Splish, Riverview Park & Zoo's North American River Otter Passes Away at 19 Years Old

Splish, a North American river otter from Riverview Park and Zoo has passed away at 19 years of age, announced on Friday morning.

The life expectancy of a North American river otter is typically around 12 years in the wild and about 20 years in captivity.  Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

Splish passed away from natural, age-related causes. An autopsy showed the cause of death to be heart-related. 

He arrived at the Riverview Park and Zoo in 2007 and spent many years interacting with visitors and staff.

The otter was known for his curious and energetic nature. Visitors watched him swim, engage in enrichment activities, and participate in daily feedings. 

Splish shared the habitat with two other North American river otters, Meadow and Violet, who remain on exhibit at the zoo. 

North American river otters are known for their intelligence, agility, and playful behaviour, often spending much of their time swimming and exploring their surroundings.

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Sulawesi Forest Turtle Hatches at Riverview Park and Zoo

A critically endangered Sulawesi forest turtle has successfully hatched at the Riverview Park and Zoo.

photo courtesy of the riverview park and zoo.

The zoo welcomed the hatchling, named Indy, on Feb. 9. Indy is the fifth Sulawesi forest turtle to hatch at the zoo, marking another important milestone in its ongoing conservation breeding efforts for this critically endangered freshwater species.

“The hatchling is currently under observation by our animal care team,” said Matt Dixon, Operational Support Manager of Animal Care at the Riverview Park and Zoo. “This is another exciting and meaningful step forward for this critically endangered species. Each successful hatch strengthens the population and builds valuable knowledge that supports conservation efforts. The zoo continues to be the only zoo in Canada working with this species and is one of only a few zoos globally to successfully reproduce it.”

Native to Indonesia, the Sulawesi forest turtle is listed as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and are considered among the rarest freshwater turtles in the world. The species faces significant threats from habitat loss, as well as unsustainable collection for food and the illegal wildlife trade.

In 2014 two hatchlings named Blinky and Skippy were among the first Sulawesi forest turtles successfully hatched in Canada.

In 2017, Riverview Park and Zoo received the Colonel G. C. Dailley Conservation Award from Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums. The national award recognizes excellence in species propagation and conservation achievement.

The zoo continues to collaborate with accredited zoological partners to support the long-term sustainability of the species through coordinated breeding programs and conservation initiatives that contribute to global wildlife preservation efforts.

For more information or to support Riverview Park and Zoo, visit the website.

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The Peterborough Humane Society Marked World Spay Day with 36 Free Surgeries

The Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) completed 36 spay and neuter surgeries on cats and dogs for World Spay Day on Tuesday, provided at no cost to community members who had been identified through the organization's social services programming.

photo courtesy of the peterborough humane society.

Spay and neuter is the most effective way to reduce pet overpopulation. These surgeries help prevent unwanted litters, support rescue and animal welfare partners and reduce the number of animals entering shelters or living without homes.

By connecting families identified through this social services programming directly to free surgical care, PHS is addressing the issue at its source.

Since opening in 2023, the Peterborough Regional Spay/Neuter Clinic has performed over 13,000 surgeries, cementing its role as a critical community resource for affordable and accessible veterinary care in the Peterborough region.

photo courtesy of the peterborough humane society.

"World Spay Day gives us a chance to highlight just how real and widespread the need for affordable spay and neuter services is, both here in our community and around the world," says Shawn Morey, CEO of the Peterborough Humane Society. "We are truly thrilled to be able to offer these services to families in Peterborough, and days like yesterday remind us why this work matters so much. Every surgery we perform is a step toward a healthier, more sustainable future for animals and the people who love them."

To learn more or to book an appointment, visit the website.

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Lansdowne Place Gets Prehistoric Takeover With Dinosaur Exhibits Throughout March

Prehistoric giants are returning to Lansdowne Place as dinosaur exhibits are taking over the mall from Feb. 28 through March 29.

A Blue raptor makes a sneak peek appearance beside Guest Services at Lansdowne Place Mall. Photo courtesy of Canada’s Dinosaur Park.

In a partnership with Canada’s Dinosaur Park, visitors can explore a dinosaur experience in an all-ages event.

