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This Canada Day, we're celebrating two journeys, one that reached for the stars, and one just beginning to make its mark, by naming two Blanding's turtles in our care after two inspiring Canadians.
The first turtle is named after Jeremy Hansen, the first Canadian to ever venture toward the Moon. He carried Canada farther than ever before, travelling more than 1.1 million kilometres in nearly 10 days and farther than any humans in history on the Artemis II mission, breaking the record previously held by the crew of Apollo 13. His journey reminds us how far determination can take us.
The second turtle is named after Gavin McKenna, the newest Toronto Maple Leaf. He is at the start of his own incredible path, recently drafted to the NHL and stepping onto the national stage with promise, talent, and drive. His story is one of potential, momentum, and the power of what comes next. We look forward to cheering him and our hometown team on next season.
At your Toronto Zoo, the Blanding's Turtle Headstarting Program is all about journeys too: raising young turtles until they're strong enough to thrive in the wild. Each release is a step forward for a species at risk, and a reminder that with care and commitment, small beginnings can lead to something extraordinary.
From exploring new frontiers to chasing big dreams, these two Canadians represent the spirit of perseverance and possibility.
Through the Toronto Zoo's Blanding's Turtle Headstarting Program, we work alongside our conservation partners to raise young turtles until they are large enough to have a better chance of surviving in the wild before being released into protected habitats. Every turtle released is another step toward recovering this incredible native species.
By connecting these remarkable Canadians with equally remarkable turtles, we hope to inspire more Canadians to become Guardians of Wild and help protect Canada's wildlife.
Join us in congratulating Jeremy Hansen and Gavin McKenna on their newest namesakes, and Happy Canada Day from your Toronto Zoo! ❤️🍁