FOR B-ROLL OF THE EVENT
The Toronto Zoo has hosted a First Bear-thday Celebration for our female
polar bear cub, Juno, who turned one on Friday, November 11,
2016.
When Juno was introduced to the public in February, she
received a special honorary ranking of Private by the Canadian Army, who
officially adopted Juno at that time.
Today, the Toronto Zoo is very
excited to announce our growing female polar bear cub has reached a new
milestone on her first birthday and was promoted by the Canadian Army
from Honorary Private to the prestigious ranking of Honorary Corporal.
As part of the celebration, Juno received an ice cake with her favourite
vegetables and fish, which featured the Corporal image.
At
12 months old Juno is now offered access to the large polar bear
habitat and enjoys swimming in the big bear pool. She is a natural
swimmer and diver and she enjoys exploring the large polar bear habitat.
Juno now receives vegetables as part of her diet, and carrots are her
favourite. America'
Zoo Keepers continue to work on integrating Juno
into the behavioural husbandry program that our adult bears participate
in, which includes training.
The
name Juno, which started out as a nickname, was confirmed as the
official name for the Toronto Zoo’s female polar bear cub in February
2016. Since Juno was born on Remembrance Day, Wednesday, November 11,
2015, Toronto Zoo Staff gave her this nickname in honour of ‘Juno
Beach’. The Canadian landings on the Juno Beach Sector of the Normandy
coast were one of the most successful operations carried out on D-Day,
during World War II. Zoo staff made the nickname official, as it
embodies Canadian pride which is fitting as polar bears are Canada’s
national treasures. Toronto Zoo is Canada’s national leader in saving
wildlife, including polar bear populations, to ensure the rich diversity
of nature for future generations.
“Juno
the polar bear, as the official mascot of the Canadian Army, has
matured significantly over the past year. No longer requiring
significant assistance to survive, she is – like our Canadian Soldier –
Strong, Proud and Ready. Her transfer into the general polar bear
population marks a significant milestone on her journey to
self-sufficiency. By conferring upon her the rank of Honorary Corporal,
we are reaffirming her affiliation with our Army, of Polar Bears with
our Nation, and of the Toronto Zoo as a leading institution in the
preservation of this proud species worldwide,” said Brigadier-General
Stephen Cadden, the Commander of 4th Canadian Division.
The
now one year old cub represents a heartwarming journey of survival, one
where expert Toronto Zoo Wildlife Health and Wildlife Care staff worked
around the clock to save a vulnerable species. Juno, just like her
brothers Hudson and Humphrey, are great Arctic Ambassadors for polar
bears everywhere. These ambassadors help to spread the word on how each
person can make a difference and help save this vulnerable species and
raise awareness about how our daily actions are contributing to climate
change and impacting polar bears through the melting of the Arctic sea
ice. The Toronto Zoo's Tundra Trek is home to the Zoo's five polar
bears, Aurora, Nikita, Hudson, Humphrey and Juno. The Tundra Trek area
of the Zoo focuses on climate change and its effects on species
conservation.
"The
Toronto Zoo's mandate is conservation, education and research and this
includes a strong link with the community," said Maria Franke, Curator
of Mammals, Toronto Zoo. We are honoured the Canadian Army
has partnered with the Zoo by adopting Juno and assisting us
in spreading the word about the plight of polar bears and inspiring
the community to take action."
As
a leader in conservation and species survival, the Toronto Zoo is
involved in collaborative research projects with multiple accredited
zoos and organizations to help better understand polar bear reproductive
biology, nutrition, and provide valuable information to support polar
bear education, research and conservation efforts in the wild. These
organizations include Polar Bears International (PBI), Parks Canada, the
North American Species Survival Program (SSP), York University,
University of Guelph and Acres for the Atmosphere.
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Please CLICK HERE for more information on Polar Bear Conservation at the Toronto Zoo.
*subject to change without notice.
UPCOMING EVENTS
THE TORONTO ZOO'S 31ST ANNUAL REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONY
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11
Photo Credit: Toronto Zoo
Ceremony Begins Promptly at 10:55 am in the Waterside Theatre
Veterans
and the general public are invited to join in remembering and honouring
the many wartime sacrifices that Canadians have made for their country.
Admission for veterans and all guests attending the ceremony is
complimentary admission* from 9:30 am to 11:00 am. The year round
parking fee will be in effect except for VIP's, Veterans in uniform or
with medals, crests or other military affiliation insignia, as well as
any other persons in uniform, including serving members of the armed
forces, police, fire, ambulance and TTC.
For more information
JUNO'S FIRST BEAR-THDAY SPECIAL KEEPER TALKS
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12 & SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13
12:00 pm, Polar Bear Exhibit, Tundra Trek
Public
are welcome to come out to the Zoo this weekend on Saturday, November
12 & Sunday, November 13 to the 12:00 pm Polar Bear Keeper Talk and
see Honorary Corporal Juno enjoy a birthday ice enrichment item!
Did you know, Sumatran orangutans and Western Lowland gorillas are both critically endangered?
Over the next 3 generations, both are predicted to decline by 80%.
Help
the Toronto Zoo in its Great Ape conservation efforts by donating to
this year’s #GivingZooDay project: blood pressure monitors.
The Toronto Zoo has launched its “text to donate” campaign which will end on #GivingZooDay on Tuesday, November 29th. By that day, we hope to have raised $3500 to buy two blood pressure monitors, one for orangutans and one for gorillas.
Text zoo to 20222 to donate, or donate on-line
Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook!
CURRENT ZOO HOURS:
9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. daily
The Toronto Zoo is open year round (except Dec. 25th).
General Admission (13-64): $23
Seniors (65+): $18
Children (3-12): $14
Children (2 and under): FREE
Seniors (65+): $18
Children (3-12): $14
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.
The Toronto Zoo is
Canada’s premier zoo and a national leader in saving wildlife to ensure
the rich diversity of nature for future generations. More than a
tourist attraction, the Toronto Zoo boasts a number of leading programs
for helping wildlife and their natural habitats – from species
reintroduction to reproductive research. A world-class educational
centre for people of all ages, the Toronto Zoo is open every day except
December 25 and attracts approximately 1.3 million visitors each year.
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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