Zoomo drivers know nothing. Look how often they say clearly wrong and out of date things. They were probably still working off the spring script. There is no way on earth this is getting finished even by September. Come October the temps start to become unpredictable and while they might let the orangs out to test the exhibit I doubt they would put them on display. I also do not think Dolf and his gang are foolish enough to open a brand new multi million dollar state of the art exhibit that will be his first true showcase of his vision for the zoo at such a bad time. It wont drive visits in September or October the way it would starting Victoria Day weekend next year (maybe as early as Easter weekend since its in April next year, weather dependent). Then you get not only the interest from regular zoo goers but you can use it to drive end of year field trips and corporate events. I do think they will have the majority of the exhibit done this fall but they will hold off the grand opening until next spring.
The zoo is finally looking to start renovating the Outdoor Aviary for Australasia. They’ve released a RFT, with the hope of choosing a bidder by September 9th. See the below link for a wealth of information including schematics drawings for the plans. https://www.torontozoo.com/pdfs/rfp/2022/TZC T 41-2022-08 AUSTRALASIA OUTDOOR AVIARY.COMBINED.pdf
Its been so long since the aviary was open I don't really remember what it was like open. Thrilling to see it will be open again. Maybe we can get more birds with a big new aviary for them to enjoy.
A new look at the interior of the orangutan exhibit from Dolf and wow it’s really coming together. I can’t wait to see this next year, it’s looking like it will be something special!
It will be real nice to see the outdoor aviary open back up in Australasia. It's been so long that I don't think most visitors even know it exists. The Orangutan outdoor exhibit is coming along nicely. Getting little updates that Dolf is posting is really nice in terms of anticipation.
I don’t know if it’s the right place to discuss- but has there been any news on if or when TZ would get veterinary staff? This had surfaced a few days ago- and according to the vet they were let go. Could this have something to do with the new Wildlife Director position that was posted recently? Log in or sign up to view
There was also a Toronto Star article from a few days ago that references this. Departure of Toronto Zoo veterinarians raises concerns over animal health
Okay - apologies in advance for the superfluous number of photos of the orangutan exhibit, but we were there on the weekend. You can walk just outside the doors of the pavilion to see what it will look like (presumably allowed… it wasn’t locked). Then you can see it coming along from the Zoomobile as well: The kids conned me into taking the zoo mobile twice - so I heard one driver say end of summer and another say nothing. But I suspect the second one is more likely at this point. One other question - I peaked over the barrier at the penguins - was the pool always painted beige? I thought it was blue like the polar bears?
Oh wow these might be the best pics of the new exhibit we've gotten yet, very well done. I'm not sure they want people going outside but hey if they left the door unlocked and have a fence there keeping you out of the actual construction site anything goes lol. The new tile looks gorgeous. No shot end of summer is happening, I mean I won't complain if it does. School starts in what 3 weeks? Even if they work at warp speed and manage to get it done by then it'll still be a while for the orangs to get acclimated enough to welcome guests. Unless they decide to open it but with no animals in it yet? That'd be dumb. The penguin pool just got repainted from blue to beige so you're definitely not imagining things.
I gotta agree with Hyena142, you probably where somewhere you shouldnt have been but hey their fault for leaving a door unlocked and we get to benefit with some amazing photos. You photos are doing it more justice than Dolf's. Get a much better idea of how amazing it looks. This might actually be a world class exhibit, definitely looks like it will be best at the zoo hands down. So much looks like it needs to be done no way end of summer is possible. Even if it was mostly done they need to do planting and let the plants take root before the orangs rip it all out while they are busy inspecting. Planting in the fall and now would help to establish things before the orangs move in next spring.
Naw - it's been unlocked for months, and there is a little fenced semi-circle area outside the pavilion where you can stand. I just didn't include the fence in the picture. I was shocked at all of the difference vantages points (the boardwalk and tower at the back really shows you're going to be able to go all the way around). I would honestly walk around it in the fall if they'd open it before the orangs go in.
I do wonder if the second O-Line going through the rouge valley will open with the main orangutan exhibit? Last time I visited I noticed there was some small construction progress in the area. Im guessing that because the zoo wants the o-line to extend to the new front entrance they might just hold off on it?
They're out but they seem to be getting used to things again. I noticed they kept going back inside quite a bit, but it was so nice to see a few swimming around and they were VERY vocal. I've never heard them make so much noise.
I'm so happy the penguins are back and I'll be able to see them on my next visit, I was really sad that I couldn't see them last year. :'3
Fence posts are in at the new Amur Tiger Habitat. Looks to be about the same size as the current main habitat. Still lots to do to get ready, unclear to me if they are planning any specific viewing area at this time from what I can see.
This is looking great! Are those logs with the netting going to be propped up as a climbing structure? Looks a bit odd to have them just laying on the ground. Also why is there black matte panels on a portion of the rock work wall within the exhibit? I'm guessing they still need to do rock work over it. Just looks like an eye sore.
I would guess our best source of news on timing will be October 13th at the Board meeting? Even then - they might be non-committal, but should be addressed at least conversationally I would think?
