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Toronto Zoo
Category: Active Life Zoos Zoos [Edit]
361A Old Finch AveScarborough, ON M1B 5K7
Neighbourhood: Scarborough
(416) 392-5900
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
32 reviews for Toronto Zoo
32 reviews in English
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Review from Johnny H.
Toronto, ON
5/9/2012
Good place to see exotic animals. I've been to the zoo maybe 7 times, but I still haven't explored all the sections. There are indoor display sections/pavilions for birds, fishes, chimps/apes, reptiles, etc. In summer, the staffs walk around with tigers. There are also fun activities like camel ride
I like the part where I walk down the path to see the bears. On the way, you can see ostriches, buffalos, eagles and more. It is a very wide open area as if you're in the middle of a prairie. Very refreshing and a bit adventurous. The walk is very long and can be a bit exhausting, but it is much better and healthier than lying on a couch to watch TV. You can also have a pleasant talk with your family and friend during the walk.
I had a pleasant experience visiting the zoo in winter. There are fewer animals, but being in the wild (or nature) in the chilly weather was fun. Biodomes and indoor displays are open. There are less people too. I haven't been to the zoo during fall season, but I bet it's beautiful.
I've been to the zoo at night. Yeah. We were cruising around Scarborough on a snowy night in January, and decided to venture into the zoo. If you like experiencing scary and creepy stuff, include this in your to-do list.
If you're going to the zoo in a group, it might be cheaper to buy the membership. And you can visit the zoo again later. -
Review from Eric S.
4/25/2012
The best part of this zoo was the adorable baby polar bear that just arrived here. A close second would be the North America section, which had moose, lynx and two grizzlies that play-fought the entire time. We came in April, at which time a large section of the zoo was closed due to remodeling and weather not permitting for more tropical animals. What we saw was quite impressive, but I would want to see it again when the whole thing is open during summer. Also, this is a very expansive zoo with a lot of walking involved, so be prepared.
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Review from Dishan W.
10/8/2011
I was a little surprised initially when I heard that the Toronto zoo was one of the best out there. But after having been there around 4 times in the last few years I can say that these rumours of it being among the top zoos in the world is not too surprising but it has ample room to improve. I can't fault it for it's variety of animals which is the main reason it gets a 4 star rating from me. I'm not going to talk about the pros and cons of the zoo system, which I do have some opinions I would like to put out there, instead this review is just going to be my visit as it happened. Oh yeah, first things first, expect to do lots of walking!
They have roughly 6 different zones segregated geographically with animals you expect to see at a zoo of this calibre with my favourite display being the gorilla although as a biological anthro major I might be a little biased. Other not to be missed animals I would say are the polar bears, hippo, sea otters, tigers (both Indian and Siberian) and the grizzly bears.
The Canadian exhibit is located such that you would think that the zoo actually does not want you visiting it. The road leading to it is hidden (by the Hyenas) and it's a good walk away from the rest of the park. Because of this reason the Canadian exhibit is always relatively empty compared to the rest of the park. Remember not to take those animals for granted as the grizzly, cougar, lynx, golden eagles, moose and bison are all great sights!
My biggest problem with the zoo is the map. It's not representative of actual distances and does not give you enough info on some of the locations. If you have a smart phone, whip up your google map app under satellite view so you can get a scope of distance. The zoo can definitely do with better food options. If you can get a pizza pizza and a burger joint, how about sticking to chain like subway as well were people could at least get a decent snack/meal? But bring your own sandwiches and it should be all fine.
I could go on for "pages" about cute animal behaviour witnessed mainly from the sea otters, meerkats and the surprising "red river hogs" who we stumbled upon during snack (peanut) time and they were just like dogs wagging their tales around while looking for fallen peanuts.
The admission price could be cheaper, but I don't have a problem paying it because a zoo really could use money and one of my favourite moments was when a kid of around 12 (looked stereotypically naughty) blew my prejudices through the roof when he walked up to a donation bin, took out his superhero velcro wallet and emptied all the coins in to the bin. Hope remains.Listed in: 30-Day Yelp Challenge
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Review from John D.
