Toronto Zoo to be transformed with a yurt hotel & restaurants surrounded by animals

Big things are happening at The Toronto Zoo. Set to undergo a major transformation over the next 15 years, the zoo will become practically unrecognizable when the new master plan comes to life.

In addition to refurbishing the existing buildings, the Toronto Zoo will be a world-class destination with a winterized Savanna pavilion, an art walk, a unique yurt hotel, an elevated viewing tunnel, glass viewing domes, and improved facilities for the animals that call it home.

One of the key features of the master plan is a new pavilion called Gorilland, with vantage points that offer eye-to-eye contact with the animals and 360 tunnels to observe them as they roam around. It will also be outfitted with sensors and soundscapes that change based on the animals’ activity level.

Plus, you’ll be able to learn all about the animals and donate to their care right from the pavilion through the zoo’s new app.

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The entire northeastern corner of the zoo’s property will be converted into an art walk and observation area called Wilderness North, where 8 yurts for year-round, overnight stays will be built, as well as a yurt pavilion.

Wilderness North will be “alive with stories and music,” according to the master plan, with large-scale artworks and sweeping views of roaming animals in their habitat.

The overnight yurts will be entirely controlled through the app. Guests will use it to unlock their yurt, then connect to wifi to order meals, snacks, and more.

The zoo plans to build a large nutrition centre and restaurant, where visitors can see how the animals’ food is grown and prepared. The facility will also supply products for the food served at the restaurant and will feature a rooftop with panoramic views.

An existing building will be used in the construction of a new three-story brewery. The brewery will be powered by sustainable energy and will be 50% habitat, so we humans will get to share the space with orangutans and other species.

And in the colder months, an indoor pavilion will be home to the zoo’s Savanna species and will be open to visitors through the winter. The second phase of the building’s expansion includes food and drink offerings with an expansive rooftop terrace for warmer months.

Well, it looks like the zoo as we know it is changing, but only for the better!