Canada, the home of wide untamed spaces and its very own indigenous species of wild life, can also boast of spectacular zoos in several states. If animals are your passion you would be hard pressed to rank them but the universally acclaimed Toronto Zoo is a ‘must visit’ venue for all ages. Over five thousand animals from the four corners of the earth are showcased in this world class facility.
Much more than just a zoo, visitors numbering at over a million each year - have amazing opportunities to interact with crownose stingrays and bamboo sharks; be dazzled by the kaleidoscope of color at the Great Barrier Reef Exhibit with live corals, Australian Sea Horse and Moon Jelly Fish; and enjoy shivers down the spine when the Arctic wolves howl or the snowy owl hoots during the Tundra Trek.
The zoo has a series of events through the calendar to engage and excite – not just animal lovers. Special shows at the waterside theatre with sports stars raise funds, Worlds Animal Day is a fun day with National Geographic kids at the zoo, and Christmas treats for the polar bears are just a few activities to be enjoyed by all.
In Quebec that Granby Zoo provides a day out to remember with thrills and spills in the Amazoo Yoplait water park with the mystical storm god ‘Hurakan’ adventure. The Anaconda roller coaster and the Pirogue Kimbunga Swahili cyclone ride are new attractions and kids can learn fun combat in the Jungle Training Camp, get dazed in the labyrinths and then relax with a snack from the café on site.
Animals from several continents live in wonderful imitations of their natural habitat. Resources for educators, research programs and conservation efforts are part of the ongoing zoo projects. ‘Petting the sharks’ to check out their skin texture, feeding the lorikeets from Ocenia and even adopting an animal of your choice - are all stimulating possibilities.
The Cherry Brook Zoo also takes the lead in our list of zoos, set up amidst the unique landscape of Rockwood Park of New Brunswick. The facility has active interest in the conservation of magnificent animal species like the Golden Lion Tamarin, the Siberian Tiger, the Geoldi monkey and the Snow Leopard - that could soon be extinct.
The zoo’s stringent adherence to required standards has not only earned it accreditation by the Canadian Association of Zoos & Aquariums, but its contribution to Species Survival projects has also gained it wide recognition in the international arena. Additional attractions on site are the Vanished Kingdom Park where replicas of extinct feathered creatures include the ten foot tall Elephant Bird, and the sacred Aboriginal Medicine Wheel garden and path where visitors can tread hopefully along the ‘seven steps to peace.’ |