Toronto, ON
4/30/2012
To be honest it ain't much. Expensive to get in plus parking the food is a rip off over priced and awful. They have plenty of room to have more exhibits but they don't. If you put the San Diego zoo at 10 this dump is a 3. Go to the buffalo zoo instead.
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Review from John F.
North York, ON
10/9/2011
I went to the zoo for the second time yesterday, bringing a friend who had never been there.
This is a very good zoo that could be a great one. First the complaints, then the compliments:
1. Price - $23.50 per adult plus $10 for parking!! It cost $80 for the three of us. Plus a Coke machine thought our $10 bill was $5 and ripped us off. Perhaps it is so expensive because it is run by the city and has to pay hordes of city workers with jobs for life contract. Since Mayor Redneck is selling the place, maybe it can be run cheaper by a private for-profit or non-profit. The St. Louis zoo, which is better than this one, is free!
2. Signage - Direction signs are misleading due to placement and maps lack "you are here" markers.
3. Admissions - The line was not long but it took us about 20 minutes not because the staff were inefficient but because of patrons in front of us plying them with dumb questions or unable to speak English. They need to put self-service kiosks in for people who know what they want. Of course, that would mean fewer lifetime city jobs, so perhaps after privatization this may come about.
4. Arrangement - We did not see the Canadian Domain because it was too much of a walk. But it could easily be connected to the American area, as is clear on their map. They should do it.
5. Hurry up and retire the elephants to a sanctuary. The poor girls are getting old and they deserve a little happiness in their lives.
Compliments:
I like the fact that the indoor "habitats" integrate not only mammals and reptiles, but also fish and insects.
Some nice varieties of unusual species, especially the cute liltte Przewalski's horses, the dholes, and the lesser panda.
Generally good information and helpful docents and not overly "dumbed down."
Interesting use of extra land for art works and a Korean garden in the works.
Food concessions, other than the soft drink machines, are not outrageously priced.
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I think this zoo will improve greatly once it is no longer run by a governmental bureaucracy. -
Review from Janna S.
I feel lucky to live so close to the Toronto Zoo; it seems incredible that I can see so many magnificent animals without leaving the city, let alone the country. If you have a chance to visit the zoo in the fall or winter, give it a try. It's much quieter and you won't be dying in the heat.
I don't really get the complaints about walking here - take the zoo-mobile if you don't want to walk. The fact that the zoo is so spread out is evidence that they have allocated as much space as possible for the animals living here. That's definitely a good thing!
Yes, it's true that zoos bring up mixed emotions when one considers animal rights, but I think they are a necessary part of conservation efforts and environmental awareness. The emotional impact of seeing many of these animals is far more powerful than any print or TV ad. I think people tend to appreciate animals more after visiting the zoo...well...I feel like I do anyways.
As annoying as all the screaming and crying children can be here, I think it's encouraging that at least some of these parents are trying to educate their children to appreciate the value of other species. That being said, I think adults seem to get more out of the zoo than children do. I see adults lingering much longer in front of the various exhibits while the kids whine and scream or doze off. I could have watched the orangutans for hours!
The bathroom facilities are busy but very well maintained and I was really impressed by how much effort goes into improving this place for the animals. I feel really proud of the Toronto Zoo and I love coming here.
The only changes I would like to see here are better food selection (you can only carry so much with you so buying snacks seems inevitable). Also - I know that the zoo depends on parents and their money, but it would be nice to hold a child-free day to enjoy the zoo in peace. -
Review from Alison I.
Mississauga, ON
11/9/2011
This place has everything!
Taunting lemurs, shuffling elephants (for just a short while more!), gay penguins, evil, plotting monkeys, humping hyenas, PYGMY HIPPOS!
Visited the zoo on a $10 Groupon on November 5th. It was a crisp sunny day - perfect weather for the zoo. I highly recommend going in the cooler months. The animals are much more lively and playful, the crowds are smaller and the indoor pavilions don't smell as bad. There are some animals that are closed for the season, but if you're okay missing a tropical bird or a camel ride, you'll be fine.
Go see the elephants before they leave, and say hi to Pedro and Buddy the gay penguins!
PS. Free parking in the colder months FTW! -
Review from Jing K.
