Adopt-A-Pond 14th annual Spring Toad Festival at the Toronto Zoo

Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5, 2013 10:00am to 4:00pm, Americas Wetlands    Celebrate the arrival of spring by experiencing the sights and sounds of amorous male toads in  search of that special someone! Our annual wetland festival is scheduled around the explosive   breeding ritual of American toads at our very own Americas Wetlands Outdoor Exhibit. Although  the emergence and courtship of toads is the main event, there are heaps of other fun activities  for children and adults alike! It's "toad-ally" fun for the whole family!   CLICK HERE for more information about this exciting event!
UPCOMING EVENTS:   Saturday, May 11 14th Annual International Migratory Bird Day 9:00 am to 3:00 pm This year's theme is "Life Cycles of Migratory Birds: Conservation Across the Americas" This theme addresses the need for conservation throughout all aspects of their life cycle, from nesting to migration to breeding and raising young. One and two hour guided bird watching tours of the Rouge Valley and around the Zoo site will be conducted on the hour from 7:00 am to 12 noon. Tours are $10.00 per person. To pre-register for tours, or to obtain more information, contact Elaine Christens at echristens@torontozoo.ca.   Saturday, May 11 Science Rendez-Vous Event 10:00 am to 3:00 pm University of Toronto Scarborough Campus (UTSC) students from the Let's Talk Science program will join the Toronto Zoo for a third year, in helping to bring science to life. The event is a part of Science Rendezvous, a national day of festivities celebrating science across Canada. A number of UTSC student volunteers will lead activities and displays from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm to encourage Zoo visitors to think about what makes animals so amazing and unique through the prism of science. FREE with Zoo admission. Any questions contact programs@torontozoo.ca		MEDIA INFORMATION:   Photo Credit: Toronto Zoo   On Monday, April 22 2013 Dr. Ming-Tat Cheung, Chair & President, Chinese Cultural Centre (CCC) and John Tracogna, CEO, Toronto Zoo joined Robert Fotheringham, Senior Vice President, Equities Trading, Toronto Stock Exchange to open the market to welcome giant panda pair Er Shun and Da Mao to the Toronto Zoo. The conservation loan between China and Canada will see the giant pandas spend five years in Toronto followed by five years at the Calgary Zoo. The CCC, an Alliance Partner of the Toronto Zoo, will host The Imperial Ball 2013 in May. The giant pandas are the special theme at this year's ball to raise awareness of their arrival in Toronto. CLICK HERE for more information.   APRIL STAFF PROFILE: Bob Johnson, Curator of Amphibians and Reptiles     "After 40 years at the Toronto Zoo, every day is still exciting" says Johnson. Whether it's a chameleon with a toe infection, training staff to care of crocodiles or figuring out what to feed newly hatched tropical frogs, life is never dull! But sharing his knowledge is always the most rewarding part of his job. In addition to encouraging respect and appreciation for misunderstood creatures at the Zoo, Johnson explain that he and his staff work with Canadian Armed Forces troops that are going to area inhabited by venomous snakes, and train them to recognize which snakes avoid, understand snake behavior and know what to do in case of a snake bite. "It's something I'm particularly proud of", he says. In addition to managing and overseeing all the amphibians and reptiles on site, Johnson is also responsible for many important conservation and captive breeding programs. The ever popular and growing Adopt-A-Pond Wetland Conservation Program, which provides educators, students and community groups with stewardship resources and educational opportunities to protect, restore and conserve wetland habitats and biodiversity. The program has six major off-site initiatives and a number of on-site projects, they are dedicated to addressing wetland conservation, protecting and celebrating wetland biodiversity in Ontario. The Ontario Turtle Tally initiative helps record and store location and species information on Ontario turtles, including species at risk. The Frog Watch Ontario initiative program observes frogs to detect trends and measurable climate changes in Ontario. The Wetland Guardians program which provides an informational resource for individuals and groups who are interested in wetland stewardship. The Urban Turtle Initiative, which is helping to learn more about what species of turtles live in the Rouge Valley,  their migratory patterns and survival skills. Turtle Island Conservation program is committed with the First Nation partners in our commitment to the preservation of biodiversity, preserve community knowledge and significant natural and cultural landscapes. The sixth initiative is the Healthy Water-Healthy Wildlife program which offers an opportunity for individuals and community groups on Ontario's lakes to learn about the threats to local wetland species and get involved in stewardship projects. Johnson also oversees a number of partnership programs that include: AXOLOTL -Habitat Restoration and conservation Education in Mexico, the extremely successful Puerto Rican crested toad breading program and SSP, management program, habitat protection; wetland restoration and Project Golden frog. Johnson and his dedicated team of Toronto Zoo Staff are essential in conservation initiatives worldwide.
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 HOURS Current 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 Please note peak season pricing begins May 1, 2013.   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.