Guests can discover dinosaurs such as the Tyrannosaurus rex, raptors and more. Blue raptors are already set up throughout the mall as a sneak peek.

Tickets are $10 per person, with free admission for children under three.

All ticket proceeds support the continued operation of Canada’s Dino Park and Reptile Sanctuary.

The operating hours for the exhibits are as follows:

• Monday–Friday: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

• Sunday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

During March Break (Mar. 16 to 20), the exhibit is open during the mall’s regular operating hours.

The entrance to the exhibit will be located inside the mall beside Guest Services.

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Fleming College Launches Ontario’s First Immersive Veterinary Technician Program

Fleming College is expanding its School of Health and Community Services with the launch of a unique, accelerated Veterinary Technician (VT) program in partnership with the Peterborough Humane Society (PHS), driven by a province-wide shortage of veterinary professionals.

file photo.

The new program is the first in Ontario to provide students with on-site clinical learning starting in their first week of study, made possible through a strategic partnership with PHS. The accelerated format enables students to complete four consecutive semesters and enter the workforce much sooner than traditional delivery models.

Students begin training at PHS immediately and will use Fleming’s advanced simulation technologies to hone essential skills and refine techniques before administering care to live animals. This applied learning approach is furthered by a 150-hour placement in an animal care environment, allowing students to broaden their professional experience and master skills in real-world settings.

“Our new Veterinary Technician program reflects Fleming’s strategic commitments to providing innovative, career-ready education, addressing critical labour market needs, and enhancing student-centred learning through strong partnerships like the Peterborough Humane Society,” said Dr. Theresa Knott, Interim President. “We’re excited about the opportunity to provide students with an exceptional learning experience in the state-of-the-art veterinary clinic and animal shelter from day one. Combined with our leading-edge simulation technologies and industry placements, our graduates will emerge as highly skilled veterinary technicians that employers are actively seeking.”

Instruction is led by Doctors of Veterinary Medicine and Registered Veterinary Technicians, who bring current industry expertise and mentorship into the learning environment. Their lessons equip students with the fundamental knowledge required to excel across a variety of sectors, including private clinics, emergency hospitals, zoos, research laboratories and shelters.

Applications are now open for the Fleming’s first Veterinary Technician cohort beginning in September 2026. Prospective students are encouraged to apply before the equal consideration deadline on Feb. 1. Applications received after this date will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to availability.

For more information about the program or to apply, visit the Fleming College website.

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Peterborough Humane Society Celebrates 85 Year Anniversary

The Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) celebrated their 85th anniversary milestone with an open house event Saturday.

Photo by Felicia Massey.

Founded in 1941, the Peterborough Humane Society has spent more than eight decades serving animals and the people who care about them. Approximately 1,500 animals come through the doors of PHS each year to receive veterinary care, vaccinations, microchipping and spay or neuter services prior to adoption.

@ptbo_canada Happy 85th birthday, @Peterborough Humane Society! 🐶🐈‍⬛🥳 #ptbocanada ♬ Summerdays - Truenoys

“This milestone belongs to the entire community,” says Shawn Morey, CEO of the Peterborough Humane Society. “For 85 years, animal lovers across Peterborough and the Kawarthas have supported PHS and its mission in many ways. Caring for both ends of the leash means supporting animals and the people who love them.”

All photos by Felicia Massey.

All photos by Felicia Massey.

All photos by Felicia Massey.

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Peterborough Humane Society's Fall 2025 50/50 Lottery Shatters Previous Fundraising Record

The Peterborough Humane Society’s (PHS) Fall 2025 PHS 50/50 Lottery has achieved a new all-time high of $57,575, over $7,000 above the previous fundraiser.

The PHS 50/50 Lottery has given away over $97,000 in cash prizes, $15,000 in travel vouchers from Marlin Travel Peterborough and a luxury patio chair set from Stoney Lake Furniture Co., since it launched in the spring of 2024. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Humane Society.

This had broken the past spring’s record jackpot of $50,245 set back in May.

Allyson Allin of Lakefield, won the 50/50, taking home the $28,787.50 grand prize.

