The Zoo Made Quite A Splash For Zoo Otter Splish On His Birthday

For a Riverview Park & Zoo otter named Splish, it was definitely a 13th birthday to remember on Tuesday (October 15th).

Splish is the oldest male otter, and is one of the zoo’s original otters—having come to Riverview in 2007 when they first opened the Otter Exhibit. Zookeepers made a splash for him on his birthday, serving up his fave delights on a platter. 

Photo courtesy Riverview Park & Zoo

“Zookeepers prepared some special enrichment for him and the other otters to mark the occasion,” Zoo Manager and Curator Jim Moloney tells PTBOCanada. “They put some small fish out on the floating raft—in the shape of the number 13—and also made coloured ‘fishsicles’ (basically ice blocks with shrimp and smelt in the ice) for them to chew on. One was made in the shape of a birthday cake.”

Moloney adds that they let Splish into the pool exhibit first so could put a dent in his birthday treats before the other otters joined in. “We gave him a head start because the two young pups, Bolt and Lawrence, are so quick to grab up any treats we put out. The birthday boy seemed to love it,” he says.

Photo of Splish courtesy Riverview Park & Zoo

The zoo’s animal enrichment program is a vital aspect of their Animal Wellness Plan. “The Zookeepers provide enrichment in a variety of forms for the animals as part of their daily animal care routines,” Moloney adds. “That being said, the Zookeepers do like to keep things fun and this is a great example of their dedication and creativity.”

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New Meerkat Exhibit To Open To Public At End Of October, In Meantime Meerkats Chillin' Out

The Meerkats, who are always a popular attraction with zoo-goers at the Riverview Park & Zoo, are currently off exhibit… but for good reason.

Meerkat Exhibit under renovation (Photo via Riverview Zoo Facebook page)

The zoo says in a Facebook post that they are busy growing and improving the indoor Meerkat Exhibit and will have it ready by the end of October, so in the meantime the Meerkats are keeping warm in a temporary room.

Meerkat Exhibit under renovation (Photo via Riverview Zoo Facebook page)

While that reno is happening, have a look at some Meerkat pictures from the zoo…

Photo via Riverview Zoo Facebook page

Photo via Riverview Zoo Facebook page

Photo via Riverview Zoo Facebook page

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Reindeers Shed Their Velvet At Riverview Park & Zoo

The Peterborough Riverview Park & Zoo recently shared some amazing photos on their Facebook page of reindeers shedding their velvet. 

Here is the velvet falling off the antlers…

Photo courtesy Riverview Park & Zoo

It almost looks like it’s melting off the antlers…

“Velvet is a furry covering over antlers that actually helps them develop,” Zookeeper Cherese explains.

“Velvet is made up of skin, blood vessels and soft fur. As it dries up, reindeer rub it off on trees and rocks to reveal the bone that makes up their antlers.”

Photo courtesy Riverview Park & Zoo

Watch some video the zoo sent us below of a reindeer removing her velvet…

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Mobile Animal Units In Peterborough Prevented 2,000 Potentially Unwanted Pets

In just three days in Peterborough from August 16th to 18th, a mobile unit partnership spayed and neutered 48 animals—preventing close to an estimated 2,000 potentially unwanted kittens and puppies, and provided wellness examinations to 42 animals who may not have otherwise received the care.

In partnership with the Peterborough Humane Society, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society’s SPCA Mobile Animal Wellness Services unit and the Niagara SPCA and Humane Society’s Mobile Wellness Unit were in Peterborough for this special event. The two state-of-the-art mobile units were stationed at the Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre.

Photo of mobile unit courtesy Peterborough Humane Society

“The Peterborough Humane Society is incredibly thankful for the support provided by our friends at the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society and Niagara SPCA and Humane Society to bring mobile wellness services to our community this past weekend,” says Shawn Morey, Executive Director, Peterborough Humane Society.

Photo of mobile unit courtesy Peterborough Humane Society

The mobile units have been traveling across the province this summer in a collaborative effort to reduce pet overpopulation and reach underserved pet owners. Only five percent of pet owners who brought their pet to the mobile clinic in Peterborough had a regular veterinarian.

“Many people accessing these services don’t have a regular veterinarian for routine care,” says Daryl Vaillancourt, Chief, Humane Programs & Community Outreach, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “These mobile clinics ensure pets receive basic care and give us an opportunity to talk to pet owners about pet care and the importance of establishing a relationship with a local veterinarian for regular checkups.”

Left to right: John Greer, Shawn Morey & Daryl Vaillancourt

“This is a great example of the collaborative effort of like-minded humane societies,” says John Greer, Executive Director, Niagara SPCA and Humane Society.

