Riverview Park and Zoo Remains Closed Due to Weather Damage

The Riverview Park and Zoo remains closed to the public due to damage caused by the weekend ice storm and prolonged power outages.

IN CAPTIVITY, RIVER OTTERS HAVE A LIFE EXPECTANCY OF ABOUT 25 YEARS. PHOTO COURTESY OF Riverview Park and Zoo.

Its exhibits, parking lot, playground, disc golf area, and park spaces remain closed until further notice. However, the animals and staff are unharmed from the significant weather event.

“We are very happy to report that all our animals and staff are well and there were no injuries due to the storm,” said Cathy Mitchell, zoo manager and curator. “We have approximately 150 animals under our care, we continue to be proud of the Animal Care and Parks teams who, without interruption, continue to provide top-class care to the animals who live here.”

The weekend’s ice storm damaged several trees, with hanging limbs and downed power lines. The closure will remain in effect as staff work to make necessary repairs and ensure the area is safe.

“The tree damage and damage to property, is worse than we saw during the 2022 Derecho storm,” explained Mitchell. “However, I am very proud of our Riverview Park and Zoo team and grateful for the support of the City of Peterborough, Water Distribution team, for being here to help us tackle the mammoth task of clearing the site of fallen trees and hanging tree limbs.   

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Riverview Park & Zoo Otter Has Leg Amputated After Sustaining Severe Injury

Unfortunate news for Meadow the Otter at Riverview Park & Zoo and she had to have her leg amputated due to sustaining a leg injury after an altercation.

Photo courtesy of the Riverview Park & zoo.

Meadow suffered a severe leg injury after having an incident with other otters according to the Zoo. After medical consultation with vets and an orthopedic surgeon, Meadow had her leg amputated as a result of her injuries.

“Although this is an unfortunate situation, there is always a risk when introducing animals together, even when every precaution was taken by the Animal Care team,” said Cathy Mitchell, Riverview manager and curator.

Mitchell states that Meadow has been healing and recovering very well while showing resilience. The animal health team has cleared her to be back on exhibit and have outdoor access.

Meadow was moved on March 11th into her exhibit with ample outdoor space in the west outdoor primate exhibit. She was welcomed into the Zoo at the end of last year to join a group of three other mate otters.

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Peterborough Humane Society Launches Animal Wellness Services

The Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) is offering basic animal wellness services at the Peterborough Regional Spay/Neuter Clinic, announced on Monday.

Photo courtesy of PHS.

The service is to help increase accessibility for veterinary care for Peterborough according Shawn Morey, PHS CEO.

“Over 90 per cent of individuals surrendering their pets to Peterborough Humane Society cite the main reason as being due to the financial impact of veterinary care, and costs associated with caring for a pet,” he said. “The introduction of basic wellness services at PHS supports one of the main organizational focuses of enhancing and providing access to affordable care for the community.

PHS hosted its first Wellness Clinic on Friday. Services offered include but are not limited to: wellness exams, deworming, flea/tick prevention, microchipping and several vaccination offerings. 

“We are just getting started,” explained Morey. “Our goal is to keep people and pets together, and the introduction of wellness services from our clinic will play a vital role in helping achieve that goal.”

Animal wellness clinics will happen weekly as PHS plans to expand to additional wellness clinic days as soon as this Spring.

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Hometown PTBO: Jordan Leal Going FromCo-Owning The House of Scales to The Hub Sauce Co.

This week on Hometown PTBO, David Tuan Bui talks with former House Of Scales owner and The Hub Sauce Co. founder Jordan Leal about his decision to leave the former to focus on the latter which launched last year.

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New Animal Showcased at Riverview Park and Zoo's 'Wild Winter' This Saturday

The Riverview Park and Zoo is celebrating the holiday season with its ‘Wild Winter' event which starts at 11 a.m. this Saturday.

Photo courtesy of the Riverview Park & Zoo

Meet the Keeper sessions will be held throughout the day to introduce a new animal into the zoo. They also plan to make an announcement at the otter exhibit.

Riverview is accepting donations of children’s toys for the Children’s Foundation and non-perishable food items for Kawartha Food Share.

The gift shop will offer hot chocolate (by donation). It also offers holiday shopping and animal adoptions.

The schedule is as follows:

• 11 a.m. – Meet the Keeper – Caribou

• 1:30 p.m. – Otter Enrichment & Announcement

• 2:30 p.m. – Alpaca walk

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Peterborough Humane Society Recieves $100,000 Grant to Improve Accessibility Vet Care From PetSmart Charities

The Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) has received a grant of $100,000 from PetSmart Charities to help support the expansion of basic animal wellness services offered by the Peterborough Regional Spay/Neuter Clinic, announced on Monday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Humane Society.

