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2024
Annual
Report
Guardians of Wild
A Message from the CEO
Without question, none of the incredible work that happens here would be possible without the unwavering support of our community and our city. Your Toronto Zoo is not just a place for animals; it is a place for people—a place where families come to learn, explore, and create memories that last a lifetime. We have hosted over 60 million guests, connecting them to the natural world and fostering a lifelong love of nature.
There's a saying I use a lot: ‘The windshield is bigger than the rearview mirror because where we are going is more important than where we have been’. This milestone reminds us that while we’ve accomplished much, our greatest challenges lie ahead. Since 1974, wildlife populations have declined by 69% and Carbon Dioxide levels in the atmosphere have exceeded a critical threshold, passing 400ppm. The role of accredited conservation science focused zoos has never been more crucial. As such, we launched our Guardians of Wild campaign inviting members of the community to join
the Toronto Zoo in protecting wildlife, preventing habitat loss and combating climate change.
There's a saying I use a lot: ‘The windshield is bigger than the rearview mirror because where we are going is more important than where we have been’
It is our responsibility to continue to evolve and challenge assumptions, and we know we can’t do this alone. This year we reaffirmed your Toronto Zoo and our community’s commitment to truth and reconciliation. We launched complimentary year-round access for First Nations, Inuit and Metis people, established the Toronto Zoo Indigenous Advisory Circle to provide advice and guidance on Indigenous programs and services, and supported Indigenous child and youth-centred service agencies including Native Child and Family Services of Toronto and ENAGB Indigenous Youth Agency in onsite programming that weaves traditional knowledge and conservation education.
In a rapidly changing world, we all must remain curious, work tirelessly to effect change, and do better in service to wildlife. We believe contemporary science and traditional knowledge together can make a profound difference. We believe conservation is a team sport, and we need more players. We’re incredibly proud to partner with people and organizations fighting for a better tomorrow, and as we look ahead to the next 50 years we will honour our commitment to saving wild species and wild spaces.
Table of Contents
Celebrating 50 Years
On hand to join in the festivities were many elected officials from all levels of government, members of the Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo and Mr. Paul Godfrey, former Chairman of Metropolitan Toronto in 1974, and who was in attendance on August 15th 1974 to open the Zoo!
When Toronto Zoo first opened its doors in 1974, it was envisioned as a place where people could come and marvel at the beauty and diversity of wildlife from around the globe.
But more than that, it was a place where the seeds of conservation could be planted, where future generations could be inspired to care for our planet and all its inhabitants.
As we reflect on our journey, it is fair to say we've achieved far more than anyone could have imagined. Your Toronto Zoo has become a global leader in conservation science, thanks to the tireless dedication of our staff and volunteers, past and present. From breeding endangered species to pioneering conservation science research, we've played a critical role in preserving biodiversity.
Guardians of Wild
We received the Marketing Excellence Award for this campaign at the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Annual Conference, which recognizes the excellence, innovation and impact of AZA-accredited members across the zoo and aquarium community.
As we look ahead to the next 50 years, we invite people to embark on this journey with us.
Together, let’s make a difference for wildlife, today and for the next 50 years.
We are Guardians. We are champions of habitats. We are agents of change. We learn and we teach. With knowledge, compassion and understanding, we nurture this generation and the next, working in harmony with the natural world.
We Can’t Do It Alone
We are so proud of what we have accomplished as a zoo, as a community, and as a force for good in the world. Your Toronto Zoo is more than just a home for the animals in our care; it is a symbol of hope, a place of learning, and a beacon for conservation.
Toronto Zoo Community Conservation Centre
A net zero complex made of two nestled buildings, the Toronto Zoo Community Conservation Centre will bring new, exciting educational experiences and hands on learning opportunities to Zoo guests and will also be a space accessible to the local community, where people can gather and connect with nature and each other.
With lively North American river otters out front and a new home for the Zoo’s endangered turtle conservation breeding centre, the front building represents an exciting next phase for conservation science here at your Toronto Zoo. This second building will be a prominent and visually stunning statement of your Zoo’s commitment to the community, with multiple labs and classrooms used by students from the University of Toronto Scarborough as well as Toronto Zoo camps, Zoo School, and many other education programs for all ages. When the classrooms are not being used for educational purposes, they will serve as outreach spaces that our broader community and partner organizations can utilize for meetings, gatherings, events, town halls, and programs.
