Riverview Park & Zoo, Public zoo in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
Riverview Park & Zoo is a public zoo in Peterborough, Ontario, set along the banks of the Otonabee River. The grounds hold animal enclosures alongside open green spaces and walking paths that run close to the river's edge.
Riverview Park & Zoo was founded in 1933 by Ross Dobbin, general manager of the Peterborough Utilities Commission. The first animals were two alligators given to Dobbin at a conference. In 1968 the commission took over operations, and the zoo gained accreditation in 1985.
The zoo is operated by the Peterborough Utilities Commission, which took over its operations in 1968; it is funded through commission revenue and public donations. Admission and parking are free, so the grounds serve as a regular outing for Peterborough families. The first animals shown were two alligators given to founder Ross Dobbin at a conference.
The park is open year-round and its flat, paved paths make it easy to get around for visitors with strollers or wheelchairs. Plan for at least a couple of hours if you want to walk through all sections without rushing.
Riverview Park & Zoo was accredited in 1985 and remains the only free-admission accredited zoo in Canada; parking is free too. It is funded through Peterborough Utilities Commission revenue and public donations. The first animals displayed were two alligators given to founder Ross Dobbin at a conference.
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