Tag:

animals

Come Out To Play!

Come Out To Play!

by Toledo Zoo

Summer in Toledo is a great time to be outdoors and this type of family fun is what Play Naturally Toledo is all about. 

Several studies show that play time in nature promotes physical and emotional well-being, healthy social interaction and stimulates higher level thinking. Attend play-based events at the Toledo Zoo, Toledo Metroparks and the 577 Foundation to explore nature in a new way, with safe play environments that encourage imaginative, wholesome play where children have control over every aspect of their play environment. The program is made possible through a generous grant from the Toledo Community Foundation.

To learn more about how to enroll in the program, please visit the Toledo Zoo program page for more information.

 

 

 

FacebookTwitterEmail
A Bird’s Eye View of Africa!

A Bird’s Eye View of Africa!

by Toledo Zoo

Expedition Africa! Aerial Adventure Course presented by Mercy Health

Calling all thrill-seekers to Expedition Africa! Aerial Adventure Course presented by Mercy Health! Come out and get up there- the view of the Africa! exhibit and all the animals that call it home can only be described as incomparable!

For ticketing information, please visit the Toledo Zoo.

 

 

FacebookTwitterEmail
Are Your Kids Ready For an Adventure?

Are Your Kids Ready For an Adventure?

by Toledo Zoo

Toledo Zoo Summer Camp

Join in on the adventure and discover the habitats where some of the Zoo’s fantastic beasts are found. Or discover what it would be like to be a zookeeper? Your kids will have a great time this summer learning about animals, conservation, and so much more at the Toledo Zoo’s Summer Camp programs.

Here’s a video of just one of the camps focusing on local conservation:

 

 

FacebookTwitterEmail
Just What Goes Into Taking Care of the Zoo’s Animal Collection?

Just What Goes Into Taking Care of the Zoo’s Animal Collection?

by Toledo Zoo

The Zoo’s mission statement is inspiring others to join us in caring for animals and conserving the natural world.

Caring for animals is at the core of what we do. There are many aspects that go into taking care of the Zoo’s animals, including feeding and nutrition, vet care, training, and so much more! For example, in one year, the Zoo’s Commissary Department, which is responsible for ordering, preparing, and distributing food to all of the animals, will deliver:

  • 1,000 bushels of fruit and veggies
  • 30,000 heads of lettuce
  • 1 half ton (1,000 pounds) of grapes
  • 2.25 tons of celery
  • 5 tons of carrots
  • 5 tons of monkey chow
  • 8 tons of bird food
  • 12 tons of carnivore diet
  • Over 35 tons of fish

Want to learn more? Visit the animal care page on the Zoo’s website.

FacebookTwitterEmail
Whose Birthday Is It?

Whose Birthday Is It?

by Toledo Zoo

Saturday, June 3rd

The Toledo Zoo celebrates the sixth birthday of our big boy

Lucas the African elephant!

You are invited to bring the whole family and join in the pachyderm party fun! No need to worry about bringing a gift, the elephant keepers and our ZOOTeen volunteers have created special enrichment presents for the birthday boy to enjoy! And our award-winning catering department is making a yummy, elephantastic birthday treat with all of Lucas’s favorite fruits and veggies! This event is FREE with Zoo admission.

To learn more of the details and times please visit toledozoo.org/lucas

 

FacebookTwitterEmail
What’s Blooming at the Toledo Zoo?

What’s Blooming at the Toledo Zoo?

by Toledo Zoo

In bloom this month at the Zoo!

Daphne ‘Carol Mackie’ is most noted for its outstanding multi-colored foliage. It is a dense, slow-growing, deciduous shrub which typically grows 2-3 feet tall, prefers some shade and features fragrant clusters of pale pink flowers in late spring followed by tiny red drupes in the fall. Its oblong, grayish-green leaves have striking, cream-edged margins and the foliage often persists well into the winter. This unique landscape accent can be found in the Aquarium landscape.

Visit the Zoo’s horticulture page to learn more!

FacebookTwitterEmail
Just How Do You Move a 450lb Tortoise?

Just How Do You Move a 450lb Tortoise?

by Toledo Zoo

Meet Emerson!

There is evidence that Galapagos tortoises can live up to 200 years in the wild. They have no native predators, are on a lean diet and get plenty of exercise. It is perfectly reasonable that you may encounter a tortoise on the islands that was seen by Charles Darwin. The Zoo’s very own Galapagos tortoise, Emerson, is believed to be over 100 years old.

Emerson has moved back into his summer home right next to Gorilla Meadows!

Watch as we move him!

You can visit Emerson at the Toledo Zoo!

 

FacebookTwitterEmail
Toledo Zoo’s Medical Mutual Dart Frog Dash

Toledo Zoo’s Medical Mutual Dart Frog Dash

by Toledo Zoo

LACE UP THOSE ATHLETIC SHOES & START TRAINING!