Your Toronto Zoo is proud to be the first Zoo in Canada to establish a collaboration wherein a leading university has a physical campus located onsite. We are proud of our shared commitment to inspire, teach and train the next generation of conservationists and scientists. We look forward to watching this partnership grow as the need for science and innovation becomes more important each day.
This new facility will offer students a level of experiential learning that can only be gained by being immersed within a working conservation-based organization, our experienced researchers and practitioners. It is a very different perspective on learning outcomes and will set the students up for success in their future careers.
This space is another step in our commitment, along with the City of Toronto and the University of Toronto Scarborough, to make science more accessible.
Building these unique education spaces outside the admission gates where they are accessible seven days a week, in the evenings and outside Zoo hours is an important aspect of the project. The Zoo has more than 1.3 million guests per year who will see the work going on in Scarborough – not just by your Toronto Zoo but also by a recognized academic partner. For more information, please visit the of Community Conservation Centre project page.
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Free Admission for Indigenous People
For many years, our Zoo has offered complimentary general admission to First Nations, Inuit and Metis (FNIM) People during the month of June (National Indigenous Heritage Month), and later extended this to September 30 (National Day for Truth and Reconciliation) as a day for complimentary admission for FNIM.
In June, Toronto Zoo extended complimentary admission to FNIM year-round. The extension of the admission policy to year-round is one way to recognize our commitment to work with, learn from and partner with Indigenous communities particularly around wildlife conservation and environmental protection and we value their insights and knowledge gained through their connection with Mother Earth.
No documentation is required for FNIM to receive complimentary admission. We do not want to create additional barriers to non-status First Nations, Inuit and Metis people by requiring documentation. Providing complimentary general admission to First Nations, Inuit and Metis (FNIM) People is one of many ways our Zoo is working to strengthen relationships with Indigenous People.
Canoo Partner of the Year Award
The Partner of the Year Award recognizes the Canoo partner that welcomed the most newcomers in 2023: the stand-out favourite among Canoo Members. Your Toronto Zoo saw 49,000 Canoo members visit our site in 2023, and we hope to see this number continue to grow in future.
Solar Eclipse at Your Toronto Zoo
These citizen scientists helped our staff, volunteers and Welfare Science researchers document what this experience meant for the overall behaviour of the animals at Toronto Zoo. The science team will be asking guests to collect data the days before and after the eclipse as well, which was then used as comparable data.
Institute for Canadian Citizenship Ceremony
emphasizing the deep-rooted connections between the land, its people, and the cultural heritage that forms the foundation of the nation.
Toronto Zoo CEO Dolf DeJong echoed the spirit of inclusivity and excitement, warmly welcoming the new citizens to “their zoo.” This momentous occasion was not only a celebration of citizenship but also a reminder of the vibrant community that Canada offers. The Canoo App was highlighted as a gateway for newcomers to enjoy Canada’s myriad activities, museums, parks, and more.
Remembering Charles
Charles became an unforgettable part of a Toronto Zoo visit. With his impressive stature (weighing more than 195 kg), wise gaze and majestic silverback, Charles had a true presence—one that left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege to see him. His long life at the Zoo allowed us the unique opportunity to witness his extraordinary journey from a playful juvenile to a protective and wise leader, as he took on the role of silverback guiding his troop with grace and authority. His days were filled with moments of joy, quiet reflection, and family bonds—a testament to the complex social lives
gorillas share. His steady and strong presence is deeply missed by the entire Zoo community.
Charles was an orphan when he came to the Zoo from Gabon, Africa just prior to the Zoo’s opening and became one of the most iconic Zoo residents. He was an amazing father and grandfather to his family, even in his later years where he continued to be vigilant about protecting them and maintaining order in the troop. He proved to be an ideal example of what a silverback represents, siring over 11 offspring and being a grandfather to six, the last one named “Charlie” in his honour.
