Toronto Zoo's black-footed ferrett success story

FIRST-TIME MOM, "POPPY" GIVES BIRTH TO FOUR KITS Toronto Zoo Weekly Feature - Wednesday, 2013-07-11 Since 1992, the Toronto Zoo has been an integral member of the recovery program  for the endangered black-footed ferret. The ultimate goal of the program is to re-establish  10 stable black-footed ferret populations, containing 1,500 individuals, throughout their  native North American range. Since the program's inception the Toronto Zoo has  produced 106 litters and 456 kits, many of which have been reintroduced to sites in the United States, Mexico and Canada. The most genetically-valuable animals remain  in the Species Survival Plan program for future breeding. Because this program  pertains to an endangered Canadian species and has been very successful to date, it  remains a high priority for the Toronto Zoo. CLICK HERE to view the exclusive behind the scenes footage of first-time mom "Poppy" one of the  Black-footed ferrets, give birth and watch the kits grow! For more information about the Toronto Zoo's Conservation Programs, CLICK HERE.
UPCOMING EVENTS: Friday, July 12, 2013 Violin Ensemble Performance Front Entrance Courtyard, 10:30am Visitors will have the opportunity to experience an engaging performance by the Focus Academy Summer Violin Ensemble Camp from a community group of young violin players who are immersed in the art of ensemble violin playing during a two week camp session. They will be performing at the Toronto Zoo a repertoire of what they have worked on for a 20 minute performance. Friday July 29, 2013 Bowling For Rhinos Indian Rhino Exhibit, 9:30am to 4:00pm The Toronto Zoo is holding it's annual Bowling for Rhinos Event in support of conservation. This event will not only raise much needed funds for rhino conservation but it will also serve to educate our visitors on the critical issue of poaching of rhinos for their horns. Did you know that all five species of rhinos are critically endangered, and some are on the brink of extinction? For a small donation you can compete against other zoo visitors in a Wii bowling tournament and help to raise funds for this endangered animal! Sunday, July 21 to Friday, July 26, 2013 National Zookeeper Week Africa Picnic Site, 10:00am to 4:00pm The event will offer rare insight to the unique roles the zoo keeper plays within your zoo. Come on out and catch a surprise Meet the Keeper Talk, see the tools of the trade, learn about keeper conservation initiatives, and meet some of the animals. Also, be sure to watch the crazy antics of zoo staff as they compete in special games that mimic zoo keeping work. This is a week you will not want to miss, with specials events everyday!		MEDIA INFORMATION: Summer Has Officially Begun at the Toronto Zoo! Grab your troop and head to the wildest summer adventure destination in Toronto! Drop by and see our two adorable giant pandas-Er Shun and Da Mao! Enjoy some close up and personal encounters in the Kids Zoo, and be sure to taken in and enjoy daily Animal Shows and Keeper Talks and so much more this long weekend! If the summer heat is too "un-bearable" why not visit our splash island! Best of all, they are all FREE with Zoo admission! ZOO CAMP VOTED BEST DAY CAMP IN THE GREATER TORONTO AREA! Zoo Camp has been named the bet among a select group of 25 day camps in the GTA by Toronto 4 Kids, one of the leading parenting and kids directories in the Toronto area. We are very excited to receive this award and appreciate all of the effort that the Zoo Camp Counsellors give to allow us to be the best! CALLING ALL MEDIA: Are you a Toronto Zoo Facebook follower? If not, CLICK HERE to access our page and join the Toronto Zoo following! JOKE OF THE WEEK: - What is the strongest animal? - A snail. He carriers his house on his back! PHOTO OF THE WEEK: Photo Credit: Toronto Zoo In 2011, the Toronto Zoo released captive bred black-footed ferrets into the wilds of Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan. CUTE ALERT: Our Ring-tailed lemur family welcomes five new babies to moms Lily (twins, 1 male & 1 female), Ruby (1 female) and Lucy (twins, sexes unknown) Zoo staff will confirm as soon as they know. The babies have not been given names as of yet. With each passing day the babies are becoming more aware of their surroundings and will soon begin to leave Mom for short periods to play and investigate the world. Visit our African Rainforest Pavilion for your chance to spot our newest and cutest additions!
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: 9:00 am to 7:00 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): $28 Seniors (65+): $23 Children (3-12): $18 Children (2 and under): FREE Prices include tax as applicable Parking is $10 For more information, contact Lesley Dean at (416) 392-5939. 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.