Toronto Zoo

Your Toronto Zoo is proud to announce it has received accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) as part of the Annual AZA Annual Conference that took place this week in Columbus, Ohio. AZA accreditation is regarded as the “gold standard” of zoological accreditation. “We are part of an incredibly challenging profession, and this team’s dedication to delivering on the highest standards to ensure animal wellbeing while providing our guests with an amazing educational and inspirational visit is just outstanding,” said Dolf DeJong (he/him) Toronto Zoo CEO. “I am so grateful to our dedicated staff and volunteers for their commitment to serving the needs of the animals in our care and our guests, and we will continue to uphold the highest standards of animal care and wellbeing that the AZA has established. We believe strongly that all those who care for exotic and endangered species must meet these high standards and we will continue to advocate for improving the wellbeing of animals in human care,” he added. As one of Canada’s largest zoos, your Toronto Zoo is proud to meet the highest standards of wildlife care excellence, welfare standards and supporting critical conservation programs that support our mission connecting people, animals and conservation science to fight extinction. The Toronto Zoo was one of 22 zoos and aquariums to receive their accreditation this week. For full details on this announcement from AZA click here: https://bit.ly/3r7awMH What is the AZA Accreditation? Accreditation by the AZA demonstrates that an organization has met rigorous standards required to support excellence in wildlife care. https://bit.ly/3rcAA8Y Why is Accreditation important? In the wildlife care profession, it is critical that organizations with the responsibility of caring for and protecting our wildlife are held to highest standards. The standards are continuously improving and evolving to meet the needs of animals in our care. To achieve and maintain accreditation, organizations must make continuous updates to processes, facilities and training that will meet these high standards. Enforcing such demanding requirements allows the internal and external stakeholders of an animal care facility to know immediately if they can trust an organization that they will be visiting or supporting is delivering highest level of care, education and conservation, all critical elements to ensuring animals both in our care and in their natural spaces will continue to thrive. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3PEscIH.

Your Toronto Zoo is thrilled to announce Jennifer Franks, Director of Indigenous Relations, Toronto Zoo, has been recognized on the Blooloop Zoo & Aquarium Top 50 Influencer list for 2024. This list celebrates the work of 50 key individuals whose creativity, passion and drive has helped shape and improve the attractions industry. Jennifer Franks began her role at Toronto Zoo in 2022 and remains the only Director of Indigenous Relations in any zoo in North America. We are grateful for her leadership as we work to support the truth and reconciliation calls to action and serve traditional territory holders and urban Indigenous community members. Jennifer is Red River Metis and a citizen of the Manitoba Metis Federation, and with a graduate degree in community and regional planning, she has worked in the non-governmental and public sectors throughout her career. Most recently before joining your Toronto Zoo, Jennifer was the lead in advancing Indigenous place-making and place-keeping initiatives with the City of Toronto’s Indigenous Affairs Office. She has worked closely with Indigenous Elders, community leaders, youth, knowledge keepers, artists, designers and land stewards on a wide range of programs and initiatives, including the development of the City’s Reconciliation Action Plan. Her role has had a significant impact on the Toronto Zoo team, as her role involves working with First Nations community members to help honour various species that have passed away in our care. To learn more about her impact: https://bit.ly/3NDa7ZT

What is the status of #Lemurs in Madagascar and what can we be doing in Scarborough to protect them? 🐒 Those are one of many questions your Toronto Zoo and conservation partner Planet Madagascar will be answering on Oct. 25 at "Lemurs and Lagers.” 🍺 Join us for a captivating evening as we discuss how a recent trip by Zoo staff to Madagascar is helping protect the country's unique biodiversity and the many lemurs in situ Limited Spots Remain ⬇️ https://bit.ly/3zXrv8j

Happy #WorldTeachersDay 📚🍎 We're grateful for teachers, educational assistants and early childhood educators of all stripes who share their passion and knowledge for learning - not just here within the Zoo but in the greater community. In honour of their contributions, your Toronto Zoo is celebrating their work and profession with 10% off general admission from now until October 31, 2024. Use Promo Code: TEACH10Off. Did you know? Your Toronto Zoo was pleased to welcome Nature School earlier this year! In partnership with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), students now have access to the zoo’s outdoor learning areas and pavilions, the Kids Zoo area, the seven zoogeographic regions, and natural areas and trails on the property not available to guests. Learn more ⬇️ https://bit.ly/47S8gcQ

