Great Indian rhino at Toronto Zoo

The great Indian rhinoceros kept a determined back to me, but I was still able to see his pavilion and his tough but baggy-looking hide.

These creatures are enormous. Their babies can be born weighing up to 70 kilograms, and adult males are up to 2220 kg. However, the white rhinoceros is even bigger. In the animal kingdom, only elephants outflank them in size.

How big are elephant tusks?

My tiny toes tell the tale.

Those elephant tusks are a whole lot bigger than the human foot.

They're on display at Toronto Zoo.

Cheetah resembles a house cat -- nice kitty!

 
This kitty cat at the Toronto Zoo reminded me so much of a beloved feline pet we lost last spring. Our housecat, Professor Plum, was a lot smaller, and grey tabby rather than spotted. But the similarity in appearance and behaviour of big cats and small ones always amazes me.

Zoo macaques benefit from geo-thermal heating

Native to southern India, the macaques at Toronto zoo don't enjoy Canadian winters. Fortunately, the solution is both efficient and green. Heating and cooling are accomplished using thermal heating pumps that tap into the earth's natural energy. What little electricity is needed comes from wind and water, making this exhibit carbon neutral.

The loftiest view at Toronto zoo

The best view at the zoo. 

For an aardvark, a termite mound is an all-inclusive vacation destination

 

The aardvark in the picture is faux, and so is the termite mound. But the images convey an idea of how this animal lives. For a night out, it may choose occupy a termite mound - a temporary shelter with plenty of food.

Ostrich strides proudly through Toronto Zoo

The ostrich is the largest bird on earth. The male can reach up to 2.8 metres tall and the female can grow to 2 metres.

This bird is a member of Struthio camelis, and is native to southern Africa. They live on the savannah, and although they eat occasional invertebrates, these ostriches feed mostly on leaves, gourds and fallen fruit.

With eyelids the size of tennis balls, they have excellent vision, and can run at speeds up to 80 kmh. Like other ratites, including the emu, the kiwi and the cassowary, this bird is flightless.

Males have harems of three to five hens, and defend their territories.