Riverdale Farm facts for kids
A view of Riverdale Farm
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| Date opened | 1978 |
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| Location | Cabbagetown, Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
Riverdale Farm is a special place in the heart of Cabbagetown. This is a lively neighbourhood in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It's a working farm that covers about 3 hectares (that's like 7.4 acres!). The city of Toronto runs this farm. It's a great spot to learn about farm life and meet some cool animals.
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History of Riverdale Farm
Riverdale Farm has an interesting past. Before it became the farm we know today, it was home to a zoo!
From Zoo to Farm
From 1888 to 1974, this very spot was the Riverdale Zoo. It started when a city leader, Daniel Lamb, donated some deer. Over many years, the zoo grew.
In 1974, the zoo moved to a much bigger place. This new location was in Scarborough. It then became the famous Toronto Zoo.
After the zoo moved, Riverdale Farm opened in 1978. It's located right next to Riverdale Park. The main barn at the farm is very old. It was first built in 1858 in Markham. Then, it was carefully moved to the farm's current spot and rebuilt in 1977.
Saving the Farm
In 2011, there was a suggestion to close Riverdale Farm. This idea came from a report looking to save money for the city. But many people loved the farm and wanted it to stay open.
In 2013, the W. Garfield Weston Foundation helped out. They gave $25,000 to keep the farm running. Other companies and people also donated money. Thanks to these generous gifts, Riverdale Farm can continue to operate. It is expected to stay open for visitors until at least 2027.
Animals at Riverdale Farm
Riverdale Farm is a working farm. It focuses on special kinds of farm animals. These are often called "pioneer breeds." They are types of animals that are not usually found on big commercial farms today.
You can see many different animals at the farm. These include:
- Poultry (like chickens and turkeys)
- Waterfowl (like ducks and geese)
- Goats
- Sheep
- Pigs
- Cows
- Donkeys
- Horses
It's a great chance to see these animals up close. You can learn about what farm life is like.
Visiting Riverdale Farm
Riverdale Farm is open to everyone. You can visit the farm all year round. It's a fun and educational place for families and kids. You can explore the barns, see the animals, and learn about farming.
See also
