08/25/2026
Your Toronto Zoo is excited to welcome two new raccoons to the Canadian Domain where they have joined resident raccoon, Manny. Introducing: River (female) and Racer (male)! 🦝
Estimated to be around 8 years old, this masked duo came to your Toronto Zoo from Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, where they have lived since June 2019 after being rescued from a roadside zoo. Racer is aptly named: his keepers report that he is food motivated and quick to race towards a potential meal! Racer has a paler face than River, who tends to be more reserved.
Introductions between River, Racer, and Manny began slowly two weeks ago, with the raccoons getting howdy access to each other. River and Racer also got to explore the main habitat on their own to familiarize themselves with the space. The first full introductions between the raccoons were tense for all involved, with lots of vocalizations, body posturing, and some chasing. After a few skirmishes, Manny decided he’d rather observeRiver and Racer from the safety of a treetop! Every day since, all three raccoons have been getting increasingly comfortable with each other. You may still hear them growling or chattering, and there is still the occasional skirmish, but they are well on their way to being tolerant roommates, if not bosom buddies.
Their arrival supports your Toronto Zoo’s Strategic Plan, particularly through our commitment to being Wildlife Advocates - ensuring animals in our care thrive - and through Belonging, recognizing that protecting wildlife is a shared responsibility among animal-care organizations, communities, and individuals.
These new raccoons will provide companionship and social stimulation for Manny following the passing of his former roommate, Micro, last winter. Micro was 14.5 years old and had lived well into her golden years, a reflection of the dedicated, lifelong care she received from our team. As she developed age-related issues, including spinal changes, cataracts, and dental disease, the Zoo’s Wildlife Health team created and regularly adapted a treatment plan to keep her comfortable. When close monitoring by Wildlife Care and vets identified subtle signs that she was experiencing discomfort despite her advanced treatments, the unanimous decision was made to proceed with compassionate, humane euthanasia. Saying goodbye to protect an animal’s wellbeing is part of our responsibility - it is a privilege to ensure every animal is treated with dignity throughout their life.
Micro’s team fondly remember her as a determined, clever, and charming raccoon with a sassy (or, as they affectionately put it, “growly and spicy”) personality. She preferred to keep to herself and made it clear that life happened on her terms, often choosing to spend her time tucked into one of her favourite beds. Her Guardians especially remember the way she would reach out to grab favourite snacks like meat and egg, and the little stretch she did each time she got out of bed. And despite being a raccoon who valued her personal space, Micro somehow still found herself at the bottom of the raccoon sleeping pile! She was a strong, if small, presence in the Canadian Domain for 14 years and will be fondly remembered by the Toronto Zoo team and the many guests who visited her over the years.