Toronto, ON
1/31/2011 ROTD 2/28/2012
If you can, visit the zoo with a small child and see the exhibits through their eyes.
For my birthday my husband surprised me by taking the day off work and taking me and my 19 month old daughter to the zoo. Yay! Last time I was there I could hardly be called a responsible adult and I was so excited to show my daughter all the animals from her picture books in real life.
As expected she got a huge kick out of the orangutans, the rhino, fish, the gorillas (baby gorilla was hiding unfortunately), the turtles, and we laughed when she got totally freaked out by a free range fowl in one of the pavillions.
Inevitably she fell asleep in the stroller and we decided to make the most of our $23 per person admission price and keep touring and taking photos to show the kid later. And that's when we noticed the forlornness of the arctic wolf's howl as she answered the passing train and that the wolves live in an enclosure smaller than the off-leash park my dogs get to visit each day. One of the polar bears was in the midst of what I can only assume to be an OCD-like-tic, shuffling into the corner, pawing it and then backing out again - I watched him do it at least 8 times. The painted outback scenery behind the wallabies was sad and shabby.
It would've been nice to know from the zoo website if certain animals like the elephants wouldn't be showing. While it was a relatively mild winter day, we should've guessed that even then it would be too cold for them. There is however a whiteboard right before the entrance gate listing the renovations and animals not on display.
On the plus side we pretty much had the zoo to ourselves and got a sweet parking spot right at the front. The jellyfish were hauntingly beautiful and one of the otters was playing, adorably, with the neighbouring beaver even thought they were separated by thick plexiglass.
So yeah, if you don't have your own kids, find a niece or nephew or whatever and watch them watch the zoo animals. It's way more fun that way. -
Review from Robin L.
8/21/2011
First, a comment on some of the other reviews. It's a zoo, so you should expect children and families to be there. As a parent, my problem wasn't with the kids, but their parents. Just like we saw at other attractions, many adults had a complete disregard for the rules. People smoked wherever they wanted, paying no attention to the no smoking signs. Too many adults had no qualms about stepping behind barriers and reaching behind fences to retrieve lost items.
All that being said, the zoo itself was wonderful! It's the third largest zoo in the world. The animals aren't living in small, cramped spaces, but have large habitats.
It is a massive amount of walking. We bought one of the vehicle passes to ride from one area to the other. That was a good value, especially if you have young children or health issues. -
Review from Izabela J.
Toronto, ON
6/22/2011
A lot of the animals were sleeping or semi-hidden in shady spots of their spaces, however that's expected for a hot Saturday afternoon in mid-June. Still, there were quite a few active animals and we still go to see a lot in the 4 hours we spent there.
There is quite a bit of walking unless you pay extra for the zoo-mobile rides or whatever they call it, but it was nice to get that exercise in. Most visitors seem to be families with young children, so watch out so you don't trip over all the strollers! It's odd that after over 20 years of living in the GTA, thi past weekend marked my first time at the Toronto Zoo.
Also, it was great to see at least one of the Toronto Zoo elephants before Bob Barker has them shipped out to warmer climates (if you go, definitely stay for a "Meet the Zookeeper" presentation near the elephant area. It was really interesting hearing about how well the elephants have been doing here in Toronto. Two of Toronto's three elephants have surpassed the life expectancy for elephants, which is 38, including when compared to the life expectancy of elephants in the wild!
Highly recommended! -
Review from August L.
11/29/2010
Ahhhh the Zoo. I'm so conflicted when it comes to caged animals
CAGED ANIMALS
Bah..I've never been one to like watching animals caged in such small areas. If you think about it, it's like you yourself being stuck in your tiny washroom for the rest of your life. Watching the animals just pace back and forth, back and forth, back and forth is really depressing b/c you know that this is their life until their death.
yes I know I know...living in captivity saves their lives from hunters, deforestation etc but I still can't help myself to feel bad for them. No freedom, no hope.
Anyways...
JUST WOW
I don't think i've ever been to the zoo so this was definitely an experienced. I was so excited to see the animals. And the polar bears and monkeys were so cute. No wonder that woman jumped in to the polar bear grounds to play with them. lol
Watching the gorillas and orangutans were so interesting. It's unbelievable how intelligent they are and it was really great to think about evolution of mankind.