Happy #NationalCustodialDay 🧹🧽 We’re grateful for our entire custodial team here at your Toronto Zoo who keep our buildings and grounds pristine, while creating an enjoyable working space for staff, volunteers and guests. Thank a Custodian ⬇️

Today we recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 🪶 While your Toronto Zoo's Indigenous Relations team takes the day to quietly reflect, please join your Zoo in recognizing this day by filling our Front Entrance bridge with orange ribbons. All are welcome to visit the Zoo during operating hours today (9:30am - 4:30pm) to reflect, learn in our First Nation Art Garden (outside the Americas Pavilion), and explore the First Nation Traditional Knowledge Trail (within the Canadian Domain). Details: https://bit.ly/3BabJr6 Your Zoo’s Turtle Island Conservation resources can also be found on our website at https://bit.ly/3LFIXAX.

We were pleased to welcome nearly 600+ veterinary professionals to your Toronto Zoo yesterday. As part of their joint conference of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV) and the European Association of Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians (EAZWV), they dedicated a day to joining our Wildlife Care, Health and Science teams at the Zoo to discover the important conservation science work that is being carried out in this corner of the world. Guests were treated to a number of Wild Encounters and behind the scenes tours of the Wildlife Health and Science Centre. There, they understood our many veterinary practices which support the health and wellbeing of 3,000+ animals in our care. We also shared important information on our various Species Recovery programs and Reproductive Science projects. Wishing all of this year’s attendees a wonderful conference and stay in Toronto! 🏥

Your Toronto Zoo is pleased to welcome this year’s joint conference of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians (AAZV) and the European Association of Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians (EAZWV) ⚕️ This annual conference brings together zoo and wildlife professionals from all over the world who will share their knowledge and best practices from the veterinary field. Delegates will also have the opportunity to take part in practical workshops. On Saturday, 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 look forward to welcoming nearly 600 veterinarians to your Zoo tomorrow, as they journey through and understand the incredible work that is done daily within the Wildlife Health and Science Centre - all in support of your 3000+ animals. We will share more throughout the next few days, stay tuned to learn more! 🏥

Your Toronto Zoo is thrilled to announce that Dr. Gabriela Mastromonaco, Senior Director of Wildlife Science and a world-renowned reproductive scientist, has been nominated for the prestigious Indianapolis Prize, often referred to as the "Nobel Prize for animal conservation." This recognition is a testament to Dr. Mastromonaco’s groundbreaking contributions to wildlife conservation through her leadership of Canada’s most diverse living cell bank. Biennially, the Indianapolis Zoological Society awards substantial monetary awards to conservationists working on high-impact conservation program fields and projects. The Indianapolis Prize awards $250,000 to an animal conservationist who has achieved major victories in advancing the sustainability of an animal species or group of species. This award was established to bring the world’s attention to the cause of animal conservation and the brave, talented, and dedicated men and women who spend their lives saving the Earth’s endangered animal species. Dr. Mastromonaco’s pioneering work in reproductive science has been critical in preserving endangered species, not only within Canada but across the globe. Under her leadership, your Toronto Zoo’s biobank has become a vital resource in safeguarding genetic diversity and ensuring the survival of countless species facing extinction. Her innovative techniques in assisted reproduction and her dedication to scientific excellence have placed her among the world’s foremost leaders in wildlife conservation. This nomination highlights her tireless commitment and expertise to ensuring a future for the planet's most vulnerable and endangered animals. With over 110 scientific publications, Dr. Mastromonaco is one of the few reproductive scientists around the globe who have dedicated their careers to wildlife reproductive sciences. As the only zoo-based reproductive scientist in Canada, she is a ground-breaking pioneer and mentor, as well as an inspiration to female scientists around the world. Her exceptional contributions in her field have afforded her a well-deserved nomination this year for the Indianapolis Prize. Learn more about Dr. Mastromonaco and the Toronto Zoo wildlife and science impact: https://lnkd.in/eP7UyNXm

On this #NationalTradespersonsDay, we celebrate our outstanding trades teams and staff whose hard work and skill keep our Zoo moving and operational 🛠️ From Carpenters to Auto Mechanics, Auto body repairers, Plumbers, Electricians, Gas Fitters, Welders, Horticulturists, Painters and Maintenance Workers, they not only serve our animals, zoo staff and volunteers but they ensure a positive experience for every guest. Thank you for making our Zoo a safe place for both guests and staff!