Exotic butterflies escape biome in The Leaf, prompting closure
The escape of some exotic butterflies in The Leaf has prompted the temporary closure of the butterfly biome.
A spokesperson for the Assiniboine Park Conservancy told CTV News some of the butterflies in the biome on the third floor of The Leaf managed to escape into other parts of the building.
"We are confident none of them have escaped the building," Laura Cabak, the director of communications and public relations for Assiniboine Park Conservancy, said in an email to CTV News.
"Last week, we conducted testing to locate potential gaps and found there are some that need to be addressed."
Cabak said the biome has been temporarily closed, in compliance with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), which regulates the import of animals into Canada. The remaining exotic butterflies have been taken to a holding facility at the Zoo.
"We expect to reopen the biome soon with native butterfly species until the necessary repairs can be addressed," Cabak said.
This comes days after The Leaf had to temporarily close its doors for a few hours due to the heat.
Amid the soaring heat on Sunday, one of the sensors in The Leaf recorded the temperature hitting 43 degrees, prompting the closure of the facility for several hours.
"With the higher temperatures experienced in the Tropical Biome, it has become increasingly challenging to manage the water temperature in the pond," Cabak said on Wednesday. "As a result, to ensure their health and welfare, the koi will be gradually removed and transferred to a temporary holding facility."
Cabak previously told CTV News cooler weather in the forecast is expected to bring some relief.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. child killer's lawyer walks out of review hearing
The lawyer representing child-killer Allan Schoenborn walked out of his client's annual review hearing Wednesday – abruptly ending proceedings marked by tense exchanges and several outbursts.
Why drivers in Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada will see a gas price spike, and other Canadians won't
Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.
'A living nightmare': Winnipeg woman sentenced following campaign of harassment against man after online date
A Winnipeg woman was sentenced to house arrest after a single date with a man she met online culminated in her harassing him for years, and spurred false allegations which resulted in the innocent man being arrested three times.
How to avoid the trap of becoming 'house poor'
The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.
It's the biggest election in history. Here's why few Indians in Canada will take part
In the Indian general election that gets underway on Friday, almost a billion people are eligible to vote, but a vast majority of the overseas Indian community in Canada won't be casting a ballot.
McDonald's customers left with 'zero value' collection of free hot drink stickers after company ends program
It took years for Vinnie Deluca to collect more than 400 cards worth of free McDonald's McCafe coffee, a collection that now has "zero value" after the company discontinued the program.
Juror dismissed in Trump hush money trial as prosecutors ask for former president to face contempt
Prosecutors in the hush money trial of Donald Trump asked Thursday for the former president to be held in contempt and fined because of seven social media posts that they said violated a judge's gag order barring him from attacking witnesses.
Toxic forever chemicals in drinking water: Is Canada doing enough?
As the United States sets its first national limits on toxic forever chemicals in drinking water, researchers say Canada is lagging when it comes to regulations.
Where did the gold go? Crime expert weighs in on unfolding Pearson airport heist investigation
Almost 7,000 bars of pure gold were stolen from Pearson International Airport exactly one year ago during an elaborate heist, but so far only a tiny fraction of that stolen loot has been found.