Choice and control is an important aspect of their welfare, and there will be days when they are eager to get out there, and others where they may prefer to remain in their indoor habitat. Please note the outdoor habitat is scheduled to be open from 1:00pm - 7:00pm daily and 9:30am - 7:00pm on weekends, however this is subject to change.
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TORONTO, ON, Thursday, August 24, 2023: It’s been an exciting week at your Toronto Zoo as the orangutans began exploring their new state-of-the-art, “Orangutans of Gunung Leuser - Guardians of the Rainforest” outdoor habitat. We talk a lot about letting the animals set the pace for new experiences in addition to giving them as much choice and control in their lives as possible, and this week has been an amazing example of watching a patient, encouraging, highly-skilled Wildlife Care team give each orangutan the opportunity to explore the space at his or her own pace. Unsurprisingly, each orangutan had a different experience - some heading out straight away, and others preferring to just peek around the door for now. This is all part of the process, demonstrating the commitment to welfare and ensuring the animals’ wellbeing is always the first consideration.
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Puppe, a 56-year-old female, and original Zoo resident, stepped out to investigate the new space, and throughout the morning left no stone unturned. Known as the bravest of the bunch, she played in the stream, swung along the ropes and climbed to the tops of the 75-foot towers to enjoy the summer breeze. Always one for interacting with Zoo guests and staff, she seemed well aware she had a crowd of on-lookers cheering her on!
Female orangutans, Jingaa and Ramai, were a little more timid, sneaking out into the space quickly to collect their enrichment treats before darting back into the research station to enjoy them. They were definitely curious, peaking out into the sunlight to have a look from the safety of their indoor space. The males, Budi and Kambali, on separate occasions, chose to remain inside. For the orangutans, it seems size is not the greatest indicator of bravery!
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The new habitat aims to educate guests about the importance of helping this critically endangered species in the wild. By switching to products that use sustainable palm oil, guests leave the habitat feeling empowered to make small changes in their day-to-day lives that lead to big impact for these amazing animals in the wild. Watching Puppe out there today, we are confident the habitat, made possible by generous donations from Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy, will enable guests to connect with the orangutans at your Toronto Zoo in new and incredible ways.
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It's been a momentous week, and while we look forward to the orangutans having a chance to experience the outdoor space in the coming weeks, they will continue to set the pace. Choice and control is an important aspect of their welfare, and there will be days when they are eager to get out there, and others where they may prefer to remain in their indoor habitat. The habitat introductions are typically taking place in the morning, and we have closed the outdoor habitat to guests until 1:00pm each day to give them the peace and quiet they need. If you are visiting your Toronto Zoo, head up to the Indo-Malaya pavilion to visit the orangutans in their indoor habitat, or to see their new habitat after 1:00 each day (time subject to change).
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The Toronto Zoo’s mission is to connect people, animals and conservation science to fight extinction and our vision is a world where wildlife and wild spaces thrive.
An iconic tourist attraction and Conservation organization, the Toronto Zoo boasts a number of leading programs for helping wildlife and their natural habitats – from species reintroduction to reproductive research. A world-class educational centre for people of all ages, the Toronto Zoo is open every day including December 25 and attracts approximately 1.2 million guests each year.
Toronto Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The Zoo has also achieved the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) Certificate of Good Animal Practice® and is inspected by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA).
Toronto Zoo, 361A Old Finch Ave, Toronto ON, M1B 5K7
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We acknowledge the land we are on is the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. We also acknowledge that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit and the Williams Treaty signed with multiple Mississaugas and Chippewa bands.
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