“With our mobile efforts we are able to reach into communities and provide services that they would not otherwise be able to receive, making for healthier animals and communities.”

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Ontario SPCA & Humane Society 38-foot Mobile Spay/Neuter Unit Visiting Peterborough In August

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society has rolled out its new SPCA Mobile Animal Wellness Services trailer to give pet owners across the province access to critical resources like spay/neuter services, and the trailer will be making a stop in Peterborough August 16th and August 17th. 

The 38-foot trailer, which was made possible because of a grant provided by the Pet Valu family of stores through its Giving Back Project, features two surgical tables where 20-30 spay/neuter procedures can be performed per day. The new mobile unit is part of the Ontario SPCA’s ongoing efforts to control pet overpopulation and help build relationships with pet owners and their local veterinarian.

Photo courtesy Ontario SPCA

The trailer will be visiting communities across the province, including Peterborough—its location in the city will be announced later this summer, Ontario SPCA tells us, keep an eye out here—reaching underserved areas to provide spay/neuter surgeries, wellness exams, microchipping and vaccinations. 

“It’s important that we spay and neuter as many animals as possible to reduce the number of unwanted animals who end up homeless on the streets trying to survive,” says Daryl Vaillancourt, Chief, Humane Programs & Community Outreach, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “This new mobile unit will also serve as an important educational tool to help pets live longer, healthier lives by educating pet owners about the importance of routine veterinary care with a local veterinarian.” 

Photo courtesy Ontario SPCA

Financial donations are needed to help stock the unit with medical supplies and cover operating costs, to ensure this mobile unit can visit as many communities as possible.

Any donations received by midnight on June 27th will be matched, thanks to a generous pool of Ontario SPCA supporters.

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Riverview Park & Zoo Welcomes Two New Otters, Boldt & Lawrence

The Riverview Park & Zoo has announced new additions to the zoo family in the form of two new otters, Boldt and Lawrence, who come to the zoo from the Aquatarium in Brockville, Ontario.

Photo courtesy Riverview Park & Zoo

Boldt and Lawrence, both young males, join fellow otters Melissa and Splish in the exhibit.

Make sure to say Hi to the new fellas next time you drop by the zoo, which is free to the public.

Photo courtesy Riverview Park & Zoo

Keep in mind that the zoo train is not slated to open until mid-June this season due to delays.

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The Beloved Zoo Camel Gobi Has Passed Away

UPDATE (March 25th): People are leaving signs at the camel exhibit in honour of Gobi at the zoo. “We live in a wonderful community,” Zoo Manager & Curator Jim Moloney tells PTBOCanada. Here are some below (with Gobi’s mate Baika pictured in the background)…

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ORIGINAL POST (March 25th)

It is with great sadness that the staff of Riverview Park and Zoo have announced the death of their 10-year-old male Bactrian camel, Gobi.

Gobi came to the Park and Zoo from the Elmvale Zoo in the summer of 2009. With his large size, expressive face, and inquisitive and engaging nature, Gobi was a favourite with many of the zoo’s visitors.  

Gobi

Gobi had been in good health and his death was both sudden and unexpected. He was found to be very ill when Animal Care Staff arrived on Saturday morning.

The Park and Zoo’s Consulting Veterinarian and Animal Health Team provided treatment and care throughout the day but unfortunately Gobi died overnight Saturday night. His sudden death was an especially difficult loss for staff.

His remains have been sent to the Animal Health Laboratory at the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph for determination of the cause of death.

The zoo would like thank their staff, staff from the Water Treatment Plant, and Dr. John Sallaway for their assistance in responding to Gobi’s sudden illness.

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Riverview Park and Zoo Announces Death of Their Beloved Sloth Porsche

With great sadness, Riverview Park and Zoo staff have announced the death of their female Two-Toed Sloth named Porsche.

Porsche came to the Park and Zoo from the Calgary Zoo along with Ferrari following the devastating Calgary flood in the summer of 2013. With her gentle nature, captivating eyes and charming behavior, Porsche was very popular with zoo visitors.

Best buds Porsche and Ferrari

The zoo says that Porsche had struggled with several serious medical issues over the past few years, requiring extra support from their Animal Care and Animal Health Staff. But she seemed to be doing well recently, so her sudden death was unexpected and a difficult loss for staff.

Porsche died overnight on Monday, March 4th from the final stages of kidney disease. She was twenty-seven years old.

The zoo thanks their staff and Dr. John Sallaway for their assistance with Porsche’s ongoing treatment and care.

Share your memories of Porsche on our Facebook page.

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