SPECIAL THINGS TO SEE
The baby gorilla! This baby gorilla is so small and it's so fun to watch it interact with it's family. You can see the other gorillas playing with it and watching the baby roll down the hill like a log. I see how they go the saying "monkeying around".
BENEFITS OF GOING TO THE ZOO IN THE WINTER
There are way less people. It was so great because when they were feeding the animals, you didn't have to fight for a spot to watch. Everyone was able to watch with enough space to be comfortable.
Another benefit is you are actually closer to the animals. Since it is too cold for most of the animals to stay outside, i.e. rhinos, monkeys etc, the indoor area is much smaller and you are able to be much closer to the animals. Plus, there isn't that mesh or fencing that distorts your view/pictures.
There are plenty of opportunities to stay inside to get warmed up as they bring most animals inside.
Also, you have more opportunities to ask the trainers about the animals. See next portion.
WHAT I LEARNED
I met this woman named Charmane in the orangutan park. She was an absolute delight. She goes to Malaysia every summer and helps rehabilitate orangutans who have been hurt by hunters, etc.
This is what she taught me.
Orangutans are very intelligent. They like to make friends with humans and imitate what humans do.
Women orangutans are in competition with other women, even humans. So women orangutans will only take a liking to human women who are thinner b/c they don't feel threatened by them.
Men orangutans like bigger women orangutans for mating purposes as only larger ones can reproduce. They can only reproduce once every 7 to 8 years.
50 orangutans die each week in Malaysia due to palm oil industry.
Orangutans now are being used for prostitution (yes...men pay to have sex with orangutans b/c it's a novelty) and are used as servants in the "massage parlours". Yes those type of massage parlours.
Orangutan brains are a delicacy. In the black market, they take a live orangutan, tie it up somehow, have the top portion of the head displayed at the table, cut it open, pour hot oil on it and then serve it to the diners.
When I learned about this I felt disgusted and sick to my stomach. I would like to help and suggestions of adopting an animal was mentioned. Education and awareness is key. We have to be aware that our quest to eat healthier re: palm oil is contributing to the extinction of our animals. However, I have no suggestions on what we can do.
Because of this education of the animals, I feel the zoo is such an important place to learn about the world and for people to be more aware of the situations that are happening globally.
IMPROVEMENTS
When we went in, the ticket person didn't give us a map. I think they should offer this when we enter.
The map itself was kind of confusing. Some of the large maps scattered across the zoo didn't have "you are here" signs.
We weren't able to see all the animals (I guess b/c it was winter). So we missed out on the Elephants, ostriches, and giraffes that I noticed.
CONCLUSION
Despite the fact that the animals are caged up, the zoo is an incredible experience. To be close so close to animals from all parts of the world is phenomenal. I would have stayed all day just watching the gorillas.Listed in: For Tourists
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Review from Teena D.
1/3/2011 32 photos
My husband and I spent the afternoon at the Toronto Zoo.
It wasn't that crowded today since kids went back to school today.
Given the cold weather, not all the regions were open. We started with the Tundras Trek.
The polar bears, though not very lively, were fun to watch. What really caught our attention when we were watching the polar bears were the Arctic wolves. At first they were lazy and calm ... then they started howling and pacing. Very cool! The Arctic foxes were so cute!
We headed inside to wander around the Americas Pavilion. We spent a lot of time watching the beaver doing laps in the water.
We spent some time in the African Rainforest Pavilion watching the gorillas.
We made the hour long trek to the Canadian Domain.
We left after 3.5 hours and many kms walked later!
What a fun afternoon! -
Review from Simon R.
Milton, ON
8/24/2010 1 Check-in Here
It's worth the trip to the zoo. No, seriously.
It's one of those places that I rarely go to. To be honest, it's one of those places that I end up visiting about once a decade. I really don't know why I wait so long.
It's fun, huge, massive and cost effective. It even has a water park built right into it. I have to admit, I noticed it on my way out, so I did not get a chance to check it out. I probably will next time.
I spent a total of 5 hours just in the African section and my little one LOVED it, especially the elephants and monkeys (what kid doesn't like elephants and monkeys).
