Riverview Park and Zoo Remains Closed Due to Weather Damage

The Riverview Park and Zoo remains closed to the public due to damage caused by the weekend ice storm and prolonged power outages.

IN CAPTIVITY, RIVER OTTERS HAVE A LIFE EXPECTANCY OF ABOUT 25 YEARS. PHOTO COURTESY OF Riverview Park and Zoo.

Its exhibits, parking lot, playground, disc golf area, and park spaces remain closed until further notice. However, the animals and staff are unharmed from the significant weather event.

“We are very happy to report that all our animals and staff are well and there were no injuries due to the storm,” said Cathy Mitchell, zoo manager and curator. “We have approximately 150 animals under our care, we continue to be proud of the Animal Care and Parks teams who, without interruption, continue to provide top-class care to the animals who live here.”

The weekend’s ice storm damaged several trees, with hanging limbs and downed power lines. The closure will remain in effect as staff work to make necessary repairs and ensure the area is safe.

“The tree damage and damage to property, is worse than we saw during the 2022 Derecho storm,” explained Mitchell. “However, I am very proud of our Riverview Park and Zoo team and grateful for the support of the City of Peterborough, Water Distribution team, for being here to help us tackle the mammoth task of clearing the site of fallen trees and hanging tree limbs.   

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Riverview Park & Zoo Otter Has Leg Amputated After Sustaining Severe Injury

Unfortunate news for Meadow the Otter at Riverview Park & Zoo and she had to have her leg amputated due to sustaining a leg injury after an altercation.

Photo courtesy of the Riverview Park & zoo.

Meadow suffered a severe leg injury after having an incident with other otters according to the Zoo. After medical consultation with vets and an orthopedic surgeon, Meadow had her leg amputated as a result of her injuries.

“Although this is an unfortunate situation, there is always a risk when introducing animals together, even when every precaution was taken by the Animal Care team,” said Cathy Mitchell, Riverview manager and curator.

Mitchell states that Meadow has been healing and recovering very well while showing resilience. The animal health team has cleared her to be back on exhibit and have outdoor access.

Meadow was moved on March 11th into her exhibit with ample outdoor space in the west outdoor primate exhibit. She was welcomed into the Zoo at the end of last year to join a group of three other mate otters.

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Riverview Park and Zoo's James Hamilton Railway Closed For Maintenance

The Riverview Park and Zoo James Hamilton Railway is closed for maintenance until further notice.

The railway welcomes over 66,000 riders each season. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The train has been in service for over 50 years and requires significant repairs according to the Zoo.

“Sometimes our 1860 replica locomotive train ride needs a little TLC. This includes safety check ups, regular inspections, and repairs. Safety is our first priority here at the Park and Zoo,” as stated in a press release.

There have been plans to replace the train and Riverview has been closing in on our fundraising target. The Zoo is continuing to maintain the current train until then.

The Zoo’s campaign has raised $250,000 toward its $350,000 fundraising goal. Thy are asking the public to help them reach 50 per cent of the capital cost to purchase a new locomotive.

Those wanting to help can sponsor or donate to the campaign.

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Riverview Park & Zoo's 13th Annual Fun Run Held On June 29 to Support Aviary Exhibits

Jog your way to helping the birds as the Riverview Park and Zoo’s (RPZ) 13th annual Fun Run takes place on June 29.

Last year’s event supported construction of the new outdoor meerkat exhibit. Photo courtesy of Riverview Park & Zoo.

This year’s proceeds will fund the aviary exhibits which include emu, peafowl, turkey and guineafowl species.

“The Fun Run began in 2011 by community members that wanted to help contribute to the Riverview Park & Zoo.” said Cathy Mitchell, RPZ manager and curator. “Jim and Jodi Mulder created and managed the volunteer-led RPZ Fun Run for seven years.”

The Fun Run's goal is to raise $5,000 to support the construction of a new outdoor aviary and the revitalization of indoor aviary spaces. All funds raised from the Fun Run will go toward this goal.

“The event has supported some significant and varied improvements to the Park and Zoo over the years,” said Mitchell. “The funds raised focus on accessibility, conservation efforts, and excellence in animal care standards. The Park and Zoo is proud to be such a key part of the Peterborough culture and is shaped and made better by the generosity of our community.”