Critically Endangered Western lowland gorillas in the wild typically live to 30 to 40 years of age. The species continues to decline at an annual rate of 2.7% mostly due to poaching for bushmeat, disease, and habitat loss and degradation. Because of poaching and disease, the gorilla’s numbers have declined by more than 60% over the last 20 to 25 years. The Toronto Zoo is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Western lowland gorilla Species Survival Plan® (SSP) Program, which aims to establish and maintain healthy, genetically diverse populations, and overall conservation efforts to save this incredible species
Red Pandas
Red pandas are a difficult-to-breed species due to pre- and post-partum challenges with offspring survival both in the wild and in human care. Recent scientific studies have shown that as few as 40% of cubs reach their first birthday. These low survival rates have a significant impact on the growth of the red panda population under human care. Sadly, one of the cubs passed away at the end of July.
The surviving cub, affectionally called “Biggie” before being officially named “Poppy” by the community as an ode to her mother, Sekura, is doing very well. She was hand raised by Wildlife Care staff after Sekura’s passing, and has since been joined by 12-year-old male, Kalden.
They get along really well and spend all their time together in their habitats. At 12 years old, Kalden often finds himself keeping up with 1-year-old Poppy’s bursts of energy! He’s found his favorite branch on his favorite tree, where he loves to relax, while Poppy busily climbs and explores every corner of their habitat, typically going on the branches above or below him to poke at him.
In April 2015, the conservation status of red pandas was elevated to Endangered by the International Union for Conservation and Nature (IUCN). Red pandas are elusive and challenging to study in the wild. Their population has been estimated by experts as anywhere between 2,500 and 10,000 individuals, but all agree that the species is declining—by as much as 50% in the past 20 years. Earlier in 2024, the Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy committed to a long-term partnership with the Red Panda Network to support conservation projects in the wild ("in-situ").
Cougars Bowen and Teeka
The cougar species is a non-breeding population within AZA organizations, but institutions like your Zoo help to provide homes for orphans, confiscations and other cougars that find themselves in precarious situations.
White-Handed Gibbons
As with all new arrivals, welcoming this family to the Zoo began with a mandatory 30-day quarantine period. As part of their quarantine, each underwent a health examination to ensure there was no inadvertent transfer of illness. This included a full physical exam (including body condition scoring by the Wildlife Nutrition department), the collection of blood and fecal samples for testing, and radiographs (x-rays).
White-handed gibbons are considered Endangered throughout their range in the tropical and subtropical forests of Southeast Asia. Mel and Manju came to Canada (originally to the Assiniboine Park Zoo in Winnipeg) from Singapore in the early 2000s. They had been surrendered to the Singapore Zoo after being kept as pets, which means they were almost certainly born in the wild. They are considered founders (unrelated to other gibbons) within the white-handed gibbon Species Survival Plan®.
Welfare wins
Planning for optimal welfare begins before an animal’s birth, hatch, or acquisition and continues throughout their lifetime.
Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnakes
survival for hibernation of this species in an area where we hope to see future translocations. Life zone is the space between the groundwater table and the frost line, which must remain unfrozen for survival during hibernation. Together with Wildlife Preservation Canada, Wildlife Preservation Canada, we test and demonstrate that the habitat is suitable through the building of "hibernation tubes" which are meant to simulate a crayfish burrow, which rattlesnakes use to hibernate through the winter.
The rattlesnakes, in this case, are then loaded into tubes and will stay there through the winter (from mid-November to mid-April). At that point, the snakes are then extracted to see if everyone survived well. They will then transition back into human care, in preparation for release into the wild.
In 2024, 24 snakes were out in the southwestern Ontario area and in a location not publicly shared to protect their safety. Thankfully, there has been a 100% survival rate in the last two years of them hibernating in tubes.
The AZA Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake SSP is a zoo-based program that is in a unique position to assist with this effort. Along with our partners, we are working diligently to recover the eastern massasauga rattlesnake across its range. We have been working to save and protect eastern massasauga rattlesnakes (as well as Ontario snakes) since 1989 and provide workshops for Zoo members and those living in areas where rattlesnakes are found.
We also contribute to the recovery of this species and a team of recovery experts support field research, education and outreach programs and resources, scientific research, monitoring, development of shelter areas and ecosystem restoration.
