Toledo Things to Do

Pachyderm Profile
The African elephant is the largest living land mammal, with its relative, the Asian or Indian elephant, coming in a close second. Adult African elephants reach a length of 18-24 feet and a height of 10-13 feet. They weigh in at 8,800-15,500 pounds. Maximum size is reached at around 25 years of age.

Habitat
African elephants are native to a wide variety of habitats, including semi-desert scrub, open savannas and dense forest regions. However, whereas elephants once ranged throughout Africa, they are now mostly confined to parks and reserves south of the Sahara Desert. Only about 20% of their range is under some form of protection.

When young male elephants reach puberty, around 12-15 years of age, they either leave the herd voluntarily or are driven out by the females. They then roam alone or gather in small, loosely bonded "bachelor" herds. Bulls temporarily rejoin cow herds when females are ready to mate.

Adult elephants appear to recognize individual members of their family group as well as members of extended groupings. Members of a group will often pause briefly to exchange touches when passing one another in the bush. Elephants are even thought to display compassion when a group member is injured and grief when a familiar elephant dies.

Traveling northbound from Columbus or Cincinnati, take I-75 north to the #201-A exit. Then take state route 25 (Maumee) south to The Toledo Zoo parking lot.

HOURS
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. May 1- Labor Day
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Labor Day-April 30

All Lucas County residents are admitted free into the Zoo every Monday between 10:00a.m. - Noon (must have valid I.D)

This offer does NOT apply on holidays that fall on Mondays

The Zoo is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Visitors have one additional hour after the gates close to complete their visit. However, some animals may not be on exhibit in areas such as the African Savanna.

Parking is $5.00 per vehicle. Members must present a Toledo Zoo membership card to receive free parking in the Anthony Wayne Trail lot ONLY!

REGULAR ADMISSION
" $9.00 for Adults
" $6.00 for Children (2 yrs - 11 yrs) and Seniors (60+)
" FREE for Members and Children under 2 years.

A Local Treasure
It was a largely unnoticed gesture nearly a century ago - the donation of a single woodchuck to the City of Toledo's Parks Board. Little did anyone realize at the time that an institution would emerge that would become one of Toledo's most beloved and valuable treasures. With this single gift, The Toledo Zoological Gardens was started in 1900 and over the years has served as an enduring tradition for families and a source of pride for the entire community. From its rather ordinary beginnings, The Toledo Zoo has become an extraordinary success. Nationally recognized as one of the most comprehensive zoological institutions in the nation, The Toledo Zoo now serves as the top tourist attraction in the area and is the number one reason people visit Toledo. As such, the Zoo is highly regarded for its contribution to both the local economy and quality of life for the Toledo community.

During the summer, be sure to check out the Toledo Mud Hens baseball team. They play in a beautiful new stadium right downtown. It's affordable, and a fun family atmosphere. And, yes, if you're a MASH fan, it's Klinger's team!

Take a walk on the Wild Side! Exhibits include the African Savannah, the Artic, Primates, Reptiles, an Aquarium and a childrens petting zoo and playground! A great family day outing!

The park is very clean, and the animals appear very well cared for. Lots of information is offered at exhibits including photos, documentation and audio guides.

Weekends may be rather crowded, and I suggest being sure to bring a stroller or wagon for small children and drinks and snacks, too!

ADMISSION:
Adult $8.50
Kids under 12 $5.50
African Carousel $1.50 each

The University of Toledo Center for the Visual Arts is immediately adjacent to the Toledo Art Museum. You could this as a test run for Gehry's masterpiece, the Guggenheim in Bilbao. Compare this to his design, also from the mid-90s, for the University of Minnesota Art Museum - I have a picture of it on my Minneapolis page.

I'm not sure I understand this piece. It's "Untitled," by Ellsworth Kelly. According to a museum brochure, "Ellsworth Kelly has spent years exploring the aesthetic possibilities of simple, pure form. He reduces his painting and sculptures to as few elements as possible, even to the point of using a single shape and color."