Registration can be found online. The following is the race-day schedule:

Race Day Schedule:

• 8:10 a.m. - Yoga warmup in the Gazebo

• 8:25 a.m. - 1K runners at the starting line

• 8:30 a.m. - 1K race begins

• 9 a.m. - 1K racers pick up medals

• 9:10 a.m. - 5K runners at the starting line

• 9:15 a.m. - 5K race begins

• 10 a.m. - 5K racers pick up medals

In-person registration and race kit pick-up are available at the Rotary Education Centre at Riverview Park and Zoo on June 27 and June 28, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. You can also register in person on June 29 before the race begins between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. The 1k race begins at 8:30 a.m. and the 5k race starts at 9:15 a.m. There are prizes for kids under 12 in the 1k and the top three males and females overall in the 5k.

RPZ encourages those to dress up as birds for the event as there are additional prizes for the best animal costume and top three fundraisers.

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Riverview Park and Zoo’s Nine-Year-Old Sichuan Takin, Yao Ming, Passes Away

The Riverview Park and Zoo’s (RPZ) Sichuan Takin, Yao Ming has passed away, announced on Friday.

Photocourtesy of the Riverview Park & Zoo.

The nine-year-old Sichuan Takin experiencing a decline in his overall health and body condition over the last few months and passed away overnight according to the Zoo.

His remains have been sent to the Guelph University Animal Health Laboratory in Kempsville for determination of the cause of death.

“We would like to especially thank our consulting veterinarian Dr. John Sallaway and his team of health experts and specialists who offered their knowledge and support in the diagnosis and treatment of the beloved takin. As well, we extend our gratitude and condolences to the caring zookeepers who had given extra attention to Yao Ming’s special needs and health over his lifetime at Riverview Park and Zoo. His loss will be significantly felt in the community, and he will be sorely missed by his RPZ team,” according to a statement made by the Zoo.

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Elementary School Students Explore the Element of Life at the Peterborough Children’s Water Festival

Over 650 students from grades two to five got to explore the element of life in the Peterborough Children’s Water Festival (PCWF) at the lower grounds of the Riverview Park & Zoo on Wednesday morning.

A student takes a close look at an aquatic larvae at the Healthy Shorelines Photo courtesy of Otonabee Conservation.

The festival had over 35 interactive learning centres designed for children to explore the importance of water conservation. There were over 45 classes to attend from over 20 different schools in the Region over two days.

Patricia Skopelianos, Chair of the PCWF Organizing Committee, says that new guest activity centres are joining this year’s festival including The Peterborough Public Library’s book bike to celebrate their 2024 Summer Reading Challenge theme of water.

“In addition, we are welcoming a new activity centre called Leveraging the Locks featuring an interactive model of a canal lock,” she said. “To teach kids about how they work, and why we have them on the Trent-Severn Waterway.”

The activity centers exciting allow students to explore the concepts of water conservation, cultural perspectives, water attitudes, technology, protection and science.

The Peterborough Children’s Water Festival is one of 25 festivals across the province this year. Since its inception in 2001, the PCWF has reached more than 30,388 elementary students and 6,684 teachers and parent helpers from across Peterborough City and County according to a press release.

“We are very fortunate to have tremendous community support for the Peterborough Children's Water Festival” said Skopelianos “For 22 years, local businesses and agencies have made generous financial contributions. We also have many volunteers who give their time and expertise and several more who provide in-kind contributions. Our community helps make this Festival a reality for the children.”

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Siemens Canada Employees Plant 100 Trees and Shrubs at Riverview Park & Zoo

Employees from Siemens Canada in Peterborough planted 100 native trees and shrubs at the Riverview Park & Zoo on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of Otonabee Conservation.

The planting was in partnership with Tree Canada and Otonabee Conservation.

A variety of native trees and shrubs, including buttonbush, speckled alder, tamarack, Saskatoon serviceberry, and silky dogwood will increase species diversity and enhance habitat for local wildlife in the area adjacent to the Otonabee River on the Riverview Park and Zoo grounds according to Otonabee Conservation. 