“This grant from PetSmart Charities will enable Peterborough Humane Society to begin providing even more support to people and pets in Peterborough and the entire Kawartha Region,” says PHS Executive Director Shawn Morey. “As an important part of our 3-year Strategic Plan, helping improve access to care is a real priority and focus for us. This is an important next step in that strategy.”

This is part of a $100 million commitment from PetSmart Charities over the next five years toward improving access to veterinary care. These grants support the expansion of low-cost veterinary care by funding growth and operations for up to four years for nonprofit clinics looking to expand their services, serve their communities better and inspire other veterinary providers by sharing their experiences according to PHS.

“Our veterinary system is in crisis,” said Kate Atema, director of community grants and initiatives at PetSmart Charities.  “Rising costs are putting standard veterinary care out of reach for as much as 50% of pet-owning families. We need innovative solutions that make veterinary care affordable for the families in every community who want the best for their four-legged companions but struggle to meet the cost of vet care. We’re inspired by the incredible work Peterborough Humane Society is doing to create solutions that will build strong families and a healthy community.”

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Get Your Dogs Clean With 'Pug Wash' Fundraiser to Support Peterborough Veterinary Outreach On Nov. 10

Get your dogs cleaner and support the Peterborough Veterinary Outreach (PVO) as Pet Styling by Becki is hosting a ‘Pug Wash’ fundraising event at 655 Parkhill Rd. W. (behind the plaza) this Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Pet Styling By Becki.

Proceeds go to PVO, which services Peterborough, who may experience barriers that prevent them from accessing veterinary care. 

The cost is $25 (cash only) for each dog which includes de-shedding, a bath, ear cleaning, blow-drying, brushing, nail trimming and lots of ‘pug hugs.’

Photo courtesy of Pet Styling By Becki.

All small-breed dogs are welcome including short-hair pugs such as Frenchies, Bostons, Jack Russells, Dachshunds, and more. 

“The Pug Wash is our favourite event and the Peterborough Veterinary Outreach program is a perfect non profit organization to support local pets,” said Becki.

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Peterborough Humane Society's Wraps Up 50/50 Lottery & Marlin Travel ‘Ruff’le With Record-Breaking Numbers

The Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) has wrapped up its’ Fall 2024 PHS 50/50 Lottery with an all-time high record of $43,905, completed on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Humane Society.

Melissa of Peterborough was announced as the 505/50 winner and claimed the $21,950 grand prize.

The PHS 50/50 Lottery featured an additional raffle draw, the Marlin Travel ‘Ruff’le, for a $5,000 gift certificate for use at Marlin Travel Peterborough won by Elaine Mason.

The PHS 50/50 Lottery & Marlin Travel ‘Ruff’le ran from Sept. 14 to Oct. 15 raising $36,312 for needy animals at Peterborough Humane Society. Tickets

“Once again Peterborough and the Kawarthas have answered the call to help animals at Peterborough Humane Society; we are humbled by their kindness,” said Shawn Morey, PHS executive director. “We are so grateful to everyone who bought tickets, the small businesses that promoted the lottery and to the community who helped spread the word. Everyone had a hand in making this a great success.”

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Hometown PTBO: Kassie Graham On Her Love For Animals and the Humane Society's New Off-Leash Dog Park

This week on Hometown PTBO, David Tuan Bui talks with Kassie Graham of the Peterborough Humane Society about her love for animals, the new off-leash dog park and the upcoming 50/50 “Ruff”le fundraiser.

Click the link to purchase 50/50 "Ruff"le tickets.

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Lakefield Animal Welfare Society Getting Its Paws Together For Doggie Dash Fundraiser

The Lakefield Animal Welfare Society will host the Doggie Dash, a dog-walking fundraiser to help animals in need at the Isabel Morris Park in Lakefield this Sunday at noon.

Photo courtesy of LAWS.

According to a press release, dog owners can walk with their canine friends for 1.5 or 2.5 km through Lakefield to help rescue, rehabilitate, and find forever homes for more dogs and cats in the community.

Registration will open at noon and the walk will kick off at 1:00 p.m.

Sarah VDB will play live music, food vendors, local artisans, and small businesses selling their handmade goods after the walk.

Participants are encouraged to register online or on-site at the event, with collected donations of $100 or more.

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