Heated Rivalry (Aldabra Edition) 🐢

This is one heated rivalry where everyone benefits 🐢🐒🪶 Earlier this year, your Toronto Zoo increased the level of Ultraviolet (UV) lighting in this African Rainforest, mixed-species habitat as part of our unwavering commitment to consistently progressing animal well-being. The goal was to update and provide a larger basking area that all species living in this indoor habitat can utilize together. This upgrade represented a collaborative care approach, bringing together expertise from multiple teams including Wildlife Care and Facilities/Maintenance. By working cooperatively, teams ensured the UV lights and radiant heaters were positioned to best support the animals' natural basking behaviours. This teamwork not only improves the well-being of the Aldabra tortoises, lemurs and cranes who share a home but also reinforces your Zoo’s commitment to integrated animal well-being and cross-departmental collaboration. Wildlife Care has already noticed the Aldabra tortoises eagerly racing one another to the food bowl and prime spots under the heat lamp - an example of healthy competition that reflects comfort, choice, and natural behaviour. Did you know? UV light plays an important role in the health and natural behaviour of many animals! One of its most critical functions is supporting vitamin D₃ synthesis, which is essential for calcium absorption, proper bone development, muscle function, and overall metabolic health. UV light helps regulate circadian rhythms, influencing sleep cycles, appetite, and seasonal behaviours ☀️ UV light is also important for how animals perceive and interact with their environment. Many species can see into the UV spectrum, which affects communication, mate selection, foraging, and navigation. At your Toronto Zoo, the best kind of heated rivalry is one that ends with everyone warmer, brighter, and better supported 💚 Ps. Queenie won this round 🏆