A lot of the areas appear to not have been re-modernized, as in, I think it looked like that even when I was a young kid. That's not to say that it's a bad thing, it's actually quite nostalgic. And it's really BIG. The fact that they still have the peacocks running around is really cool. It makes everything feel a little more real.?. Know what I mean?
All in all, I'm not waiting until the next decade to come back. Heck, it only cost about $25 per person, maybe I'll go back this weekend.
:) -
Review from Monica F.
8/6/2010
Am I the only one who doesn't LOVE the zoo? I don't know about you, but: whining, screaming un-tame children running around everywhere, watching the chimps and orangutans playing with GARBAGE (I cringed in fear as I watched a baby Orangutan swinging around on the ropes with a tiny bottle-cap in his mouth, I thought he was going to choke!), strollers running over your feet constantly, the smell of urine and feces following you where ever you go, feeling horrible for all the animals, a ridiculous amount of exhibits "temporarily" closed, and the feeling of being claustrophobic because of the HOARDS of people isn't exactly my idea of fun. And the list could go on.
It's a really big zoo, so be prepared to walk. Don't waste your time with the Canada Exhibit. Unless you want to walk a half an hour UP HILL to see a raccoon and some moose that are too far to see. There is a zoo-mobile, but at $13 on top of the $23 admission + $10 parking, I was kinda tapped for cash.
If you're just dying to go, I would recommend trying to AVOID going during the Summer when all the wiener kids are out of school (the Zoo is open year-round, although all the exhibits may not be open) OR if you do go during the Summer, arrive at around 2-3. You will still have more than enough time to spend at the Zoo (it closes at 7:30...you won't need more than 5 hours there unless you stop to eat) and the crowds really calm down at that time. All the parents are there early with their kids, and by that time they're ready to leave.
I will admit, the environment is nice... very nice trails and stuff, but if you want that kind of experience go somewhere else, not the Zoo.
Have fun! -
Review from livingston c.
12/8/2010
Went at the end of November with my wife and 18-mth old son. It was extremely cold outside, but my son loves the animals, so we braved the cold and strolled around the park. the park is enormous, and probably one of the largest i've been to. they break up the park into various regions by location, so there's an asia section, africa section, etc. Parking was free (I think it's free from Nov thru Feb). The park wasn't crowded by any means, but still more people than I expected on a frigid november morning.
Much to our surprise, there still were quite a bit of animals outside, but we found ourselves mostly visiting the indoor exhibits. most of the "closed" areas were actually restaurants/food stands around the park. i did enjoy my first beavertail in the canada area, quite delicious!
funny story: we walked around the zoo, and were excited to hit the africa section to see the elephants, giraffes, etc. however, when we got there, it was extremely empty. no animals out, hardly anyone walking around, nothing. we first hit the lions area, and actually saw it awake and looking at us (apparently lions sleep 20-22 hours a day!). but i think this was the only animal that we saw... then we thought, "hmm.. we are in africa! probably not good to have african animals out in the cold!"
in any case, we had an enjoyable time just taking our time around the zoo, without having to deal with the crowds. definitely will consider going back during the off-season! -
Review from Rebecca R.
1/28/2009
Toronto Zoo, I miss you.
I would move to your city just to be near you.
I will most especially treasure the memory of the afternoon I spent witnessing a two-year-old girl being scarred for life by the mating activities of the lion-tailed macaques.
And then other kids puzzled by the sloths, the grizzlies, the hyenas, the orangutans, the gibbons, and the gorillas.
Pheromones to the left, distraught children to the right, chaos and mass confusion abounding...
Springtime at Toronto Zoo. What a day. -
Review from Robin D.
9/12/2010
Was a little disappointed. There was open confined areas where there was supposed to be animals, but they were no where to been seen. The zoo is massive in area size, so I would recommend just choosing what you want to see unless you really want to work. Don't know if it is just me, but the map was not clear to me where to find what animals. Some parts of the zoo require backtracking so be prepared to walk. Zoo seems great for family with kids for outings.
African area is interesting. I liked the elephants, rhinoceros, gazelles, bison, leopards, flamingos, polar bears, and otters to name some. Animals I wished to see, but I could not find were beaver (it was seriously not in an area it was supposed to be), penguins, and giant pandas. Strangely, there was for the most part only one of each animal.