Join us Sat, May 20 for the Medical Mutual Dart Frog Dash! 

5K walk/ run at 8:30 a.m. Kids’ Fun Run at 9:45 a.m.

Want to run or walk but not feeling ready?  Here are some quick tips to get there in just six weeks!

  • Buddy up! Conditioning with a friend will keep you motivated and moving.
  • Get the right gear! Invest in a good pair of running shoes and a feel-good outfit. Visit Dave’s Running Shop for some expert advice!
  • Slow and steady is the way to go. Start out running 10 seconds, then walk the remainder of each minute. Work up to running for two minutes and walking for one until you can run the full distance.
  • Use a training schedule such as:
    • Week 1:  Tue- train 10 mins; Thu- 13 mins; Sat- one mile
    • Week 2:  Tue- train 16 mins; Thu- 19 mins; Sat- 2 miles
    • Week 3:  Tue- train 19 mins; Thu- 22 mins; Sat- 2.5 miles
    • Week 4:  Tue- train 22 mins; Thu- 25 mins; Sat- 3  miles
    • Week 5:  Tue- train 25 mins; Thu- 28 mins; Sat- 3.5 miles
    • Week 6:  Tue- train 20 mins; Thu- 30 mins: Sat – run your first 5k!

For more information or to register, visit toledozoo.org/dartfrog or call 419-385-5721, ext. 2091. 

Register by May 14 to be guaranteed an event t-shirt!  Or, register by May 1 and upgrade to a Nike Dri Fit tech tee for a small fee!

Registrants & their cheering sections who arrive on Zoo grounds prior to 10 a.m. can stay and enjoy a day at the Zoo at no additional charge.

Team Sponsorship opportunities available!

Title Sponsor:

Packet Pick-Up Sponsor:

Kids’ Fun Run Sponsor:

Media Sponsor:

Corporate Team Sponsor:

Supporting Corporate Team Sponsors: Root, Savage & Associates inc.,Toledo Public Schools, EY-Team Chris Mabrey, and University of Toledo Eberly Center.

 

 

FacebookTwitterEmail
Toledo Zoo’s Great White Bears

Toledo Zoo’s Great White Bears

by Toledo Zoo

Polar Bears

Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) are listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List as a vulnerable species and as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act due to loss of Arctic sea ice from climate change. Current IUCN estimates place the population status at approximately 26,000 bears in the wild. In recent years, some of the 19 known sub-populations of polar bears have seen decreasing numbers due to warming Arctic temperatures which causes a reduction in sea ice, the main location for polar bears to hunt seals, breed and construct dens. As the sea ice melts, polar bears are forced to walk or swim farther to reach their prey (seals). Although powerful short-distance swimmers, polar bears cannot swim for days or weeks on end. Mature bears starve to death and younger cubs drown. Additionally, the reduction in sea ice also causes polar bears to spend more time on land which has put them in greater contact and conflict with humans.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Oo7RObvJCs]

So what can we do to help the great white bear?

We can all work at reducing our individual carbon footprint. The term “carbon footprint” refers to how much carbon dioxide (CO₂) each person, group or company’s daily activities put into the Earth’s atmosphere. Contributing negative factors, include electricity usage, burning of coal and oil, length of commute to school or work and consumption of good and services produced overseas. Positive factors include, energy efficient vehicles and appliances, recycling and conservation efforts and even the number of trees and plants in your yard. Carbon footprints are important because CO₂ is a greenhouse gas, meaning it traps heat in the Earth’s atmosphere. This heat, in turn, is melting sea ice and warming air and water temperatures.

Your Zoo is also doing its part by participating in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) for polar bears. This cooperative breeding program helps to ensure a healthy, genetically diverse and lasting captive insurance population of polar bears. Over the last ten years there have been approximately 10 successful polar bear cub births in the U.S., with the majority happening at the Toledo Zoo. In fact, the Zoo’s own assistant director of animal programs, Dr. Randi Meyerson, is the polar bear SSP coordinator and advisor to the world-renowned polar bear conservation organization, Polar Bear International (PBI). PBI has also designated the Toledo Zoo as an Arctic Ambassador Center. Zoos designated as Arctic Ambassador Centers strive for bear-friendly exhibits with extensive enrichment activities to stimulate the bears to be active and content. Arctic Ambassador Centers also support PBI research projects, educating the public about climate change and providing leadership for greenhouse gas reductions. Come visit Hope and her mom, Crystal, in the Arctic Encounter exhibit that the Toledo Zoo!

  • To watch more exciting, educational videos from your Toledo Zoo, please subscribe to our YouTube channel or like us on Facebook.
  • You can also “adopt” one of the Zoo’s magnificent polar bears!

 

 

FacebookTwitterEmail