Third largest zoo in the world (Toronto Zoo)

Member Name: linzeelou

Product:	Toronto Zoo
Date:	25/08/09 (57 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: So much to see

Disadvantages: Too big to see everything in a day

Toronto Zoo first opened in 1974 but was called Metropolitan Toronto Zoo to begin with. In 1998 the zoo was officially renames the Toronto Zoo. It is the third largest zoo in the world, covering 710 acres and is the home to over 500 different species and over 5000 animals.

Prices:
General: $21
Senior: $15
Child 4 - 12: $13
Child 3 and under: Free

Admission includes access to all pavilions, exhibits and daily shows.

Toronto Zoo is open 364 days a year and is only closed on Christmas Day.
May - Sep 9.00am to 7.30pm
Sep - Oct 9.00am to 6.00pm
Oct - May 9.30am to 4.30am

Last admissions are one hour before closing time.

The zoo also hosts a variety of things to for children which includes camel and pony rides, face painting, airbrushed tattoos and a simulator ride all for an extra cost.

The zoo is sectioned into 7 different parts:
Indo-Malaya
Africa
Canadian Domain
Americas
Australasia
Eurasia
Tundra Trek
Zellers Discovery Zone

The Toronto Zoo is huge so I would suggest getting there as close to the opening time as possible and spend the whole day there. When I went, I got there about midday and found that I didn't get to spend a lot of time looking at each exhibit and I was still utterly exhausted at the end of the day.

Although visiting the zoo makes it a long day, it's fantastic that the animals get such large enclosures so they have lots of space to move around. While this is a good thing for the animals, it isn't all that great for the visitors. Especially on hot days, you will probably find that a lot of the animals will be hiding in their enclosures. This is one of the main reasons why I would suggest getting there early because you will have to wait around to see some of the animals. I didn't know it was the world's third largest zoo at the time but once you get there, you will definitely be amazed at the size.

I have been to the zoo in both September and in the middle of summer and as crazy as it sounds, I preferred it in the summer. Although it is busy in the summer, the zoo is over run by school trips during term time and can be quite stressful if you don't want to deal with children running around your feet all day.

There are many food and drink stands around the zoo but they are pretty pricey. At the time I went, it cost around $2 for a bottle of water so I would either suggest taking your own or filling a bottle up at a fountain. If you go in the middle of summer you will need to drink lots as you will be walking around for miles in the sweltering heat.

I had a great day at the Toronto Zoo but there was just too much to see in one day and that's why I went back the next time I was in the city. I don't think the admission prices are too high because of how much time you can spend there. This really is a must do if you ever visit Toronto.

Summary: A great family day out