Toronto Zoo may be up for sale or rent
Image: Flickr
Matt Damon played the title character in 2011’s We Bought a Zoo, and now the Toronto Zoo is seeking something similar — an interested buyer.
The City of Toronto announced a request for expressions of interest to buy, lease or rent the Toronto Zoo, and operate the attraction, on Monday. Home to over 5,000 animals, the 2.87 km²-sized zoo is the largest in Canada.
The Toronto Sun writes that any interested zookeepers have until Nov. 26 to submit their proposal to the city. City council encouraged its applicants to address five issues in their bids, including concepts that would make the zoo financially self-sufficient, and a more attractive, viable business to tourists and investors alike.
Currently owned and operated by the City of Toronto, applications will be reviewed by a committee that includes city staff, representatives from Parks Canada, and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority staff.
Toronto students to miss cross-country meet
Some Toronto students will be unable to compete in fall cross-country meets, due to safety concerns on behalf of the Toronto District School Board.
The four available sites have hit full capacity, and TDSB spokesperson Ryan Bird told 680 News that “we just can’t add anymore.” As a result, elementary schools who had not yet registered for the event will not be eligible to participate. However, several experts speculate this limitation may be due to a lack of teacher volunteers, who would be on-hand to supervise the events.
“This is not part of their contractual obligations,” said David Grossman, a Fan 590 amateur sports reporter, to 680 News. “They have every right to back out of something that’s voluntary.”
In spite of this extra-curricular set back, the TDSB is looking into alternative means to accomodate the unregistered elementary school students, and runners.
Drew Barrymore has a baby girl
Mazel tov, Drew! Drew Barrymore and her husband, Will Kopelman, have welcomed a daughter, Olive Barrymore Kopelman.
The 37-year-old actress gave birth to her first child on Sept. 26, telling The Hollywood Reporter, in a statement, “We are proud to announce the birth of our daughter… Healthy, happy and welcomed by the whole family.”
The couple, who began dating in early 2011, were married on June 2 at Barrymore’s Montecito, Calif. home. But, their daughter’s name should not come as much of a surprise. In 1999, Barrymore voiced the title character in the TV holiday special Olive, the Other Reindeer, and also served as the film’s executive producer. Congratulations!
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Joanna Adams writes about news and entertainment for Toronto Standard. Follow her on Twitter at†@nowstarringTO.
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