Toronto Zoo is Winter Fun

During the Winter holidays Mrs. Shopaholic, friends, and I visited the Toronto Zoo on a warmer Winter day.  We all love the Zoo, but had never been during Winter.  We were all pleasantly surprised and it was a lot of fun.  If you are looking for a Winter activity and don't mind bundling up then this is great one.

For more information about the Toronto Zoo see their website.  The Zoo is open every day of the year except for Christmas.  Adult admission is $23 a person and parking is $10 a vehicle.  It is possible to get to the Zoo by TTC (Sheppard 85 East Bus from Don Mills Subway Station, bus alone takes 38 minutes per the TTC.  So, I would not recommend it. 

Winter Zoo Fun:

The Zoo bills says that each visit you will see something new.  The following things I have never seen at the Zoo during our usual summer visits:

• The arctic wolves singing and moving about.  We were listening to the Polar Bear zookeeper and the nearby wolves started singing. 

• The Hyenas.  For years I have walked by the Hyenas and have never seen them standing or moving.  In the summer you can only make out vague details of them sleeping in their dens.

Hyena

• Pandas moving.  We saw Toronto Zoos famous addition back on the Victoria Day weekend when they came to the zoo.  Neither of the pandas moved and were not worth the line to see them.  In Winter they were both moving and we ample elbow room too see them.

Lady Panda - Er Shun

• The Giraffes were also active and strangely licking the metal chain link fences.  Don't they know their tongues could get stuck to it?  Everyone had that one kid in primary school who did this.  

Masai Giraffe and her calf born Oct 18, 2013

• The pavilions were a lot easier to get around in and you hardly ever had to line up to view an animal.  One of the highlights was the Australian Great Blue Jay who got up close with us.

• Lastly, the Polar Bears usually put on a good show regardless of time of year.  The key is catching them at Noon when the Zookeeper is feeding them.   

Lady Polar Bear

Arguing over a Salmon

Some other fun facts that I learned about the Zoo:

• On Boxing day they have a Christmas for the animals.  The zookeepers are out and giving special treats for the animals.  It is meant for families and the zookeepers make themselves far more available than usual.  Also, they offer half priced admission.  
• On New Year's Eve they throw a family oriented party complete with stage and show for children.  They have live band, magicians and a proper stage setup in the entrance courtyard of the Zoo.  They do a New Year's eve countdown at 8:00 PM for kids.  
• The Giraffes will be moving in 2014 to Elephants former domain.  
• The Zoo will be re-opening for Victoria Day Weekend the Eurasia loop (Camels, Reindeer, Wild Horses, Snow Leopard, etc).  Although, it will only be accessible by Zoo Mobile.  (*Lame*)  

Reindeer out for a Stroll

Cons of Visiting the Toronto Zoo in Winter:

• Some of the African large mammels (hippotamus, antelopes, zebras, lions and cheetah) were not on display outside or inside.
• The food at the zoo is not that good and over-priced.  Only 2 of the 5 restaurants were open and mind you I think I'd rather go hungry than eat at a Mandarin Express.   I'd suggest bringing a sandwich or snacks.  
• The African penguins were not swimming about as their pool was frozen.  Although, I don't know why a penguin would be indoors for winter.
• In the Malayan Woods pavilion the butterflies must have all been hibernating and not flying about.

Comments? Thoughts? Suggestions?  Do you have a favourite animal to see at the zoo?  Please add your comments below.