Wishing Our Greater Rheas a Great Winter Break
Our greater rheas are turning into snowbirds! With the weather taking a cold turn, our female greater rheas ‘Chip’ and ‘Dip’ will be moving to the Archibald Biodiversity Centre (ABC) for the…
Read MoreAfrican Rainforest Building: The African Rainforest Building will be closed on Tuesday, December 9th, to accommodate replacement of a glass pane. Thank you for your understanding.
African Rainforest Building: The African Rainforest Building will open at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, December 10th, and Thursday, December 11th, to give our western lowland gorilla troop the space, comfort, and privacy they need as they meet their newest member, ‘Johari’. Thank you for your understanding.
Seasonal Closures
Gorilla Amphitheatre: The Gorilla Amphitheatre is closed for the season from October 15th, 2025. Our gorilla troop remains viewable in their indoor habitat.
Prehistoric Park: Prehistoric Park is closed for the season from October 27th, 2025, pending favorable weather conditions.
PETRONAS Gateway to Asia Malayan Tapir Viewing: ‘Sempurna’ and her calf will have daily access to the main indoor habitat from 10:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. They’ll also have access to their behind-the-scenes space and may choose to spend time there, especially when the calf is nursing, so viewing isn’t always guaranteed. Thank you for your understanding.
Exploration Asia
The Exploration Asia Redevelopment project is officially underway! While there are some viewing impacts in the area, you can still visit many of your favourite species.
Due to significant construction activities in and around Exploration Asia, the zoo’s West Gate will remain closed for the 2025 season and is expected to remain closed until at least 2028/2029. This necessary step supports the safe movement of visitors while we undertake exciting improvements to animal habitats and visitor experiences.
Bite-Sized
We’re wishing female mandrill ‘Layla’ a happy 17th birthday! Native to the tropical rainforests of west central Africa, mandrills are the largest of all monkeys. Females, like Layla, are about ½ the size of males, with duller colors and longer muzzles.
Did you know that mandrills come equipped with their own “takeout containers”? They have large pouches in their cheeks that they use to store snacks, like fruit, seeds and leaves, to munch on later! 🍒🌰🍃
Keep an eye out for ‘Layla’ and her brother ‘Yusufu’ as our three Rainforest primate species rotate through various indoor and outdoor (weather permitting) habitats.

Mandrill ‘Layla’