Grand opening of panda exhibit set for May 18 at the Toronto Zoo

Toronto Zoo Weekly Feature As you know our special cargo, Er Shun and Da Mao arrived in Toronto on  March 25 and are undergoing a 30-day minimum quarantine. During this time,  keepers will work closely with the animals and monitor their overall health  and behaviour. Our veterinary team will also perform several health checks and various tests to will occur. Keepers will also start to  introduce  training and enrichment programs. This is a perfect time for the animals  to get use to their new surroundings and for the staff to get to know Er Shun  and Da Mao. After the quarantine period, we will slowly introduce Er Shun and Da Mao to the  rest of their habitat leading up the Exhibit Grand Opening May 18, 2013. In the meantime  to find out more about Er Shun and Da Mao's quarantine process please CLICK HERE.
UPCOMING EVENTS: Sunday, April 20 Massasauga Rattlesnake Workshop 10:00 am to 2:30 pm Registered Event Each year, the Toronto Zoo hosts rattlesnake workshops for the people who share habitat with rattlesnakes near their homes and cottages, and where they work and play. Discussions about the natural history of rattlesnakes will be followed by ample opportunity to ask questions. Learn how to identify the Massasauga Rattlesnake and meet a live rattlesnake. Space is limited.  To register or for more information please email alentini@torontozoo.ca. Saturday, April 20 and Sunday April 21 2013 Earth Day Celebrations 10:00 am to 4:00 pm The Zoo is hosting the premier Earth Day® event in the GTA - what better place to celebrate Earth Day than at the Zoo to learn about ways that YOU can be an ambassador for living in a more environmentally friendly way. Meet the Zoo's recycling dynamic duo, Henry and Douale, and enjoy extra keeper talks at the polar bears. Join us at the new Tundra Trek area for a fun-filled day of conservation and education! Saturday, April 20 RainBarrel.ca   10:00 am to 4:00 pm  Toronto Zoo Front Entrance Toronto Zoo is pleased to partner with RainBarrel.ca to offer rain barrels to staff and visitors at a special reduced rate! A rain barrel is a water tank which is used to collect and store rain water for reuse, such as watering gardens. Register your order at RainBarrel.ca/TorontoZoo today! Sunday, April 21 Teacher's Day ATTENTION ALL TEACHERS! Discover how we can make your class visit a memorable educational experience. On Sunday, April 21, 2013, the Toronto Zoo will be providing free admission to teachers plus one guest. Visit our educational booths in the main courtyard to learn about our school programs, resources, and upcoming events at the Zoo. A current Ontario College of Teachers card or a Teachers Federation Card is required.		MEDIA INFORMATION: Calling all "Fools" - Is "Pam Da Bear" there? How do you prank a Zoo on April Fools Day? By calling and asking for "Mr. Lion" and "Ellie Font" of course! This year's April Fools Day was no different then previous years. We received many phone calls from clever pranksters asking for a "Mr. Lion" or "Don Key". But this year with the excitement surrounding the arrival of the Giant Pandas a new name emerged! "Pam Da Bear" GOOD ONE! ABMA Conference Hosted by the Toronto Zoo The Toronto Zoo is excited to host the annual gathering of the Animal Behavior Management Alliance (ABMA), taking place from April 14 - 19th at the Delta Chelsea hotel in Toronto!  The ABMA is a non-profit organization comprised of animal care professionals interested in enhancing the welfare of captive animals through positive training methods and environmental enrichment, a behaviour management technique that allows animals to express natural behaviours.  The conference includes exciting presentations, such as a Keynote Address by Ian Stirling of Polar Bears International and talks by training guru Ken Ramirez, interactive workshops, a full-day site visit at the Toronto Zoo and fun networking events like a 'Sharkwater' Movie Night and a very Canadian evening at the Hockey Hall of Fame.  So, whether you're a zookeeper, horse trainer, pet owner or animal enthusiast, join us as we celebrate 'Behaviours without Borders', and learn positive and successful behaviour management plans for any species. PHOTO OF THE WEEK: Photo Credit: Toronto Zoo The North American River Otter is extremely amphibious and prefers to spend its life chiefly along rivers, larger creeks and lakes. Otters swim with swift, undulating, serpentine motion both on the surface and underwater. They swim and dive with ease, agility and speed. Progression is made chiefly with the body and tail, with only some paddling of the hind feet. A spiral motion is also used to great effect. Maximum speed on the surface is 10-12 kph and the underwater speed is almost as fast. It can stay submerged for two minutes or more, and regularly swims for considerable distances under ice, obtaining oxygen from air bubbles under the ice or open holes in the ice. Visit the North American River Otter this weekend at the Toronto Zoo in the America's pavilion!
Looking to add some adventure to your next Corporate Event?  Why not bring your herd to the wildest venue in town-The Toronto Zoo. CLICK HERE for full details on our extensive Corporate Events Package or to book your event today! Find us on Facebook! ZOO HOURSCurrent Zoo Hours: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm weekdays and 9:30 am to 6:00 pm weekends/holidays. Last admissions one hour before closing. The Toronto Zoo is open year round (except Dec. 25th). ADMISSION FEESGeneral Admission (13-64 incl): $20 Seniors (65+): $15 Children (3-12): $11 Children (2 and under): FREE Prices include tax as applicable Parking is $10 Events and admission prices subject to change without notice. For general information visit torontozoo.com. Toronto Zoo is accredited by CAZA (Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums). Look for this logo whenever you visit a Canadian zoo as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things.  For more information, visit caza.ca.