Peterborough’s Riverview Park and Zoo has announced that its popular miniature train ride — which is in its 50th year of operation — is out of service until further notice for maintenance.
Established in 1974 by James Hamilton, the miniature train ride features a miniature replica of an 1860 locomotive (nicknamed “Rosco”) that is old and needs to be replaced.
Riverview Park and Zoo, an accredited zoo previously operated by Peterborough Utilities Commission and now by the City of Peterborough, has been working to raise $300,000 to replace the locomotive. The campaign, which was launched in 2021, has raised $250,000 to date.
“We have been planning for replacement of the train, and thanks to our generous community partners and donors we are closing in on our fundraising target,” the zoo states in a media release. “Until we have achieved this target, we will do all we can to keep the existing beloved train in service.”
The train normally runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily from Victoria Day to Labour Day, weather permitting. The zoo has regularly taken the train out of service for short periods of time over the past few years.
“Parts and maintenance are becoming more expensive and more difficult,” the zoo states on its website. “There is more down time each season.”
According to the zoo, this latest closure is because the train “requires significant repairs.”
Each season more than 66,000 people ride the train, which generates revenue to support the operation of the only free-admission accredited zoo in Canada.
