Jungle Cat World : A Wild Day Out

 We loved our visit to Jungle Cat World in Orono, Ontario!  Here you can see some wild animals living just close enough to spark awe and appreciation, but still far enough to respect their beauty.

Located about an hour east of Toronto, Jungle Cat World is not your average zoo. Although smaller, it's more intimate, and deeply focused on conservation and education.  

 

They have powerful big cats like leopards and tigers to rare nocturnal creatures and playful monkeys, this place offers a personal connection to animals that you can’t get at larger places.

One of the highlights they offer is the Behind-the-Scenes program, where you can get up close and personal with animals in a safe, but guided experience. (Like feeding a lemur) The staff are incredibly knowledgeable, and their passion for wildlife is infectious. You’ll leave knowing more about global conservation efforts—and probably with 200 new photos in your camera roll.

They also offer Night Safaris for the brave at heart - a gift shop, and a cozy guest lodge if you want to wake up to the sound of lions roaring (I'll have to add that to my bucket list experience!).

 

 

Prices are very reasonable too compared to other touristy attractions.

Admission Prices

• Adult (ages 13–64): CA $16.00

• Teen/Senior: CA $12.00

• Child: CA $10.00

  

 

 

 

 

 

Just a little background information about the owners of Jungle World

 

Jungle Cat World was opened in 1983 by Wolfram and Christa Klose.  The park is still owned and operated by the Klose family.  

Jungle Cat World was initially just a tourist attraction to show exotic animals, primarily for recreation rather than education. Over the years, the park has taken a much more active role in educating visitors.

 

 

 Although here, I love that every day they do an educational feeding tour around the wildlife park.  The Large cats, wolves and primates are fed.  How can I not love this?

We loved feeding the rabbits which came right up to him (and no I've never been up close and personal to a rabbit, lol) I thought this was so sweet. Campers are also educated on animal welfare, wildlife conservation, and eco-friendly living by participating in some of the above-mentioned activities that Jungle Cat World offers.

Although I hate to see animals living in captivity, they  tell me that they are better off than in the wilderness and have a great life of food that is given to them in a safe, healthy environment.  In my mind, wild animals need wilderness and everything that comes with that.

This seems like a a great adventure for the whole family—or just an unforgettable day trip with friends!

Have you been to Jungle Cat World? What animal encounter took your breath away?
Do you think zoos can play a positive role in conservation?
Got questions about planning a visit?

Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your wildest animal stories or help you plan your trip!

A Night at the Queerium (Ripley's Aquarium in Toronto)

 Was It Worth It? 

Recently, I finally made it out to The Queerium—(at the Ripley's Aquarium in Toronto), this was a venue I’d been hearing a lot of buzz about. As a straight female, I have always been someone who’s always supported the 2SLGBTQ+ community, so I was genuinely excited to check it out. 

I didn’t go in expecting Vegas-level glitz, but for the $76 ticket price, I did expect something beyond just access to the space.

And that’s the thing—it was literally just entry. No drink ticket. No food. No perks. Just... the use of the venue.

Still, I was determined to have fun. My friend decided to order a “Sugar Daddy” (adorable name, right?). But she asked them to skip the grape juice mixer, and they replaced it with three shots of gin - to fill the glass. Great, until we saw the bill: $40 for one drink. I wish I was kidding.  Don't worry she got a refund for the 2 additional shots :)

As for the show, the lineup was supposed to feature 3 or 4 drag acts. Only two queens performed: JUICE BOX and BOA. Their energy was decent, but their sets were short—about 15 minutes in total. They lip-synced to the usual Gaga go-tos, “Born This Way” and “Bad Romance,” which felt tired and a little too on the nose. The rest of the evening was filled by two male dancers, who gave it their all but were clearly exhausted after 2 hours of nonstop movement.

 

I really wanted to love it. I came open-minded and ready to celebrate drag culture. But I left feeling a bit let down. Maybe my expectations were too high, or maybe it’s just that the experience didn’t match the price tag or the promise.

That said, I’m curious—have you been to the Queerium or a similar venue recently? Was your experience different? Am I being too harsh, or did I just catch an off night?

Let me know in the comments. I’d really love to hear your take—especially if you’re part of the scene or a regular at these events.  Maybe there's more to the Queerium than I saw.