Those partners include the Canadian Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake Implementation Group and the Ojibway Prairie Reptile Recovery Working Group, who started this important project in 2015. Since then, we have followed the IUCN One Plan approach. WE continue to work towards the development of management strategies and conservation actions by all responsible parties for all populations of a species, whether they are inside or outside their natural range.
Caribou Genome Project
We partnered with Weenusk First Nation (WFN), an Indigenous community in Northern Ontario, to provide guidance, and integrate conservation science and traditional knowledge as an integral part of working with this iconic and culturally significant Canadian species.
As part of this collaboration, we welcomed Jade Hunter, a research assistant from WFN, to the Toronto Zoo. Jade received specialized training in the Zoo’s reproductive science laboratories and will work alongside our team on the Caribou Genome Biobanking Project. Her role will involve supporting sample collection efforts and assisting with community engagement.
Jade Hunter is Swampy Cree from Weenusk First Nation and was raised in a small community on the southern shore of Hudson Bay lowlands. She grew up under the traditional knowledge and culture of her Cree heritage and learned from a young age how to steward the
land’s flora, fauna and environment.
As a Natural Resource Monitor Assistant with Weenusk First Nation, Jade has assisted in multiple projects targeted to help protect and monitor the environment – especially with our changing climate.
Some of these projects include sampling and monitoring water quality, bottom-dwelling macroinvertebrates, yearly snow levels, fish mercury levels, bird migration, peatland sampling including permafrost, and blue carbon sampling. WFN has partnered with governments, non-government organizations, and academic organizations, connecting Traditional knowledge with Western knowledge to uncover new insights.
The collaboration between your Toronto Zoo and WFN will bring invaluable perspectives to innovative research endeavours such as biobanking and contribute to collaborative efforts and solutions for Canadian Species.
Boardwalks
Through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP)’s Community, Culture and Recreation Stream, the Government of Canada invested $2,950,000, the Government of Ontario invested $2,458,088 and the City of Toronto invested $2,900,000 towards these projects. These boardwalks are part of a series of upgrades aimed at improving accessibility and enhancing the Zoo’s guest experience.
Built with sustainable materials, the new boardwalks replace aging infrastructure that was challenging for guests to navigate due to steep
grades. Now, guests of all abilities can enjoy a smooth, accessible path through one of the Zoo’s most scenic areas, fulfilling a decades-long vision of making the Toronto Zoo’s natural landscapes and environmentally significant areas more accessible to everyone.
Your Toronto Zoo is proud to dedicate one of these beautiful and accessible boardwalks in honour of the incredible life and legacy of David C. Onley, Ontario's 28th Lieutenant Governor.
David C. Onley's story is not just one of adversity, but one of his great accomplishment as a trailblazer. As Ontario's first Lt. Gov., with a physical disability, he adopted accessibility as the overarching theme of his mandate. He defined accessibility as "that which enables people to achieve their full potential", believing that true accessibility occurs when disabled people can fully participate in the social, cultural and economic life of Ontario.
David and his wife Ruth Ann raised their three sons in Scarborough, just a short distance from the Toronto Zoo and enjoyed many visits here. This boardwalk will serve as a constant reminder to Zoo staff, volunteers and guests about the importance of ensuring accessibility for all.
30th Community Blooms Program
We were honoured to welcome two judges from Communities in Bloom—Collectivités en fleurs who spent time understanding how profoundly rich and beautiful our Zoo is—from plants in the newly renovated greenhouse and garden beds on site to team members in other areas who are Guardians and change makers for our environment in great ways.
The collective efforts of every team member here at your Zoo continues to go a long way in ensuring that we live in a world where wildlife and wild spaces thrive.
Veterinary Conference – Zoo Day
This annual conference brought together zoo and wildlife professionals from all over the world who shared their knowledge and best practices from the veterinary field. Delegates also had the opportunity to take part in practical workshops.