Went on a day with good weather too, which made it nice to stroll around. Bring water and sunscreen.
The best thing is some of the animals I believe are rescued from the wild and/or endangered and thus, protected in the zoo. Hopefully, to be released during the right conditions. -
Review from Amanda A.
Toronto, ON
8/1/2009
As far as zoos go, this place is awesome. Its huge, its a lot of walking, but you do have the option of taking the "zoo mobile" for an extra $5. As far as the landscaping goes - my biggest suggestion is to skip the Canadian exhibit if you are tired of walking, or towing along some whiney children. It is down a steep hill that not even the zoomobile can handle, and walking back up is NOT fun, especially with complainers in your group.
The Zoo is actually a great way to get outdoors and get some exercise. There is actually a 5 and 10 K run here every fall, and if you are interested in running, I highly recommend it. Its so awesome to run the trail at the zoo - it is a killer workout (could barely walk for 3 days after it last year), and the scenery can't be beat.
There are lots of indoor exhibits for shelter when needed. A handful of restaurants too. I suggest packing a lunch though. Everything is overpriced fast food, and good luck finding a table on a busy day.
What I love about the zoo is how many programs they put on, and all their special promotions/days. If you have a big family, and the cost of the zoo puts you off, wait until theres a "kids get in free day". It usually means bringing a canned food item or wearing a themed costume (they let you in with VERY little effort on the costume days). Not sure if it still goes on - but they used to have 1/2 price days if the forecast was under a certain amount of degrees. The zoo is awesome year round. Going into the rainforest exhibits is amazing on a winter day. Just be prepared to carry all you childrens' coats around.Listed in: Toronto's Best Spots of the…
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Review from Noel D.
9/2/2009
How can you not love the Toronto Zoo?!?
The best thing about this place might also be its downfall though: the fact that it hasn't changed in 30 years. I remember going here as a kid and when I went last summer it seemed as though it was the exact same. They even still have old billboards with wildlife facts from like 1974.
But I have so much love for this zoo. I know there's debate as to whether zoos are fair to the animals, but I love the fact I can take the TTC within my own city and hang out with gorillas and polar bears. Last time I went they had the sting ray exhibit and I was able to pet some, which was an awesome experience. Some of the exhibits were closed due to the season, but that can be expected.
A couple of beefs... The gift shop was a little lame because I love the old Toronto Zoo logo and couldn't seem to find much merch with this. They have corny updated t-shirts and I would have loved some simple classic Zoo gear. Maybe I am being a little too nit-picky. Another beef is the lack of food options. I think it's like Burger King or Harveys? Too much fast food and nothing substantial.
Word of advice: get their early and spend the whole day. I have spent several hours at the zoo with friends and we run out of time and miss some of the animals. Especially if you make the hike to the Canadian exhibits which take like 15-20 minutes to walk to. If you like to take your time and see everything then you should get there within the first hour of the park opening. -
Review from Andrew Y.
8/6/2009
I love the zoo! I love seeing primates. They are my favourite. The zoo is so gigantic. The price is a little high for entrance, but parking is not bad at $8. Make sure that you pick up a map at the admissions booth. So if you're only planning to be there for a few hours, plan your root. Anyway, no guarantees, but you might not get to see all your favourite animals because they might be packed away for renovations or what not.
Of note, they do sell Beaver Tales near a zoomobile station outside of Australia.
The only downside was that I expected the special items that were available to see would be free. I know things are tough, but the zoo charges for a ton of stuff. But there is plenty to do without paying extra. The 30 min animal show near the kid's section is really really good, check it out.
Anyway, if you're going to Toronto and have the time, get the City Pass, it will save you some bucks. -
Review from Sonita B.
Scarborough, ON
1/15/2012
Great exper. But found it a tad to expensive.
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Review from Hailey E.
Toronto, ON
2/20/2009 4 photos
I love the Toronto Zoo! I've loved it since I was a little kid. Last summer I spent an entire day at the zoo photographing the animals. Though some of my friends think zoos are immoral and/or cruel to animals, the animals at the Toronto Zoo seem very well cared for. They have lots of clean, open space to wander around in. And, children learn so much about animals at the zoo, and develop a true respect for them (i think!)
