The last time I visited the Toledo Zoo was so long ago now that I honestly didn't recognize anything. This is a result of both my improved eye for details when visiting a zoo, and the Toledo Zoo's ongoing master plan of renovation, redesign and expansion of habitats and amenities. Today was a picture perfect day to visit the zoo and the crowds we encountered, though not overwhelming, seemed to agree. The only drawback was that some animals were not out due to the linger chill in the air in the morning. But like any visit to any zoo, you get what you get--good zoos always give the animals in their care opportunities to choose.
My main complaint with the zoo was the lack of a physical paper map! They expect you to download a copy that was so dark and detailed that making any sense of it on my cell phone on a bright sunny day was just absurd. For all intents and purposes, COVID is behind us, it's time to factor in the cost of admission into the price of a real map. As it was two adults (one reg, one senior) and parking came to $70.00. I would have paid $71.00 for a map--not to put too fine a point on it.
We parked in the larger north side lot, and so started out visit on the northwest section of the zoo. The zoo is divided by a major thoroughfare with two options for cross, and pedestrian overpass or a pedestrian tunnel. We chose the overpass.
Our first focus area was the Arctic Encounters. Beautifully designed, the Arctic Encounters is home to Polar Bears (3), a majestic old Harbor Seal, a pod of California Sea Lions (6) and an Arctic Gray Wolf. If there were more than one Wolf, we did not see the others.
Approaching the Arctic Encounter, you get a taste of what's to come with this monumental fountain. The water feature was still off for the season.
The first on many viewing opportunities, this one for the two species of seals.
Two of the six California Sea Lions (Zalophus californianus)
An interior space offers additional underwater views. Here the magnificent Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina) lumbers past a window to the delight of young guests.
Another entrance to the shared interior space. The other viewing option? Polar Bears (Ursis maritimus)!
Polar Bear statue greets visitors for a photo op and good luck paw rub.
Besides generous underwater options, there were also ways to see the bears on dry land; however, during my visit, they were all swimming and playing in the water.
TIMBER WOLF
Canis lupis
A very large and well designed habitat.
One end is flanked by a "Log" Cabin with interpretive information and interactive displays along with three (two shown year) large plexi-glass windows for unimpeded viewing.
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