Zoos are wonderful places for both adults and children to explore wildlife and immerse themselves in life beyond civilization. They offer a mix of excitement and tranquility, creating lasting impressions. Today, let’s dive into the world of zoos in Toronto. Read more on toronto.name.
Toronto Zoo
The Toronto Zoo spans approximately 287 hectares (710 acres) and is Canada’s largest zoo. It welcomes an average of 1.2 million visitors annually. The zoo is divided into seven zoogeographic regions: Indo-Malaya, Africa, the Americas, the Tundra Trek, Australasia, Eurasia, and the Canadian Domain. Some animals are housed in indoor pavilions, while others can be interacted with, fed, or even played with. The zoo also features specific zones, including a children’s area, the Waterside Theatre, and Splash Island. It boasts one of the world’s most taxonomically diverse animal collections, with over 3,000 animals (including invertebrates and fish) representing more than 300 species. The Toronto Zoo operates year-round.
The zoo is a corporation owned by the municipal government of Toronto. It was founded by Hugh A. Crothers and business partner John Cameron Egan, who became the first chairman of the Metro Toronto Zoological Society in 1966. The zoo opened on August 15, 1974, under the name Metropolitan Toronto Zoo. The term “Metropolitan” was dropped when the municipalities merged to form the current city in 1998. The zoo is located near the Rouge River on Toronto’s eastern edge in the Scarborough district.
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is a massive public aquarium in Toronto, owned and operated by Ripley Entertainment. Situated in downtown Toronto, southeast of the CN Tower, it contains 5.7 million litres (1.25 million gallons) of saltwater and freshwater habitats from around the world. The exhibits showcase over 20,000 exotic aquatic specimens representing more than 450 species.
Although construction of the aquarium began in August 2012, it officially opened in October 2013. Initial plans to build it near Niagara Falls, Ontario, in 2004 were abandoned, and the aquarium was eventually developed in Toronto. Construction started in August 2011, with a final cost nearing $130 million CAD. The project was a partnership among three levels of government. The federal government contributed $10 million CAD through a redevelopment project for John Street Corridor, linking Front Street to the aquarium, CN Tower, and Rogers Centre. The Ontario government provided $11 million CAD, while Toronto granted property tax relief of $8 to $12 million CAD over the first 12 years of operation.
High Park Zoo
In 1836, John George Howard purchased 160 acres (65 hectares) of land in York County, west of Toronto, for $1,000 USD. Howard designed and developed Colborne Lodge, a Regency-style cottage, in 1837 as a residence for himself and his wife, Jemima Frances Meikle. In 1873, Howard bequeathed the property to the City of Toronto for use as a public park.
The zoo is currently located on Deer Pen Road and is accessible via the entrance from Parkside Drive. There is ample parking available near the entrance to High Park. The zoo operates daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM nearly every day of the year. On both sides of Deer Pen Road, there are six or seven enclosures where the zoo’s animals live. Visitors to High Park can encounter bison, deer, llamas, peacocks, Highland cattle, and more. The zoo traces its origins back to the early 1900s when deer were first introduced to the area.
If you plan to visit this particular zoo, the owners request adherence to basic rules (which apply to all zoos):
- Please do not feed the animals. They follow a specific diet, and food given by visitors could harm their health.
- When taking photos, be mindful not to use flash photography, as it can disturb the animals (imagine how you’d feel being photographed 100 times a day).
High Park Zoo is truly a fantastic place to spend quality time with your family. Additionally, visitors don’t need to walk for hours to see all the animals, as the park offers plenty of other attractions. Notably, there is no entrance fee for the zoo.
For some time, High Park Zoo was not funded by the City of Toronto, but it remained open thanks to generous donations that covered operational costs. In the 2014 budget, the city fully restored funding for the zoo!
Moreover, it’s worth mentioning the High Park Animal Display, which is the oldest animal exhibit in Canada. Initially, it housed a deer paddock and an aviary. The exhibit was established in 1893 after John and Jemima Howard donated their home, Colborne Lodge, and its 165-acre property to the City of Toronto for use as a public park. Over time, additional land was added to make High Park what it is today. The animal display attracts over 600,000 visitors annually.
Far Enough Farm
Far Enough Farm, located on Toronto’s Centre Island, is a charming hobby farm visited by over 100,000 people annually. Operated by the city’s Parks Department, the farm was established in 1959 and sits next to Centreville Amusement Park. It is a 30-minute walk from Ward’s Island Ferry Docks.
The farm features a petting zoo with various animals, including retired police horses, pheasants, pigs, chickens, rabbits, emus, peacocks, sheep, and goats. It serves as an excellent educational resource, offering outdoor classrooms that children find particularly engaging. In the summer, children can enjoy pony and donkey rides. The farm also hosts an annual Fall Fair featuring demonstrations like goat milking, sheep shearing, and wool spinning. Admission to the farm is free.
At one point, Far Enough Farm, along with Riverdale Farm and High Park Zoo, faced potential closure due to city budget cuts. However, public campaigns and a dedicated Facebook group, “Save Far Enough Farm on Toronto Island,” highlighted its importance to visitors and residents. This community support ensured the farm’s survival. Visit the farm to see why it holds such a special place in the hearts of Ontarians!