Wednesday, August 26, 2015, Toronto, Ontario:

The Toronto Zoo is proud to announce the latest success story from one of the zoo’s many conservation breeding programs; the birth of six massasauga rattlesnakes on Sunday, August 16, 2015. This is the second year in a row that the Toronto Zoo has seen success from the Massasauga Rattlesnake Breeding Program. Historically, the massasauga rattlesnakes, now considered an endangered species in southern Ontario, are a challenging breed to reproduce. However, just as in 2014, the zoo carefully adjusted day lengths to simulate wild conditions in an effort to condition the snakes and provide an optimal environment for successful breeding.

The six new rattlesnakes, which are all doing well, will join the current managed population of massasauga’s at the Toronto Zoo. More exciting news, as of this morning a second female gave birth to as many as six new rattlesnakes! Their valuable genetic lineage will be a contribution in enhancing the health of other assurance populations. The Zoo’s massasauga rattlesnakes are part of a Species Survival Plan (SSP) conservation and breeding program that began in 2006 as a result of concerns over the decline of the massasauga rattlesnake population in Canada and in 10 U.S. states where it is listed as Endangered, Threatened or Special Concern. The SSP promotes stewardship and respect of the massasauga rattlesnake. The Toronto Zoo wants to inspire citizens to make responsible choices that benefit our communities by protecting the natural places we rely on.

“We are very excited to see success, for a second year in a row, of this important conservation breeding program for this endangered species” says Dr. Andrew Lentini, Curator of Reptiles and Amphibians, Toronto Zoo. “This birth gives us confidence that we are making major strides in the work we are doing that will sustain recovery efforts for these special snakes now and for years to come”.

The Toronto Zoo has worked to save and protect massasauga rattlesnakes and Ontario snakes since 1989 and provides workshops for Zoo members and those living in areas where rattlesnakes are found. The Zoo also contributes to the recovery of this species and a team of recovery experts supports field research, education and outreach programs and resources, scientific research, monitoring, development of shelter areas and ecosystem restoration.

The Toronto Zoo is also hosting a NEW Fall Massasauga Workshop at Toronto Zoo on Saturday, September 26, 2015 from 10am to 11:30am. For more information or to purchase your tickets please CLICK HERE.