“Siemens employees have planted a wide selection of trees in the Peterborough-area in the past ten years, and more than 17,800 trees in total across Canada,” said Ian Almond, Siemens plant manager. “Beautifying our community and contributing to a more sustainable future is a responsibility and an honour. We are grateful to our employees and our local partners who help make it happen.”

“We are thrilled to continue working with Tree Canada and Siemens to make habitat enhancements in our watershed,” said Janette Loveys Smith, Otonabee Conservation CAO/secretary-treasurer. “We value our ongoing partnership and our shared commitment of supporting community engagement and the environment.”

“Riverview Park and Zoo, welcomes over 300,000 visitors a year with no admission fee for outdoor education and recreation. We are home to many native species of wildlife that share our natural spaces on the shores of the Otonabee River,”  said Cathy Mitchell, Riverview manager and curator. “This project, with support from our valued partners, will help achieve the goal to further naturalize the shoreline and create more bird and pollinator friendly spaces.”

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Riverview Park and Zoo Beloved 10-Year-Old Capybara Pablo Passes Away

Pablo, the beloved capybara of Riverview Park and Zoo has passed away according to staff in a press release sent out on Wednesday morning.

File Photo.

The 10-year-old capybara arrived from the Toronto Zoo in 2015.

The Animal Health Team had been monitoring Pablo closely as his health had started to deteriorate. The consulting veterinarian and Animal Health Team provided treatment and care promptly, Pablo passed away Tuesday morning. He died from complications arising from several age-related conditions according to a press release.

The park released this statement regarding Pablo’s passing:

“Pablo was loved greatly by both our visitors and staff… …We would like to thank our staff and Dr. John Sallaway for their assistance with Pablo’s ongoing treatment and care. Pablo will be greatly missed by our community. The Park and Zoo would like to extend their gratitude for the public’s continuous support and appreciation of Pablo.”

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American Zoologists The Kratt Brothers Come to Peterborough to Film ‘Wild Kratts’ Episode Featuring Riverview Park and Zoo Camels

Martin and Chris Kratt stopped by the Riverview Park and Zoo on Tuesday to film for their PBS Kids show ‘Wild Kratts,’ which aims to educate young viewers on zoology and ecology.

photo courtesy of riverview park and zoo, facebook.

Martin and Chris Kratt are zoologists and actors who host the educational series. They have produced five TV series including ‘Kratts’ Creatures’ and ‘Zoboomafoo’ which educate children on different species through live-action and cartoon segments.

The brother’s filmed with Riverview’s Bactrian Camels for the upcoming episode.

Wild Kratts is in its seventh season on PBS, which can be streamed in Canada on TVOKids.

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Kids Get An Aquatic Lesson From the Peterborough Children's Water Festival

Over 650 students from over 20 schools in grades 2 to 5 got educated about the element of life as they attended the Peterborough Children’s Water Festival (PCWF) at Riverview Park and Zoo on Wednesday morning.

Julius the turtle and Peterborough Green up’s Karen O’Krafka are presenting to over 300 children at the return of the Peterborough Children’s Water Festival. Photo by David Tuan bui.

The festival returned to an in-person event after going for the last three years in a digital format.

“We are excited to once again offer a live, in-person Water Festival this year after three years of virtual programming,” says Patricia Skopelianos, PCWF chair.

The two-day event saw students from 45 classes from the Kawartha Pine Ridge District and Peterborough, Victoria, Northumberland and Clarington Catholic School Boards learn about water at over 20 learning stations ranging from water consumption, leaks to conservation.

“Once again, we are pleased to offer several activity centres in the French language with the involvement of students from St. Peter Catholic Secondary School,” said Skopelianos. “We are also welcoming back Elder Dorothy Taylor for a midday Sacred Water teaching, Adventures in Understanding by The Paddling Puppeteer Glen Caradus, Stepping Stone by The Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre, and The Great Fish Migration by OFAH’s Bring Back the Salmon, who will all be returning to the Festival this year.”

During the event, a ceremony was held to commemorate and thank all who supported and sponsored the event.

“We are very fortunate to have tremendous community support for the Peterborough Children's Water Festival,” said Skopelianos. “For 22 years, local businesses and agencies have made generous financial contributions. We also have many volunteers who give their time and expertise and several more who provide in-kind contributions. Our community helps make this Festival a reality for the children.”

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