Toronto Zoo

Tronster and the love of his life, Sunshine, always enjoy animals.  In September of 2016, we made a special trip to Toronto to visit some friends.  Also none as “distant cousins”.  Regardless, while we were in town, we grabbed a “City Pass”  which included a trip to the local zoo.

Toronto is about an 8 hour drive for my family.  Mainly because I obey speed limits.  Some have made the trip faster, however, I prefer to stay away from traffic court in other states. The zoo is about 700 acres of animals and exhibits for people to visit.  Sunshine and I always enjoy the Pandas.  They play around in their habitat and always look happy.  The part that makes me happy, is the smile on Sunshine’s face when she sees the enchanted animals. 

In 2012, on a trade mission to China, it was announced that the Toronto Zoo and the Calgary Zoo would be lent two giant pandas from China for the span of ten years, with the pandas splitting the time equally between the two facilities. The pandas, named Er Shun and Da Mao, arrived at the Toronto Zoo on Monday, March 25, 2013, greeted by prime minister Stephen Harper. Their exhibit opened on May 18, 2013. The pandas originated from the Chongqing Zoo and Chengdu Panda Base, resided in Toronto from 2013 to spring of 2018; moved thence to the Calgary Zoo for 2018 through 2022. In October 2013, Er Shun gave birth to twin cubs. The exhibit closed on March 18, 2018.

The Smithsonian Zoo, or National Zoo, also had an exhibit of Pandas.  A cub was born here not too long ago. I could look that up for you, but, you are already on the Internet. 

During this time, when social distancing and travel restrictions are in place, I figured I would share a few of my adventures in the past.  

Jakarta Drive Through Zoo.

There are always adventures at a zoo!

The Jakarta zoo has a drive through area where you can see some dangerous carnivores. There are a few international visitors to the zoo, and they wanted to make sure no one is injured due to not thinking.  Putting up signs in the local language would not be good enough.  (Or it did not work in the past).  So they painted big signs with advice.  Lions will eat people as much as a gazelle.  The king of the jungle will catch you if you run.  So this was one of the signs as we entered into the area that was housing the lions.  I thought this was a great idea.  I read about once a year or so as to how someone has been eaten by a hungry lion, tiger or bear in some reserve or refuge for big hunters.  They may not have this sign in the zoo you are going to, but it is still relevant no matter what zoo or wildlife venture you participate.

It was a warm day when my friends and I hit the zoo.  The Lions, as you can see, were not all that interested in our car.  Which is a good thing in my opinion.  There are no cages or anything of that nature.  Not much of a fence when you drive through.  Each section of animals were separated  by large fences, but the cars could drive right through.  This was a great way to spend a Saturday.

I understand there is a Safari animal reserve in Northern Virginia.  Sunshine and I will think about a trip there before to long to share with all of you.