Riverview Park & Zoo facts for kids

The Riverview Park & Zoo is a super fun place to visit in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada! It's both a park and a zoo, and the best part is that admission and parking are completely free. Imagine spending a whole day exploring and learning without spending a dime!

This amazing place first opened its doors way back in 1933. It was started by Ross Dobbin. Since 1968, the City of Peterborough has owned it, and the Peterborough Utilities Group helps keep it running smoothly. Besides seeing cool animals, you can also enjoy a miniature train ride, check out a real F-86 Sabre fighter jet, and even play disc golf!

Meet the Animals at Riverview Park & Zoo

A turtle enjoying its home at Riverview Park & Zoo.

Riverview Park & Zoo is home to over 40 different kinds of animals from all over the world. You can see everything from big mammals to fascinating reptiles. It's a great chance to learn about wildlife up close!

Mammals You Can See

Get ready to meet some amazing furry friends! The zoo has a variety of mammals, each with its own unique features.

• Yaks: These large, shaggy animals come from the mountains of Central Asia. They are known for their long hair and impressive horns.
• Camels: You might see a camel, famous for its humps that store fat, helping it survive in dry places.
• Two-toed Sloths: These slow-moving creatures spend most of their lives hanging upside down in trees. They are super chill!
• North American River Otters: Watch these playful animals swim and slide. They love to play in the water.
• Capybaras: The largest rodents in the world! They look like giant guinea pigs and love to hang out near water.
• Reindeer: Yes, like Santa's reindeer! These animals are known for their impressive antlers.
• Red-necked Wallabies: These smaller relatives of kangaroos hop around and are native to Australia.
• Sichuan Takins: These are rare, goat-antelope animals from the Himalayas. They look very unique!
• Barbary Sheep: These sheep have cool shaggy hair on their chests and legs. They come from North Africa.
• Squirrel Monkeys: These small, active monkeys are fun to watch as they swing and play.
• Meerkats: Known for standing upright and looking out for their group, these small mammals are super social.

Reptiles and Birds to Discover

The zoo also has a cool collection of reptiles and some interesting birds.

• African Dwarf Crocodiles: These are the smallest crocodiles in the world.
• African Plated Lizards: These lizards have tough, bony plates on their skin for protection.
• African Spurred Tortoises: These are very large tortoises, known for their bumpy shells.
• Ball Pythons: These snakes are popular pets and are known for curling into a ball when they feel threatened.
• Box Turtles: These turtles can pull their entire body into their shell, closing it up like a box!
• Burmese Pythons: These are some of the largest snakes in the world.
• Boa Constrictors: Another large snake known for squeezing its prey.
• Sulawesi Forest Turtles: A unique turtle species from Indonesia.
• Yellow-bellied Sliders: Common turtles often found in ponds and lakes.
• Yellow-footed Tortoises: These tortoises have yellow scales on their legs and feet.
• Wild Turkeys: You might see these large birds, native to North America.
• Emus: These are the second-largest birds in the world, after ostriches. They can run very fast!
• Macaws: These are large, colorful parrots known for being very smart and noisy!

Fun Attractions and Activities

Riverview Park & Zoo isn't just about animals; there are lots of other exciting things to do for the whole family!

Play and Explore

• Disc Golf Course: If you like frisbee, you'll love disc golf! It's like regular golf, but you throw a disc into special baskets instead of hitting a ball into a hole.
• Picnic Areas: Pack a lunch and enjoy a meal outdoors in one of the many picnic spots. It's perfect for a family day out.
• Playground: Kids can burn off energy at the playground, with swings, slides, and climbing structures.
• Ridable Miniature Railway: Hop aboard a small train for a fun ride around the park. It's a great way to see the sights!
• Splash Pad: On a hot day, the splash pad is the perfect place to cool down and have some watery fun.

Riverview Park & Zoo is a fantastic place to visit, offering both education and entertainment for everyone.