"Coolest Technology" ~ Toronto Zoo ~ Ontario Visited checks it out

Toronto Zoo ~ Behind the Scenes Tour
Welcome to Ontario Visited Behind The Scenes Tour …

This series of Blog articles comes from our recent “Behind the Scenes Tour of the Toronto Zoo” with Katie Gray, Public Relations Supervisor. Ontario Visited toured with Festival Nomad Correspondent’s Carol Law (volunteeerscan.ca ~ Volunteer systems Consultant) and Ron Clifford (www.ronclifford.com ~ Professional Photographer). With extra our extra correspondent and photographer, we were able to focus on the generous amount of information being provided by the Toronto Zoo staff for this wonderful opportunity. We would like to share our insight, knowledge and experiences with you. Hope you enjoy the series!

Although the Toronto Zoo Health Centre is not open to the public, a lot goes on “Behind the Scenes” that are critical to our World! Yes, our World! Although the Health Centre is not “for entertainment”, it does provide a critical component to the Toronto Zoo, the Rouge Valley and the World.

Ontario Visited had the distinct pleasure of a “Behind the Scenes” tour arranged by Katie Gray, Public Relations Supervisor. The Toronto Zoo coordinates with international agencies to share their experiences, insight and knowledge. The Zoo has over 710 acres of “green space”. The encroachment of development can be seen all around. However, fortunately these lands are now protected and named in both Provincial and National Parks. There is integration of walking trails and access through to the Rouge Valley Park and York Region Transit connects visitors to both. Many staff and volunteers offer amazing programs and educational tools to the community and to visitors from around the world.
Our Journey Begins …
The Toronto Zoo has a mandate to address environment, polices, produces and makes recommendations that will lessen our ecological footprint in the Rouge Valley and the Earth! What does that mean to you?
With our ever changing environment, habitat and ecology, it seems fit that a world renowned facility such as the Toronto Zoo takes great pride and steps to conserve, preserve, protect, educate and enhance many aspects of these topics.
While walking through the Toronto Zoo we stopped by their “Zootique” gift shop located near the front entrance. ZooPoo paper products were for sale. I wondered what they meant by ZooPoo. While being a creative unique “gift item”, ZooPoo is the “Coolest Green Technology”.
Green Roofs …

If you are walking by the Australasia Pavilion, you might take the time to “look up” at the Green Roofs. Green roofs, also known as 'living roofs' or 'eco-roofs', are the wave of the future in sustainable design, and the Toronto Zoo is “surfin' right along with them!” While the term “green roof” could mean many things, it refers here to a roof with one or more extra membranes, including a waterproof and root-proof section that is covered by various types of vegetation. The green roofs on these buildings filter particles from the air and converts carbon dioxide (CO2) into oxygen. The cool air around the building reduces urban heat saving energy costs. The insulation sound benefits the animals and visitors alike.

Stay tuned for more exciting insight from the Toronto Zoo Behind the Scenes Tour ~ On-Line Dating … In-House Research … Ice Bear Unit …  In the meantime, don’t forget to check out the Toronto Zoo website where you can view ongoing amazing “in-the-moment” videos and so much more at www.torontozoo.com. Enjoy!