"Polar (bear) Vortex" at the Toronto Zoo

Toronto Zoo Weekly Feature - Friday, 2014-01-31   POLAR VORTEX? NO WAY... POLAR BEAR! Get outside and enjoy the "warmer" winter weather this weekend.   February is Polar Bear Month at the Toronto Zoo - and what better way to celebrate than by visiting the zoo this weekend with our very own POLAR BEARS! Join "Aurora" and "Nikita" our two truly Canadian polar bear siblings and show as Canadians, we are not afraid of winter!   The Toronto Zoo has so much to offer, including six warm tropical pavilions full of exotic animals at every turn, daily keeper talks and 10 km of scenic trails. The Toronto Zoo is open 364 days a year and is the destination for winter adventure!
UPCOMING EVENTS:   World Wetlands Day: What Lies Beneath the Ice! Sunday, February 2, 2014, 10:00am to 4:00pm Americas Pavillion   While polar bears are enjoying the winter weather, ever wondered where wetland creatures go in the winter? Come celebrate the amazing world of wetland wildlife underneath the ice, and join in some conservation fun with the Adopt-A-Pond Programme on World Wetlands Day!   First Comes Love (Ages 19 and over) Friday February 14 or Saturday February 15, 2014, 6:30pm to 9:00pm Our Valentine's Program includes a romantically inspired dinner, special animal encounter, an interactive group presentation and a tour of the Reproductive Labs led by our Reproductive Specialist Team! Please note this is a registered event.   Family Day Weekend and Polar Bear Fest Saturday, February 15 to Monday February 17, 2014 11:00am to 3:00pm Daily - Caribou Cafe Patio and Tundra Trek February is Polar Bear Month at the Toronto Zoo - and what better way to celebrate than with our very own POLAR BEAR FEST! We need your help in saving polar bears more than ever, so come out and participate in fun and educational activities that will inform, raise awareness and support this iconic and vulnerable Canadian species. The weekend festivities include special Meet-the-Keeper Polar Bear Talks, polar bears photobombing the Zoo's Panda Interpretive Centre, children's activities and crafts, draws for great prizes, and more!   Move Your Paws For The Polar Bear Cause - 1K & 3K Walk/Run Saturday, February 22, 2014  Join the cause and walk or run in support of our polar bear family, including our new cub! Open to all runners, walkers and fitness folk of all ages and abilities. Bundle up and bring the whole family for a day of outdoor fun, fitness and fundraising. All proceeds raised from the event go towards Polar Bear Conservation! For online entry, pledge forms and further information and start times go to CanadaRunningSeries.com. Please note registration includes admission for the day, non-transferable. Parking is $10. CLICK HERE and register today! Event beverages supplied by Coca-Cola.		MEDIA INFORMATION: CHOCOLATES ARE SO YESTERDAY... A Polar Bear "Valentine" Adopt An Animal package says that you're WILD about your sweetheart - and lasts all year! Why not give a unique gift by "adopting" an animal for the special person in your life? Your WILD Valentine will become a Zoo "parent" and receive an "Adoption" certificate, a photo of the chosen animal and more! CLICK HERE for more information! THEN AND NOW - PREVIOUS CAMP COUNSELLORS NEW ROLES AT THE TORONTO ZOO: Jennifer Adams, Temporary Education Coordinator  I have worked in the Education Department for parts of the last six years. I spent four summers working at the Zoo’s overnight Bush Camp, experiencing the Zoo and its animals in a completely different way than most people. I then had the opportunity to coordinate Operation Conservation, a grant-funded program focused on conservation for grade 6 students from at-risk communities who often don’t have the chance to participate in field trips. Currently, I am the Temporary Education Coordinator, working to coordinate school group visits and develop exciting new school programs and resources for teachers and students. I grew up with the Toronto Zoo essentially in my backyard. At the time, I wasn’t able to appreciate how fortunate I was to be able to have such close encounters with so many incredible animals. Reflecting back now, I realize that these early experiences at the Zoo helped contribute to my love of science and had a strong influence on my career path. When I was young, my family had a membership and we made almost weekly trips to Zoo. While we visited every animal, we definitely had our favourites and spent hours watching the meerkats, orangutans, and the polar bears swimming underwater. As I got older, I looked forward to spending a week at Zoo Camp each summer. I loved learning about the animals, hearing the interesting Zoo stories, and spending the week outdoors. During its first year, I also had the opportunity to spend a night at Serengeti Bush Camp – hearing a lion roar in the middle of the night for the first time is definitely a unique experience. My interest in science led me to pursue my Bachelor of Science degree, and combined with my love for the Zoo, also led me to a summer position in the Education Department as a Bush Camp Guide. After my second summer as a Bush Camp Guide, interacting with hundreds of kids and sharing my knowledge and passion for wildlife and conservation issues, I knew that my decision to become a teacher was the correct one. At the time, I figured I would be teaching in the usual classroom setting, but now with the opportunities I’ve had in the Education Department, combined with my desire to inspire kids to love science, I’ve come to realize that it is just as rewarding to be an educator at the Toronto Zoo.
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, daily.  Last admissions one hour before closing. The Toronto Zoo is open year round (except Dec. 25th).   ADMISSION FEES General Admission (13-64 incl): $23 Seniors (65+): $18 Children (3-12): $14 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.