Riverview Park and Zoo Mourns the Loss of Beloved Serval Ali

By Scott Arnold

A familiar face at the Riverview Park and Zoo has passed away, with staff and visitors saying goodbye to Ali, a serval cat who was just shy of her 23rd birthday.

Ali was a longtime resident of the Riverview Park and Zoo, arriving in Peterborough in 2010 and becoming a familiar face to zoo visitors and staff. (Photo courtesy of Riverview Park and Zoo)

Ali arrived at the zoo in 2010 after being donated by the Toronto Zoo, and quickly became a familiar and popular animal with her distinctive markings and personality.

Her time at the zoo also included an unexpected challenge. In 2020, Ali broke her right front leg in a fall and ultimately lost the leg. She adapted to life on three legs and continued to thrive, remaining a favourite among zoo staff and visitors.

Ali spent more than 15 years at the Riverview Park and Zoo, where her distinctive markings and personality made her a favourite among staff and visitors. (Photo courtesy of Riverview Park and Zoo)

For much of her time at Riverview Park and Zoo, Ali shared her space with two other servals, Friday and Kabala. Kabala arrived at the zoo in 2001 and passed away in 2018, while Friday arrived in 2004 and remained at Riverview until her passing in 2023. After both of them passed away, Ali spent her final years alongside Torty, the zoo's African spurred tortoise.

Ali was a longtime resident of the Riverview Park and Zoo, arriving in Peterborough in 2010 and becoming a familiar face to zoo visitors and staff. (Photo courtesy of Riverview Park and Zoo)

Servals typically live about 10 to 12 years in the wild, while those in captivity can live beyond 20 years. Ali was just shy of turning 23 when she passed away.

With Ali's passing, the Riverview Park and Zoo is now without a serval, bringing the chapter of these distinctive wild cats at the zoo to a close, at least for now.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Peterborough Folk Festival Gets Underway Today With Four Days of Free Music and Community Fun

By Scott Arnold

The 37th Annual Peterborough Folk Festival officially gets underway today, bringing four days of music, culture and community to Peterborough with a packed lineup and plenty to see and do.

The Peterborough Folk Festival returns to Peterborough this weekend with four days of live music, family activities and community programming (photo courtesy of peterborough folk festival, via Michael hurcomb)

The wait is over. After months of anticipation, the Peterborough Folk Festival begins Thursday, August 13th, kicking off four days of performances and programming at downtown venues and Nicholls Oval Park. While the festival officially starts today, the main outdoor festival at Nicholls Oval Park doesn’t get underway until Saturday, August 15th. Today’s opening-night concert takes place indoors at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre.

Canada’s longest-running free-admission folk festival is now in its 37th year, continuing a tradition that began as a community music gathering in 1989. This year’s festival brings more than 30 artists and bands to Peterborough, including 12 local performers.

Tonight’s Kick-Off

The festival’s opening night takes place at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre, with acclaimed Canadian singer-songwriter Ken Yates joined by Tristan Konkle, the Peterborough Folk Festival’s 2026 Emerging Artist of the Year.

Doors open at 6pm, with the concert beginning at 7pm. The show is all ages and licensed, and unlike the main outdoor festival, tickets are required. The festival’s current information lists tickets at $35 including fees, with a limited number of $25 tickets available.

For anyone looking to get their Folk Festival weekend started tonight, it’s a chance to see two Canadian singer-songwriters in an indoor setting before the festival moves into its larger outdoor format.

Downtown Takes Over Friday

The music continues Friday, August 14th, with the festival bringing performances into downtown Peterborough.

A free outdoor concert is scheduled for 6pm to 9pm at Quaker Foods City Square on Charlotte Street, featuring Western Canadian Music Awards Songwriter of the Year Slow Leaves and Peterborough’s Ollie Mae, a 17-year-old singer-songwriter.

The evening continues at The Pig’s Ear Tavern starting at 9pm, with The Lucky Ones and special guest J.J. Swinn. There is no cover charge, although donations are encouraged.

Then It’s Off to Nicholls Oval

Saturday and Sunday bring the festival’s biggest outdoor component to Nicholls Oval Park, with free admission and performances spread across multiple stages.

Saturday’s lineup includes SHAD, Aysanabee, Begonia, Georgia Harmer, Dean Johnson, The Free Label, Field Guide, Slow Leaves, Moondoggy, The Friendly Frog Freak Show, The Kents, The Watched Pots, BURS and Songs of Scratch Garden, among others.

Sunday closes out the festival with Bahamas, Terra Lightfoot, Kazdoura, The Weber Brothers, The Young Novelists, Tennyson King, Hunt The Hare, Joanna Bronson, //NEWBERRY// and Glen Caradus and the Camp Kawartha Chorus Sing Songs of Nature.

Artists including Melissa Payne, Kelly McMichael, The Pairs, The Lucky Ones, Ollie Mae, Lauren Dillen, Cale Crowe and Tristan Konkle will also perform throughout the weekend.

There’s Much More Than Music

The outdoor festival is designed to be more than a series of concerts.

