying in the water. (Oooh, look, a motionless hippo!) But here are the photos I did take:
There are four boys in this photograph, assuming the white rhinoceros in the background is male.
Too pretty not to share. I’d be proud of those feathers, too.
Sometimes, the animals aren’t the stars of the show.
These two need a room. Or, to not have 700 people gawking at them.
Over 5000 animals and he wanted to take a picture with the car. #boys
Closest I’ve ever come to this fickle feline. Fabulous.
Pausing to refuel. That is Ryder’s happy face. I know.
The VIP Experience: up close and personal with a young camel.
So what is the “Hidden Zoo?” Essentially, seeing what the animals do is just the icing on the cake. There is an incredible amount of research, habitat and horticultural initiatives, green programs and partnerships that keep the Toronto Zoo at the forefront of animal conservation. For example, did you know the Toronto Zoo is the only Canadian zoo with a reproductive physiologist on staff?
How you can help –
Me and my Mini-Me.
Zoo Admission
Admission into the Toronto Zoo supports the many conservation initiatives that the Toronto Zoo leads including Adopt-A-Pond Wetland Conservation Programme, Species Survival Programs, Animal Health and Nutrition and much more! Also, parking fees help feed one of over 5,000 animals!
Membership – Become A Member
The best way to throw yourself into the Zoo experience is to join our family. As Zoo members, you and your own family will enjoy year round access to more than 5,000 animals and 237 hectares of adventure. Not to mention the thrill of helping protect wildlife. Member benefits include free admission to the Toronto Zoo for one full year, free Zoomobile rides (seasonal operation),10% discount in Toronto Zoo gift shops, invitation to exhibit previews and member exclusive events, discount admission to participating AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums in North America – just to name a few.
Adopt An Animal
Do you have a favourite Zoo animal? Why not adopt it? Your animal will still live here, but you’ll go home knowing you’re supporting the Zoo. Adoption fees help us take good care of the animals, protect endangered species, and pursue on-going conservation efforts.
Wild Walk – Start Your Wild Walk!
You belong in the Zoo on the Wild Walk! You can step onto the Wild Walk in unique ways: Remember a loved one or commemorate a birthday, graduation or anniversary. Whatever the occasion, a Wild Walk brick or plaque makes a perfect, and unique, gift. Your generous contribution to the Wild Walk program goes toward the conservation efforts in place for all our wonderful animals at Toronto Zoo. So go ahead… pick a special occasion (or person), then make a dedication and a difference today.
Click here to visit the Toronto Zoo… and then visit the Toronto Zoo.
I have been interested in going there ever since I move to Toronto. Do you think it’s a good place to visit with a 10 month old?
Hi Ammar! The zoo is very family friendly! Just remember that for mom and dad, there is a lot of walking (strollers are not permitted on the Zoomobile) and you’ll want to make sure she’s well protected from the sun. Of course, she’s too young to zero in on smaller animals, but she’ll probably have a wonderful time coming face to face with some of the larger, more colourful ones. There is ample room for picnicking or you can enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants.
When toting a little one, be aware that you likely won’t be able to see the entire zoo in one visit :) Have fun!
What a wonderful day it was!
We must do it again! xx
It was great seeing you there! The zoo is a fun family field trip.
It was great seeing you too! Hope to run into you again :)
We love the toronto zoo! We got an annual pass for the first time this year. gonna be a great summer!
Splendid! You’re in for a great year Alex!
I haven’t been to the Toronto Zoo in years, definitely somewhere to visit again. I love the peacock, one of my favourite birds.
I love how they all roam freely!
I think you might be off on the four boys! lol I’m pretty sure that Rhino is a girl, she was part of our ‘behind the scenes tour’. Interesting that you got up close and personal with a different animal, the camel looks cute!
HAHAHA! Thanks for the tip!!! Yeah we were told that the rhino was a bit spooked from all the up close interaction, so we were able to visit with the baby camel instead :)
Please look behind the official zoo publicity and marketing . Some of the animals are suffering in confinement- let’s show our kids animals who are not stressed, depressed, and ill. There are books, wildlife documentaries, and travel opportunities.
You can do more to help the conservation of animals by donating to the actual organizations in Asia and Africa who are doing the conservation work.
Need a room… we seen them at it too! lol Wish i introduced myself though u looked familiar. Next time! @Inrdream
For sure!!! Wish they had us do one big get together :)
I have always wanted to check the Toronto zoo out but we never have time when we go to Toronto. Guess one of these days I will have to plan a trip just to do it