For a beautiful day out in the sun, and lots and lots of walking, the zoo is an amazing day-trip for little kids and big kids (like me!) alike. -
Review from Rebecca W.
7/24/2011
Things we loved about the zoo during our recent visit-
The keeper talks-it was great hearing from the keepers who were obviously passionate about the animals they cared for and full of amazing information.
The shaded trails and abundance of picnic areas-it was a hot day but with all the trees lining many paths and the shaded picnic areas to stop for a rest or a bite to eat it was really nice.
The bathrooms were clean.
The animals had lovely, large habitats and it was apparent the zoo worked hard to make their lives good.
Access to the animals-the habitats were set up so that you could get quite close to the animals (while still maintaining safety for visitors and animals.) There were a lot of animals we weren't able to see but it was a very hot day and I imagine they were relaxing in a cool spot in their habitats.
Things we didn't love-
The zoo is large and sprawling. There's lots of walking and lots of uphill and uneven paths that are hard to access if you're pushing a stroller or wheelchair. I know that every area can't be perfectly accessible to wheelchairs but there are many ways that the paths could be improved to make it more wheelchair and stroller friendly. The large amount of walking wouldn't be so bad if the paths were more friendly to wheelchairs and strollers. I know the zoo mobile is an option but it's nice to be able to go at your own pace.
Signage-the zoo maps were great but the signage in the zoo often wasn't clear and we found ourselves having to whip out the map often to figure out where to go next.
Air conditioning-the bulk of the indoor buildings were hot, hot, hot. (excluding the ones like the rain forest that you expect to be hot and humid) Now in the zoo's defense we were visiting when Toronto was in the midst of a record breaking heat wave so it's entirely possible that their AC is just fine when they aren't in the midst of that.
Prices-the train ride ($7.50) and the price of concessions seemed excessive-even for a zoo.
Overall it was an enjoyable trip-the polar bears were a big favorite with everyone as were the keeper talks-I'd love to spend a day there just going around and listening to all the keeper talks. -
Review from Michael C.
6/4/2009
When I went, the zoo was still in the process of adding new exhibits. However, this did not deter my interest in seeing everything here. If you plan to go, plan a whole day. It will take you that long.
The walking was the most enjoyable and also least enjoyable part. Each location is somewhat if not greatly separated with an almost neutral space of woody forestry.
There are so many displays to check out, but watch out for the free-roaming peacocks. :) -
Review from Meghan N.
Mississauga, ON
7/8/2010
I hadn't been to the zoo since I was little and it was really fun to go back yesterday. The animals are always entertaining, and it's easy to get around. We really enjoyed the Splash area with my niece and nephew, especially as it was over 40 degrees out! Fun for adults and kids alike!
Nice to see some of the same things I remember from when I was a child, as well as some new developments. -
Review from Larry G.
8/25/2008
Oh. My. God! This zoo is friggin' HUGE! You need like 3 pairs of shoes because you're gonna wear them all out!
This is absolutely the largest zoo that I've been to. So many different sections with animals representing different parts of the world. You'll see animals from Africa, Asia, Europe, America and even those in Canada. There's a building where you can see big, beautiful butterflies fluttering around. You'll see peacocks, lizards and iguanas freely roaming around. (Er, maybe they escaped. *shrug*)
There is a large kid's section of the zoo, where kids can check out cute animals and play in the water. Plus, there are camel rides that kids will beg to get on. (The zoo is so big that your kids will probably nap 2 or 3 times before you see everything.)
Trust me, there are lots to see in this zoo. Again, this zoo is huge, huge, huge! They're even gonna add more displays. I'm like, dang, this zoo alone could occupy the entire Hawaiian mainland. I highly suggest that you start off those at the bottom of the hill. Because, believe me, at the end of the day, you're not gonna wanna walk up the hills with those aching feet.Listed in: Oh Canada!
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Review from Todd V.
