Controversy ... Or Knowledge? ... Ontario Visited finds out ...Toronto Zoo

This series of Blog articles comes from our recent “Behind the Scenes Tour of the Toronto Zoo” with Katie Gray, Public Relations Supervisor. Ontario Visited toured with Festival Nomad Correspondent’s Carol Law (Volunteeerscan.ca ~ Volunteer systems Consultant) and Ron Clifford (www.ronclifford.com ~ Professional Photographer). With extra our extra correspondent and photographer, we were able to focus on the generous amount of information being provided by the Toronto Zoo staff for this wonderful opportunity. We would like to share our insight, knowledge and experiences with you. Hope you enjoy the series!

Controversy … Or Knowledge! …

I asked, during our walk-about, if visitors might be distracted by the many “fun activities” at the Zoo and perhaps don’t realize the importance of all that the Toronto Zoo contributes. I also asked if there were visitors who were “in distain” of some of the innovations the Zoo offers to visitors. Specifically I refer to the Kids Discovery Zone (Splash Pad) and the new high tower Gorilla Climb Ropes Course.

Controversy occurs in most of our society, from the “nature lover” to the “fun time goers” to the “conservationist” to the “economical goers”. Everyone has their “own opinion” about what is right or wrong, perceived or not, and the Toronto Zoo has many visitors attend for many reasons. In today's civilized society, Katie Gray, Public Relations Supervisor, tells us, they try to provide people with excitement and fun for the whole family, and once they are here, they try to provide them with information and education about the animals, and hopefully with the ways they can help. The Toronto Zoo welcomes visitors to come out and let them (the Zoo) "show you". The Zoo is becoming more and more sophisticated and creative in the way they are sharing their knowledge.

 

Our Future …

I asked Katie about nutrition and the prospect of “endangered species” becoming extinct, and, what ramification that would have on our world. Katie tells us, they try to create a natural habitat for the animals here at the Zoo, as it is vital for the Zoo animals as well as the habitat and species that surround the premises. The best way that we can help the endangered species in the wild, is to learn as much as we can from them in a captive environment, one that is as close to their natural habitat as possible, and then use that information to help them in the wild.

While there has been a “lot of media coverage for the Giant Panda Exhibit”, the panda staff was anxious to share some of the “Behind the Scenes” with us. They are enthusiastic about a “flagship program” where their knowledge will be shared with other organizations. Although Zoos around the world have different weather systems, the habits and behaviors of the species react different in different environments. For Our Future, the Toronto Zoo's “Facebook Page” is assisting with information overload. It is quick and can be a wonderful time saving device for sharing information, in a possible critical timeline.

Stay tuned for more exciting insight from the Toronto Zoo Behind the Scenes Tour ~ Year Round Experience!... Safety at the Zoo … In the meantime, don’t forget to check out the Toronto Zoo website where you can view ongoing amazing “in-the-moment” videos and so much more at www.torontozoo.com. Enjoy!