Year of the Snake marked by the Toronto Zoo

CELEBRATE 2013 YEAR OF THE SNAKE AT THE MASSASAUGA RATTLESNAKE WORKSHOP! Toronto Zoo Weekly Feature - Wednesday, 2013-04-10 Sunday, April 20, 2013 10:00 am to 2:30 pm, Administrative Boardroom 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. Please note that the program  length may be too long for children under eight years of age. For a $5 donation: snacks, lots of fun,  resources to take home and time to visit our interactive Massasauga area on the Zoo site. To register  or for more information please email alentini@torontozoo.ca. *Please note this is a registered event  Join us as we celebrate the 2013 Chinese New Year - Year of the Snake! Visit some of our fascinating  snakes in our indoor tropical pavilions and learn more about these amazing creatures!
UPCOMING EVENTS: 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: One of Seafood for Thought'sTM Front Chefs Is Kicking Off the Sustainable Seafood Season! Luma Presents: A Sustainable Evening with Ocean Wise and Mission Hill: On Sunday, April 14th, Chef Jason Bangerter is proud to be hosting a five-course tasting dinner at Luma, featuring seafood from Organic Ocean and wines from Mission Hill. In addition to enjoying a stunning menu of sustainably caught seafood, guests will get to hear from fisherman Steve Johansen himself about the importance of environmentally responsible fishing practices. Robin Poirier of Ocean Wise will also speak to her organization's passion for changing the way people think about what they are eating. While issues of sustainability have always interested Chef Jason, he feels that getting the message out is more urgent than ever. "Once the oceans are depleted, there is no going back. This is not just about feeling good about the environment, it is about realizing that what we have on this planet is finite, and if we do not take care of it, we all miss out. I want my kids to be able to enjoy the dishes I ate when I was little. If that means making smart choices, and thinking about where my food comes from, then I think we all need to get onboard, if you will." CLICK HERE for tickets to this not-to-be-missed event! Seating is limited. 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 most distinguishable feature of the Massasauga Rattlesnake is the stubby rattle on the end of its tail. This rattle is composed of loosely attached horny segments that strike against each other to produce a buzzing sound when the tail is vibrated rapidly. Learn more about these snakes at the Massasauga  Rattlesnake workshop on Saturday, April 20. Click here for more information.
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 For more information, contact Lesley Dean at (416) 392-5939. 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.