Leading Wildlife Science staff from your Zoo hosted two workshops that explored “Biobanking Tools for Wildlife Conservation” and “Browse Silage: An Approach for Browse Preservation.” These workshops looked at:
Providing theoretical and practical training for genetic resource banking of wild species
Outlining the potential of biobanking living cells for biodiversity conservation as well as the disease implications
Training participants on basic sperm and oocyte evaluation including viability, morphology and membrane integrity
Providing knowledge and tools required to participate in gamete biobanking projects with the goal of reducing biodiversity loss
We were proud to host nearly 600 veterinarians to your Zoo, as they got to see first-hand the incredible work that is done daily within the Wildlife Health and Science Centre—all in support of your 3,000+ animals.
Your Toronto Zoo in Your Pocket
We are always looking for ways to deepen our connections with guests and make their visit memorable and impactful. The app has been designed to connect people, animals and
conservation science through the digital world and encourage them to explore and protect wild spaces and wild species.
Since opening in 1974, close to 60 million guests have visited our beloved Toronto Zoo! Incredibly, millions more from around the world have digitally engaged with the Zoo, making it one of the most popular zoo social media accounts. The new Toronto Zoo Experience App will further this digital reach, encouraging guests on site as well as those looking to learn more about the animals in our care to become Guardians of Wild
Learning and Engagement
In 2024, through the combined programs offered, the Learning & Engagement Branch connected with 25,685 participants generating $1.519 million in revenue, which is the most successful year to date!
Sustainability Wins
In 2024, Your Zoo integrated innovative green infrastructure, progressive policies, and strategic partnerships to address climate change, protect biodiversity, and foster climate resilience. From energy-efficient retrofits and renewable energy adoption to zero-waste dining and community-driven habitat restoration, Your Zoo continues to demonstrate that conservation-focused institutions can drive measurable environmental outcomes.
Newly Renovated Greenhouse
Previously, only one section of the greenhouse was open to Zoo guests, while the others were used for production purposes only. The newly renovated greenhouse features immersive botanical displays across interconnected houses, each dedicated to different botanical zones. This reimagined space creates engaging and educational experiences for guests while improving the welfare of the Zoo's plant collection.
The renovation project, made possible by the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF) and Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF), sought to showcase the Zoo's diverse plant collection year-round.
The deteriorating condition of the greenhouse's roof prompted the need for renovation, which ultimately transformed the space into a conservatory-style botanical collection. Key improvements include the installation of higher R-value insulation for improved heating efficiency during Canada's long winter season, as well as the implementation of a new automated computer system to control various environmental aspects of the greenhouse.
One of the highlights of the renovated greenhouse is its role in supporting ongoing renovations and transitions within zoo habitats and exhibits. By providing suitable plants for different animal habitats, the greenhouse ensures authenticity for the animals while enhancing the overall guest experience. Additionally, the greenhouse accommodates the seasonal nature of certain display items, such as orchids that bloom periodically, contributing to our conservation messaging.
In addition to enhancing the guest experience and conservation efforts, the renovated greenhouse plays a crucial role in your Toronto Zoo's sustainability initiatives. By facilitating propagation and production for Pavilion spaces, the greenhouse allows the zoo to grow its own plants rather than importing them, aligning with the zoo's core values of conservation and sustainability. Additionally, the greenhouse now uses rainwater collected from its roof via a cistern system, promoting environmental sustainability and providing a pure water source beneficial for sensitive plants like orchids.
Growing and learning
We further demonstrated its commitment to employee well-being with the launch of its wellness program, "1TZ Cares." This comprehensive program integrates existing wellness efforts with new initiatives, enhancing holistic well-being of our employees, promoting a positive workplace culture.
In support of employee recognition, the Toronto Zoo launched—Zoodos! (a WorkTango tool), an employee recognition and rewards platform, which has seen high engagement from staff.
Additionally, the Zoo continues to provide extensive opportunities for professional development through lunch and learns and thousands of online courses available via LinkedIn Learning. To foster an environment of continuous learning, we launched 1TZ Learns, which is an internal platform for the Zoo staff housing learning resources and educational courses. Our goal with our ongoing efforts is to enhance skill-building, strengthen workplace culture, reinforce employee pride and continue to connect to our community.
Together, these initiatives have enhanced skill-building and strengthened the Zoo’s commitment to fostering a positive, growth-focused workplace culture for all staff members—based on employee engagement metrics our programs continue to help us build a positive culture.