Toronto, ON
9/18/2008
When in Melbourne, Australia, I had the opportunity to visit the zoo there which in turn made me think, "Hey, I've not been to the Toronto zoo in ages." The last time I was at the Toronto Zoo, I don't think my skull was completely hardened. So I decided it was time to see if any of my memories would actually hold true. I vaguely remember seeing elephants and giraffes. My mind puts them in the same pen, but that could be accounted for by the proximity of the animals on my bedroom wall when I was two. I also seemed to remember pen after pen of primates staring out at the masses eating and urinating with reckless abandon.
The first few exhibits reminded me of the first few in 'Jurassic Park' where the car pulls up to a leafy plant-filled cage where there should be an animal, and there were none. You can blame the heat there. Even holding down the job of a zoo animal where all you need to do is eat, sleep, and walk around a bit, I'd probably be hitting up a siesta at some point. Eventually, I was able to find them lounging and looking for protection against the heat, but most importantly, they were visible.
The pavilions are decently organized and seem to be appropriate to the animals they house. I'm no biologist, but the animals seem to be happy. Or at the very least indifferent to their surroundings. They're not performing the finale from "Oklahoma!", but they're not punching each other either. One thing you will find is the pavilions can be spaced apart by quite a distance. If you're up for the walk, you'll have a good one, but if not, the zoo trains can help as well. This is a great for kids and as such be warned, there will be kids. Not sure that I saw it on the calendar, but apparently I had showed up on "Incorrigible Screaming Three-Year-Old Day". Check the calendar for other special dates that hopefully won't surprise you.
What made the day was the final exhibit, a temporary stingray petting zoo. You'll be completely safe petting them as their stingers are filed down so as not to harm. Note this as well that the bulk of the stingrays seem to be somewhat domesticated and love the attention that you dish out. They will frantically swim to some arbitrary starting point along the wall of the pool and wait for you to pet them as they swim along. They're cute in a creepy-mushroom sort of way. -
Review from Darren L.
Scarborough, ON
5/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great price with more animals you can possibly see in one day. Well maintained and full of information if you are interested in learning about natures beautiful creatures from all over the world.
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Review from Stephanie S.
Whitby, ON
9/25/2010
My family loves the zoo. We buy a membership every year, which is really the best way to go. With a membership you can go for a half hour or spend the day. The walk is terrific exercise and the signs are pretty clear. I love that they are constantly updating the zoo. The new Tundra exhibit is great, and you can finally see the wolves. I love the Jellies in the Australasia exhibit. I look forward to the new penguin exhibit next year. The zoo has an excellent website with a full list of which exhibits are open and closed, as well as which animals have had babies. I would recommend spending a couple of minutes online checking this out before you go.
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Review from Mike S.
Toronto, ON
9/5/2008
I love the zoo, I've always loved the zoo and no one is going to change my mind. They tell me (they being the Toronto zoo) that it is one of the premier zoos in North America and for the most part I would tend to agree. It is one of the nicest walks you can go on in the city and you get to see lots of animals. As a young adult bereft of children I personally would recommend going during school hours, I know that this is hard for most people but taking the day off and going to the zoo isn't as ludicrous as it sounds and then there are hardly any kids to get in the way of your fun. I know, I know you're saying that the zoo is for kids, why should I try to avoid them? The zoo isn't just for kids, at least not in my opinion since the last time I was there I sat for at least a half an hour and watched the Orangutans just interacting, it's fascinating to watch the animals who look so much like us moving around and the relationships between them. I know that I am never going to see most of these animals in the wild, so it's incredible that we have the opportunity to see all these animals in one spot. If you do go before October 12th 2008, I highly recommend shelling out the extra three bucks for Stingray Bay. I know that the $20 entrance fee in shockingly high and to add an extra three dollars seems like highway robbery, but it is worth it to actually be able to come into contact with an animal that has no business being in southern Ontario is an exciting experience, the trainers are friendly and will answer your myriad of questions and seem honestly happy to do so. So please go to the zoo and see all the animals that you loved as a kid and appreciate the opportunity.
Like the review? Check out the link to my blog on my profile. -
Review from Darren S.
10/3/2010 1 Check-in Here
Too much empty space that you have to walk through to get from one exhibit to another. I don't mind walking at all, but this was a bit much.
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Review from Ivan S.
NORTH YORK, ON
9/4/2010
Great park. A lot to see and walk.
