Surgical Suite ... The Best Place to Be ... Ontario Visited at Toronto Zoo 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!

Treatment at the Zoo and the Surgical Suite …

The Toronto Zoo has become more and more adaptive to the ever-changing needs of the animals it houses. They have a nursery and ICU to accommodate some of the animal’s medical needs. Although the surgical unit looked rather small to us, the Toronto Zoo explained that even a Polar Bear fits in this area, although the Camel did not!

To help calm the animals during surgeries and other health care experiences, instead of using tubes, like what are used for humans, the animals are given injection anesthesia. The Toronto Zoo often shares their knowledge and skills with other local Zoos and wildlife facilities. The Zoo Keepers and Doctors practice there "blowguns" skills for injecting patients. It is too important to miss a “shot”. Darts range in size from small to large, depending on the size of the animal and skin thickness. The CO2 gun sometimes can frighten the animals, so the Zoo Keepers try to distract the animals from seeing it until the shot is ready.

New Campaigns and Initiatives Coming Soon …
The Toronto Zoo prides itself on its conversation, educational and research programs. The Zoo conservation staff participates in everything from habitat restoration, to captive breeding and reintroduction, veterinary and reproductive research, and the exchange of genetic information with other Zoos. There is a new Campaign under was to expand the Health Centre. We were able to see the artistic drawings of the future of this magnificent facility. We understand a new program, once the Health Centre has been completed, will allow members of the Toronto Zoo to be able to sit in front of large glass windows to observe operations of some of the animals. These new initiatives are designed to increase awareness about the Zoo. During the tour we talked about blood samples and anesthetics and the benefits and costs associated with the learning processes. Today’s technicians are required to be the “jack of all trade”. Along the way, we learned that there are many different reasons and restrictions for what they can and cannot do. The Toronto Zoo seems to be taking a more practical outlook.

Stay tuned for more exciting insight from the Toronto Zoo Behind the Scenes Tour ~ The Love of the Job ~ “HERMAN” …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!