Hello, we will be vacationing in Toronto area next week. We promised our 12 year old, animal-loving daughter a trip to the zoo. Now I am thinking maybe she would enjoy the Lion Safari more, as her favorites are lions and other animals from the plains of Africa. Probably can only afford to do one, so I would welcome any recommendations.
Thanks.

I'm five times as old, but if I never get back to the Toronto Zoo, but can go to African Lion Safari instead, that's fine with me.

At the Toronto Zoo, a fine zoo by any standards, my experience is that the animals, especially in the summer, like to get a long way from the fences.

At African Lion Safari, you can get a lot closer, but keep your windows closed. Plus there's a waterpark at ALS, so bring a bathing suit.

On my AFS visit, we were even impressed by the quality of the food, and what we thought were reasonable prices.

BAK

Thanks for your reply. Do you really see a lot of animals at the Safari? Also, should we drive our own car (rental) or ride on the bus?
Thanks!

Yes you really do see a lot of animals at Safari. I love it there. I prefer to take the bus through, although many prefer to drive their own car. You are sitting higher up on the bus and have no worries about damage to your car. It's air conditioned and to me, more fun.

Never been to African Lion Safari, but I loved the Toronto Zoo. A highpoint was seeing a very tiny baby mandrill with the other - they were just on the other side of the fence. It was a very hot day - that was actually the day the Pope was in town 2 or 3 years ago, so the zoo was not especially busy. We loved it.

Been to both and enjoyed both but personally I would pick the Metro Zoo any day - the variety of animals is amazing and you can get very close to some of the most interesting - gorillas and orangutans.

The zoo is great! They also have splash pads to cool you down on a hot summer day.

I would pick the zoo over ALS