Families can spend time in the Children’s Village, which runs Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 5pm, with crafts, games, performances, workshops and other hands-on activities.

The festival also features an Artisan Village, local food vendors and community programming, giving people plenty of reasons to wander around Nicholls Oval between performances.

There are also four festival stages to explore, including the expanded Miskin Law Main Stage, the Rotary Stage, Generation Solar Stage and the new TD Stage, which will feature collaborative performances and workshops.

Admission to the outdoor festival on Saturday and Sunday is free, although donations are encouraged. The festival suggests a $25 donation per person, which helps offset the cost of putting on the event and is eligible for a tax receipt.

Getting to Nicholls Oval

If you’re planning to attend this weekend, organizers are encouraging people to leave the car at home when possible.

Nicholls Oval Park is located along the Rotary Greenway Trail, making it accessible by walking or cycling. Free valet bicycle parking will also be available beside the Rotary Trail on Saturday and Sunday.

A free festival shuttle will also operate Saturday and Sunday between King Street Parkade, the Miskin Law Community Complex and Nicholls Oval Park. Free parking is available at the King Street Parkade on weekends, while parking is also available at the Miskin Law Community Complex.

On-site parking at Nicholls Oval is limited and is expected to fill early. Organizers are encouraging people who need to drive to consider carpooling and allow plenty of time for parking.

A Weekend Built Around Discovery

One of the things that has helped keep the Peterborough Folk Festival going for nearly four decades is the opportunity to hear something you may not have expected.

Alongside recognizable Canadian names, the festival puts a significant focus on local performers and emerging artists, giving audiences a chance to discover new music while enjoying familiar favourites.

And with free admission to the main outdoor festival, people don’t need to commit to an entire day or a particular artist. You can drop by, listen for a while, wander through the Artisan Village, grab something to eat, check out the Children’s Village or simply find a spot at Nicholls Oval and take in the music.

With its mix of nationally recognized performers, local talent, family programming and four stages, the Peterborough Folk Festival continues to offer a little bit of everything while staying true to the community spirit that has been part of the event since it began in 1989.

As the 37th annual festival gets underway, that combination remains at the heart of what makes the weekend such a longstanding part of Peterborough’s summer.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Riverview Park & Zoo Inviting Residents to Safely View Partial Solar Eclipse

By Scott Arnold

Peterborough residents will have a chance to safely watch a partial solar eclipse at Riverview Park & Zoo this afternoon, with specialized viewing equipment provided by the Peterborough Astronomical Association.

A look toward the sky at Riverview Park & Zoo, where residents can safely view Wednesday afternoon’s partial solar eclipse through specialized equipment provided by the Peterborough Astronomical Association.

The eclipse begins at 12:53pm on Wednesday, August 12th, with maximum coverage expected at 1:40pm. The Moon will then gradually move away from the Sun, with the eclipse ending at 2:27pm.

Residents are invited to join the Peterborough Astronomical Association (PAA) at Riverview Park & Zoo anytime after noon to take in the event.

The viewing will take place at the Gazebo, south of the fountain, at 1300 Water Street. Members of the PAA will have specialized equipment available so visitors can safely view the eclipse.

The event offers a chance to experience the partial eclipse without having to travel far, right here in Peterborough.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Riverview Park and Zoo Train Open After Completion of Track Work

After a delay due to track work, the Miniature Train at the Riverview Park and Zoo is open for the season.

The 1860 locomotive replica is located at the south end of the Zoo under the Sabre jet. File Photo.

Weather permitting, the train is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through to the end of the Labour Day long weekend in September.

The train track is over two kilometers and the ride is approximately ten minutes long. 

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Registration For City of Peterborough Summer Day Camps Opens February 2

Registration for summer day camp programs with the City of Peterborough opens Feb. 2 at 9 a.m.  

file photo.

Registration for Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre members opens at 7 a.m.

The City offers a variety of day camp options at various facilities throughout the summer months.  

Campers can enhance their creative talents, learn new artistic skills or dance the summer away at the Art Gallery of Peterborough.

Dig for dinosaurs, explore the far reaches of outer space or become a young historian at the Peterborough Museum and Archives.  

Campers can hone their skateboarding skills at Bonnerworth Park with instruction from the Peterborough Skateboard Coalition. Tennis, soccer, rugby, basketball and lacrosse sport camps are taking place in City parks and facilities. The City’s Leadership and aquatic programs are also returning this summer.  

New this year at the Riverview Park and Zoo is a Junior Zookeepers day camp throughout July and August. This week-long day camp will give campers a hands-on, educational experience focused on animals, conservation, and nature. 

“With a wide range of programs offered across the city, campers can explore new interests, build confidence and make new friends while creating memorable experiences that help kids make the most of their summer months,” said Community Services co-Chairs Alex Bierk and Lesley Parnell in a joint statement.  

A full list of day camp programs is available online.

Residents can register for day camp programming online or by calling (ext. 2201). Registration can also be done in person at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre (775 Brealey Dr.)

To learn more about payment plans and options visit the website.

