Should the High Park Zoo Still Exist?

Some zoos do have an important conservation/education purpose, and many of the High Park zoo's animals are domesticated and effectively have no natural habitat. That being said, the HP zoo is a depressing eyesore and should be disbanded.

The land area currently occupied by this rather modest zoo would better serve a mandate of conservation by being restored to its natural state.

There is an argument to be made in favour of zoos for conservation and education, though I'm not entirely persauded, but I am clear this zoo meets neither of those goals, and children can go to Riverdale Farm to see farm animals and the Toronto Zoo to see other species.

This site has long since past its best before date.

The High Park Zoo is extremely depressing. The path is not well maintained, neither is the signage or even the pens the animals live in (pens, not environments) and the ostrich has worn several feet deep a tread into the ground by the fence. Time to get rid of it already.

I basically think zoos are fine. Humans have taken over the Earth, animals get to play second fiddle, and as long as the animals are well treated I have no problem with them.

That said, the High Park zoo is an eyesore. Perhaps a new facility could be designed, with a half-dozen secure enclosures, and the animals could be rotated from the Toronto Zoo. I.E., in May, there's a tiger. In June, there's a zebra. In July, there's a lion. Whatever. High Park humans would appreciate the variety. Toronto Zoo animals would probably appreciate a vacation.

I'm not sure animals crave vacations like we do. I know it takes house pets a while to adjust to new surroundings. I can imagine wild animals having a tough time with the rotation idea.

That said, I think (well-run) zoos are important in exposing people to the creatures that their actions could potentially affect. I think it's easier for people to be less destructive in their habits when they've first hand seen a baby Panda or Polar Bear, etc.

I'm pretty sure all those animals shown there are domesticated (including the Llama) for eating purposes and would otherwise be turned into Burgers were they not in that zoo.

An upgrade would be nice and I personally always find zoos depressing. But at least they're only farm animals.

When I was a kid, I lived a couple blocks from High Park. I was able to always visit the High Park Zoo. Because it was in my vicinity, it was worth a few minutes of my time to visit.

To visit the Metro Zoo, it can be an all day expedition to the far reaches of uncharted Scarborough.

I wish they could improve the High Park Zoo. I do hope that the animals are rotated with animals from the Metro Zoo.

Humans have taken over the Earth

You could probably make just as convincing an argument that sea sponges have taken over the Earth.

Maybe you could dispense with some of the animals that aren't really well suited - llamas and ostriches perhaps.

But the goats aren't particularly demanding. I'd say they're fine to stay.

I grew up in Parkdale and the High Park Zoo was the biggest highlight of my childhood visits to the park. I still go and check out the animals every time I'm there. For an inner-city kid like myself, it was my only chance to see those animals - the yak was a family favourite. The Metro Zoo and Riverdale Farm were too far away. Freshen it up if needed, but I believe it needs to remain.

I grew up in Parkdale and the High Park Zoo was seriously lame. I didn't care that they had Zoo Animals in High Park. I didn't even remember until you brought up this story. I still go to High Park only for a quickie or a BBQ or a spark up every time I'm there.
For an inner-city punk like myself, I didn't care about these third rate zoo animals. The Metro Zoo and Riverdale Farm are probably classes above this - but of course I don't know where they are.
I guess you can freshen this "High Park Zoo" up a little bit, or else take it down, give these animals a real home, and make better use of the High Park definition.

Therefore Should the High Park Zoo Still Exist?
can be answered with High Park has a Zoo? .

No, humans have totally taken over the earth. You don't see anybody else with condos and ipods do you? I say if the llamas and porpoises and whatnot don't like it, they can either grow opposable thumbs or STFU.

Humans #1!!

The High Park Zoo need's to either be taken down, or get a severe overhaul. I've only been there once, and it was a rather depressing end to an otherwise nice day in the park.

Yeah we straggle by the zoo everytime we walk though HP and its pretty lame. The riverdale farm is far more interesting and hands on. I would rather pet a plain old cow than stare at a Himalyayn yak from 50 feet away behind a chain link fence.

Seeing that these are domesticated animals, why not turn the entire area into a naturalized grassland habitat and let the animals roam (provided they get along with each other) leaving park patrons to view from a farther distance.