The PHS 50/50 Lottery also featured the Marlin Travel & Transat Ruffle, offering a $5,000 gift certificate for use at Marlin Travel Peterborough toward any Transat travel package. It was won but Michael Walker of Highlands East.

The lottery ran from Sept. 26 to Oct. 31 with proceeds towards PHS for animals in need.

“Our community’s love for animals continues to shine through,” said Shawn Morey, PHS CEO. “From those who bought tickets to the local businesses and media who shared our message, everyone played a part in this success. We’re so thankful for the incredible support that makes our work possible.”

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Instagram Reel Goes Viral For Peterborough Humane Society; Gets Over 1.2 Million Views

The Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) is going viral after an Instagram reel got 1.2 million views, which was originally posted on Sept. 20.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Peterborough Humane Society (@ptbo_humane_society)

The video was created in collaboration with Kate Ward of SimplyStrongMBC. It takes a fun and unexpected approach to promoting pet adoption showing that adopting just one kitten can leave you ‘off balance,’ even leading to ‘back pain’ from holding only one cat. The cure is to adopt two kittens which will help you regain your balance and protect your back.

“The message may be playful, but it carries an important truth,” said Désirée Kretschmar, PHS communication and development coordinator. “Kittens thrive when they have a companion, and this video captures that in a way that makes people smile, laugh, and think about adoption."

Since being posted, the video has gained over 43,800 likes and over 280 comments.

“We’re so grateful to Kate for her creativity and partnership,” said Kretschmar. “This collaboration shows the power of humour and community in helping spread an important message: there’s always room for more love and more kittens.”

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Riverview Park and Zoo Operating Under Summer Hours

The Riverview Park and Zoo’s summer hours are in effect, running from 8:30 a.m. to dusk daily.

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

Sunday Summer Concerts have returned to the zoo’s Gazebo. This free bi-weekly event features local musicians and groups performing every other Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.  

The City encourages visitors to bring a lawn chair and a shade umbrella to enjoy these concerts in an outdoor setting, weather permitting.  

The next concert, scheduled for June 8, features Fyd-L-Styx, showcasing traditional Scottish and Irish folk songs and fiddle music.  

The miniature train ride is now in operation. The train operates daily during the summer, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., weather permitting. The cost is $2 per person, with children two years old or under riding for free.  

Cleanup from the late-March ice storm is still underway in some areas of the Zoo. Visitors are asked to follow all posted signage and remain out of barricaded areas. 

The following areas are open to visitors:  

• Playground area and 80-foot super slide 

• Zoo area and animal exhibits 

• Guest Services and the Gift Shop is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Monday and Tuesday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday   

• River Otter feeding takes place daily at 1:30 p.m. 

• The Zoo office is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday 

• Splash pad, open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

• Park areas, including the disc golf course 

• Lower-level picnic area and picnic shelters. Use of shelters must be reserved by permit two weeks in advance 

The River Path Walking Trail remains closed at this time.

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Peterborough Humane Society's Spring 50/50 Lottery Raises All-Time High Number

The Peterborough Humane Society’s (PHS) Spring 2025 PHS 50/50 Lottery has reached a new all-time high of $50,245, announced on Thursday morning.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Humane Society.

This third edition saw the first time the 50/50 draw break the $50,000 milestone.

Buckhorn’s Suzanne Cunningham was the grand prize winner of $25,122.50.

The PHS 50/50 Lottery also had the Marlin Travel & Collette ‘Ruff’le, for a $5,000 gift certificate, for use at Marlin Travel Peterborough on any Collette travel package. Peterborough’s Debra Amos won this year and says she has not had a vacation in over 10 years. She also adopted her two cats, Melvin and Jane, from PHS. 

The Lottery ran from April 7 to May 14 with proceeds towards PHS for animals in need.

“Once again Peterborough and the entire region have shown us just how important animal wellness is to them,” said Shawn Morey, PHS CEO. “We are so grateful to everyone who bought tickets, the small businesses that promoted the lottery, and to the community who helped spread the word. Everyone had a hand in making this a great success.”

Plans are already underway for the fourth iteration.   

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