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Score For The Zoo Hockey Tournament Raises Funds For Accessible Playground Project At Riverview Park and Zoo

The Score for the Zoo hockey tournament has raised $8,000 for the Rotary Club of Peterborough’s Accessible Playground project at Riverview Park and Zoo. 

All photos by Felicia Massey.

All photos by Felicia Massey.

All photos by Felicia Massey.

All photos by Felicia Massey.

All photos by Felicia Massey.

All photos by Felicia Massey.

All photos by Felicia Massey.

The Riverview Park and Zoo, in partnership with The Rotary Club of Peterborough, has committed to raising $1.5 million to bring their vision of a fully accessible playground at the zoo to life. The Rotary Club has pledged to match every donation made to the project, up to $125,000.

More details can be found online.

@ptbo_canada Score For The Zoo hockey tournament raises funds for the Rotary Club of Peterborough’s Accessible Playground Project at Riverview Park and Zoo! 🛝🥅 #ptbocanada #accessibility ♬ Reflections on 52nd - AGM3

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New Animal Showcased at Riverview Park and Zoo's 'Wild Winter' This Saturday

The Riverview Park and Zoo is celebrating the holiday season with its ‘Wild Winter' event which starts at 11 a.m. this Saturday.

Photo courtesy of the Riverview Park & Zoo

Meet the Keeper sessions will be held throughout the day to introduce a new animal into the zoo. They also plan to make an announcement at the otter exhibit.

Riverview is accepting donations of children’s toys for the Children’s Foundation and non-perishable food items for Kawartha Food Share.

The gift shop will offer hot chocolate (by donation). It also offers holiday shopping and animal adoptions.

The schedule is as follows:

• 11 a.m. – Meet the Keeper – Caribou

• 1:30 p.m. – Otter Enrichment & Announcement

• 2:30 p.m. – Alpaca walk

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Riverview Park and Zoo Reopened After Being Temporarily Closed From Fire

UPDATE: 11:02 a.m. 08/05/23

Riverview Park and Zoo announced that it has reopened after being temporarily closed by a fire according to a Monday morning tweet.

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

No animals or staff were harmed from the fire according to a tweet just before 11 a.m. Monday.

The Park and Zoo is now open. Due to a fire at the zoo was temporarily closed this morning. Emergency response plans were successful and all animals and staff are safe. Thanks for your patience and understanding while we care for our team. Please check our website for updates.

— Riverview Park & Zoo (@RiverviewZoo) May 8, 2023

The zoo stated in a Tweet that they were closed just before 9:30 a.m. Monday morning. “We are closed until further notice. please keep an eye on social media for updates. Thank you for your patience and understanding.”

The closure affected the gated zoo area however the playground remained open, according to the zoo’s comment on their Facebook post.

Since 1933, Riverview Park and Zoo is Canada’s only free-admission accredited zoo with nearly a quarter of a million annual visitors. It features a disc golf course, a park, a miniature train, splash pads and live music alongside its animal exhibits.

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Peterborough Zoo Constructing Sloped Wheelchair-Accessible Walkway Beginning Monday

The Riverview Park and Zoo are beginning construction on a sloped wheelchair-accessible walkway connecting the north parking lot to the playground with work scheduled to begin on Monday.

File Photo.

The zoo estimates its completion on May 12 according to a press release.

Access to existing accessible parking spaces is maintained at all times but alternate spaces and detours will be provided during this time. Access to the Electric Charging Stations are not affected but the public will be notified if this changes.

Funding for the project has been supported by Enabling Accessibility Fund, Employment and Social Development Canada.

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Riverview Park And Zoo Releases Second Jigsaw Puzzle Fundraiser For New Locomotive Next Season

The Riverview Park and Zoo have released a puzzle of their miniature train ride puzzle for a second consecutive year, fundraising a replacement locomotive and its passenger coaches for next year announced Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of the Riverview Park & Zoo.

The 308-piece, 11 x 17-inch puzzle of the current 1860 locomotive replica is a limited-edition gift for $20. They are available at the Riverview gift shop beginning on Thanksgiving weekend (the gift shop closes for the season after Oct. 10) or at certain local retailers while quantities last.

“We felt that including the F86 Sabre Jet Plane, flown in the Korean War, would introduce a whole new point of interest for our community,” says Shauna Moodie, Zoo advisory chair.

The zoo’s miniature train ride was established in 1974 and has provided regular income that sustains the operations and helps to make necessary capital improvements to exhibits and the park. The ride is just over two kilometres long and is $2 to ride or free for children under two.

There are six bench dedications left on the new train available for sponsorship, used to recognize anyone or your company’s contribution to the Park and Zoo or dedicate it in honour of a special project or a loved one. Dedications are $2,500 each.

Riverview Park and Zoo’s goal is to raise $300,000 with $225,000 already raised.

Since 1933, Riverview Park and Zoo is Canada’s only free-admission accredited zoo with nearly a quarter of a million annual visitors.

They received the fighter jet monument in 1971 and display it to honour the people from Peterborough who fought for Canada.

Donate to the train campaign: https://forms.riverviewparkandzoo.ca/Donations.

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