Jia Yueyue (top) Jia Panpan (bottom) - Photo credit: C. Thompson, Toronto Zoo
CLICK HERE for the Toronto Zoo's "They Won't Stay Small Forever" Video.
TORONTO, ON, Wednesday, July 13, 2016:
Our
giant panda cubs turn nine months old today! Jia Panpan weighs in at
16.8kg and Jia Yueyue at 13.25kg. As they've gotten older, our panda
keepers have been patiently waiting to start a training program with
them both, something Er Shun and Da Mao have participated in since they
arrived in 2013.
The
Toronto Zoo has a very extensive positive reinforcement training
program. This voluntary training is very enriching for the animals and
greatly enhances the overall care and management. It assists in
various veterinary procedures, breeding programs and routine husbandry
activities.
This was used by Toronto Zoo staff to ultrasound Er Shun on a
regular basis to
determine her pregnancy! This method uses a food item that is rewarding
enough for the pandas to want to participate and stay engaged.
Since
the cubs were four months old, the keepers have offered them pieces of
apple (mom's favourite) however, the cubs didn't take much interest in
them. Following the National Zoo's lead with training their cub Bei Bei,
the keepers tried small pieces of cooked yam and the cubs loved it!
The
panda keepers are thrilled with the cubs’ progress and are amazed by
how quickly they are learning. Visit them daily from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm
in the Giant Panda Experience.
THERE APPEARS TO BE SOME NEW "CREATURES" AT THE ZOO
POKÉMON HAVE BEEN SPOTTED ON SITE!
With
many areas of the Toronto Zoo being part of the new Pokémon Go app, we
have spotted visitors catching Pikachu and friends throughout the site.
The Toronto Zoo is reminding users to stay on the pathways and respect
all warning signs throughout the 700 acre site that are in place to
protect our visitors and the wildlife in our care.
Users
can have a great experience chasing Pikachu and his friends while
respecting Toronto Zoo plants and animals. Although you may see
Staryu in our underwater polar bear exhibit, or Charmander in with the
Komodo Dragon habitat, visitors will have to 'catch em all' while
staying beyond Zoo barriers for the safety of our animals and guests. Be
safe Pokémon trainers.
Insider tip: the Giant Panda Experience entrance is a Pokéstop!
DEADLINE EXTENDED TO AUGUST 13, 2016
UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME,
TORONTO ZOO CONTINUES CONTEST TO NAME PANDA CUBS
Become a United Nations Development Programme - UNDP #PandaChampion and help name two giant panda cubs in China, plus have a chance to win a trip to China to meet them in person!
Submit
your name suggestions for these two animal ambassadors and a 30-second
video outlining how you plan to make a change with 1 of 17 sustainable
development goals for your chance to win!
Enter by August 13, 2016 at http://pandas.undp.org/en/, and in the meantime visit our giant panda cubs Jia Panpan and Jia Yueyue from 9:00am to 5:30pm daily.
CURRENT ZOO HOURS:
9:00 am - 7:00 pm daily
Last admission one hour before closing.
ADMISSION FEES:
The Toronto Zoo is open year round (except Dec. 25th).
General Admission (13-64): $28
Seniors (65+): $23
Children (3-12): $18
Children (2 and under): FREE
Seniors (65+): $23
Children (3-12): $18
Children (2 and under): FREE
Members: FREE
Prices include tax as applicable
Parking is $12 year round
Parking is $12 year round
Events and admission prices subject to change without notice.
Toronto Zoo is
accredited by CAZA (Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums) and AZA
(Association of Zoos and Aquariums). Look for these logos 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 and aza.org
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