We’re Going to the Zoo, Zoo, Zoo…How About You, You, You?
While zoos in general go against my knee-jerk eco-conscience, the Metro Toronto Zoo is an exception. Although the animals are penned, their enclosures are vast and well-maintained and most of the creatures were born in captivity and wouldn’t otherwise survive in the wild. Research is being done at the Metro Zoo on a daily basis that contributes to saving the lives and futures of many endangered species – so I can relax my Green Peace-leaning sensibilities and simply enjoy the opportunity to see an incredible variety of birds, fish, animals, reptiles and amphibians.
Because the Metro Zoo is so large, it makes sense to sit down with the map before you begin your day, so you can plot a course. Divided into segments by geographic area, the Zoo has the African creatures in one area, the Asian in another and the Arctic in still another – all organized in a series of interconnecting loops so you can walk through one and end up at the start of another. If the day is a hot one, you’ll also want to plan a visit (or even two) to Splash Island where everyone can dance around in the spray and cool off.
Tips
- The Zoomobile is a great option for those who don’t think they can manage all the walking required to see the various areas of the Zoo. A comfortable, open-air style transit system, the Zoomobile travels the perimeter of the Zoo, stopping at all of the major areas. Riders can get on and off as often as the please, giving them the opportunity to see everything up close without the need to embark on an all-day hike. Friendly guides deliver live commentary as the Zoomobile makes its way around the various areas, giving riders a sense of what they’re seeing. Tickets are an additional $8/person.
- When you arrive, be sure to check the “Meet the Keepers” scheduled posted near the main entrance to see when various animals will be fed/watered/checked and talked about by the caretakers.
- Talk to your children about the importance of not feeding the animals. While it’s tempting to slip a cheesie to a smiling monkey, it could spell disaster for all concerned. Not only might that friendly little furry guy bite your hand once the cheesie is gone, but you might accidentally hurt him yourself. A brass plaque near one of the orangutan exhibits tells the tragic story of an animal who died because a family fed him ‘people’ food that caused irreparable damage to his digestive system.
- Bring sunscreen and wear a hat – some of the walkways are quite open, with little shade.
- Have $10 cash in your pocket for parking. When you arrive, go through the Passes lineup (much shorter) using your CityPass, where you’ll be given a plastic card that will be your parking pass. Don’t lose it – or you’ll have to pay an additional $10.
For more on discounts to the best attractions in Toronto, visit: www.citypass.com/toronto.
Continue for the Top 5 Sights & Attractions in Toronto: The Toronto Science Centre.
Photo by Jeffrey Vanneste on Flickr.com
Liz Fleming is an award-winning Canadian travel journalist who specializes in adventure, health and wellness and learning travel. For more from Liz, go to: Liz Fleming’s Travel Tales