As a vegan and supposed believer in animal rights, I’ve struggled to figure out if zoos are a good thing. I’ve come to the conclusion that, in most cases, they are. Typically, the good ones are truly there for research, education and protection from extinction. More and more, zoos are a refuge and not a permanent circus act.
Of course, I still have an issue with the serving of meat in the snack bars at a location dedicated to the protection of animals. However, it’s not a militant issue – just something I like to point out over and over again until I’ve annoyed everyone around me.
Of course, the Toronto Zoo is the big kid on the block in Canada. However, there are alternatives and those alternatives are quite good and actually have advantages over the Toronto Zoo. Today, we’re looking at Elmvale Jungle Zoo. In the near future, we’re going to look at African Lion Safari. Both are located within a short drive from the Greater Toronto Area.
Elmvale Jungle Zoo is located northwest of Barrie, Ontario and just south of the small town of Elmvale. Just to the west is the popular summer resort area of Wasaga Beach – a whole different kind of zoo…
Elmvale Jungle Zoo was originally established in 1967 on a two acre plot of land and featured mostly birds and reptiles (info from the official website: Elmvale Jungle Zoo). Now, the park has expanded significantly to 25 acres and features around 300 different animals from all around the world.
The advantage over the Toronto Zoo is that Elmvale is compact and gives visitors a much more up close and personal experience without compromising each animals habitat. Most animals can be fed – only approved food from onsite vending machines – the most popular are the giraffes.
There are currently two giraffes and they truly provide an amazing experience. With the ability to feed these gentle giants right out of your hand, you get a true look at the incredible size and height of these animals.
What caught my attention was how slow they seem to be walking but how fast they actually cover the ground. I started changing a setting on my camera as one came walking from the back end of the compound. I was shocked to see the giraffe standing directly in front of me when I looked up. The stride length of these animals is massive.
The wild cat area is not to be missed. Of course, this is not such an interactive experience but you still get pretty close. Along with jaguars and tigers, there are white lions. I would find out a few days later at African Lion Safari, just how rare the white lions are. By the numbers that they gave and considering that white lions are located at the Toronto Zoo, Elmvale Jungle Zoo and African Lion Safari, I’d have to say the Ontario might be the hotbed for these rare cats.
A Bactrian Camel had two humps and you’ll find a pair of them at Elmvale. One hump signifies a Dromedary Camel and that can be found at the other two locations mentioned in this article.
The Elmvale Jungle Zoo is open from late May until the Canadian Thanksgiving (usually around October 10 – my birthday). The park is open from 9:30am until 6pm during the summer months and from 10am until 5pm for September and October.
Fees are reasonable. Adults will need to fork $17.50 while seniors and teens 13 to 17 get a $2 discount. Kids from three to 12 pay just $8.50 while those below that threshold are free of charge.
Quite frankly, the price could be double. I would rather pay more and ensure that a zoo isn’t skimping on staff, food, medical and habitat. This is definitely an attraction that has value exceeeding its price and absolutely worth a visit or two, each and every year.
Even with a 2+ year old in tow, this was not an all-day stop (it could have been but wasn’t necessary). The area has much more to offer with the previously mentioned Wasaga Beach and the nearby Horseshoe Adventure Park.
As for the image directly above, this is for anyone out there that has a greyhound rescue. Does not a kangaroo resemble a greyhound more than any dog resembles a greyhound?
Obviously, there is much, much more than the seven animals shown here in this article. There are several types of primate, many exotic birds, deer, buffalo, ostrich, zebra, snakes and more.
The video below was made up of clips taken the same day as the images above.
