# @thetorontozoo on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DVdy8PxFFrK
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/58529716-thetorontozoo-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/bd28cc994c.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-03-04T14:17:09.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Toronto Zoo (@thetorontozoo) — https://gondola.cc/thetorontozoo

## Caption

Humans were not the only species facing difficulties following the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Sydney, a 10-year-old Western Grey Kangaroo at your Toronto Zoo, had difficulty adjusting when Wild Encounter Tours began again. During these tours, guests have the opportunity to enter the Kangaroo’s outdoor habitat and hand-feed them. Our Wildlife Care staff noticed that Sydney was reluctant to participate in the tours, often pacing and showing signs of stress. Her unease influenced the rest of the mob, and others began displaying similar stress-related behaviours. 

Our team responded quickly to support Sydney’s well-being and help her rebuild confidence around guests. The kangaroo habitat was temporarily closed to give Sydney and the mob time to feel secure again, and tours were reintroduced gradually. Sydney’s behaviour was monitored daily when the tours began again. Wildlife Care noticed that Sydney appeared most comfortable in a passage leading to the indoor holding area, which was typically closed during tours. The team responded by installing a semi-transparent barrier at the passage entry that gave Sydney and the mob full choice to participate in the tours. 

With this added control, Sydney started gaining more confidence and soon began participating in guest experiences again. By using compassionate care and evidence-based strategies, we strengthened Sydney’s well-being while creatively developing a solution to continue the Wild Encounter Tours. 

Sydney now continues to enjoy time with the mob, while engaging in meaningful experiences as an ambassador for her wild counterparts down under 🇦🇺

On this #WellbeingWednesday, Sydney’s story is a testament to how prioritizing animal care fosters positive outcomes for both the animals in our care, as well as guests and members 🦘

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## Tags

wellbeingwednesday

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