Hochfest for reptile and amphibian enthusiasts at Toronto Zoo

Toronto Zoo is the central hub for nature conservancy in Ontario. On Saturday, 3 November, the Zoo invited people who are active in its Turtle Tally and FrogWatch programmes for a day of fellowship and information.
Toronto Zoo is not just a minor two-hour Sunday afternoon attraction for people with young children, far from it. Toronto [...]

Shocking display demonstrates runners’ nasty side

Last Saturday, A Midsummer Night’s Run was held in Toronto. It passed through Tommy Thompson Park, a unique urban wilderness and nature sanctuary. Runners provided a sad and shameful display of disrespect for the beautiful surroundings.
I don’t understand runners, and I probably never will. Running is a useless, utterly boring activity that accomplishes absolutely nothing.
That [...]

13th International Migratory Bird Day at Toronto Zoo

Toronto Zoo held its 13th International Migratory Bird Day last Saturday, 12 May 2012. As has become something of a tradition, I joined the party by tagging along on the birding walk in the closed-off sections of the zoo.
The walk started at 8 am, and I boarded the first Red Rocket at College Station, just [...]

Injured beaver in Toronto

Toronto is a cosmopolitan city where people from numberless countries and cultures and persuasions live peacefully together. This successful multiculturalism is one of its main attractions for tourists, as made abundantly clear in tourist brochures and coffee table publications.
Far and between, however, are tourists that come here to marvel at the city’s natural heritage. Yet, [...]

Coyotes in the city

Although Canada has a rich history, people do not usually come here to admire its historic cities, as they often do in other parts of the world, from Great Britain over Iraq to Japan. Instead, Canada is known all over the world for its large expanses and breathtakingly beautiful nature.
That should not come as a [...]

Photo special: Peregrine falcon spotted in Tommy Thompson Park

The peregrine falcon was almost extinct mere decades ago. It is now still an endangered species and a very rare sight for most of us. A young peregrine falcon was recently spotted at Toronto’s Tommy Thompson Park.

Are beavers recolonising Toronto’s Lower Don River?

The Lower Don River was once one of the most polluted rivers in North America. The situation is improving, however. A beaver, seemingly happily doing beaver business was discovered in the southern part of the river.

Speed bumps installed at Toronto’s Tommy Thompson Park

Cyclists who came to Tommy Thompson Park this weekend, were in for a surprise. The long-promised speed bumps have been installed and are ready for business. Zipping through the park at unparkly speeds has become quite a bit harder than it used to be.

Photo special: African penguins at Toronto Zoo

African penguins are the newest exhibit at Toronto Zoo. I watched them being fed, while they were swimming at the surface and also through the under-water viewing windows.

Toronto Zoo celebrates its 5th Adopt-A-Pond appreciation day

Toronto Zoo is not only a zoo, it is also one of Ontario’s main sources of knowledge for nature conservancy activities. Last Saturday, Toronto Zoo hosted its fifth yearly event for people participating in the Adopt-A-Pond programme.