Editing Toronto Zoo

{{Short description|Largest zoo in Canada}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2024}}
{{Use Canadian English|date=May 2020}}
{{Infobox zoo
| zoo_name = Toronto Zoo
| logo = Toronto Zoo Logo 2006.svg
| logo_width = 200px
| image = TorontoZoo.jpg
| image_caption = The main entrance to the Toronto Zoo in 2006
| image_width = 250px
| date_opened = {{Start date and age|1974|08|15}}
| location = 361A Old Finch Avenue<br />[[Toronto]], Ontario<br />M1B 5K7
| coordinates = {{Wikidatacoord|Q741395|region:CA-ON|display=inline,title}}
| area = {{cvt|287|ha}}<ref name="Explore the zoo">{{cite web |url=http://www.torontozoo.com/explorethezoo/ |title=Toronto Zoo - Explore the Zoo - Hours of Adventure and Fun |website=Torontozoo.com |access-date=August 15, 2017 |archive-date=June 16, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100616051257/http://www.torontozoo.com/explorethezoo/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
| num_animals = 5,000+<ref name="Ng">{{cite web |last1=Ng |first1=Anthony |title=2023 Capital and Operating Budget Notes |url=https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2023/bu/bgrd/backgroundfile-231113.pdf |publisher=City of Toronto |access-date=May 6, 2024 |archive-date=May 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240506235215/https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2023/bu/bgrd/backgroundfile-231113.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
| num_species = 300+<ref name="Ng" />
| owner = [[Municipal government of Toronto|City of Toronto]]
| annual_visitors = 1.2 million (2022)<ref name="Ng" />
| members = [[World Association of Zoos and Aquariums|WAZA]],<ref name="waza_list"/> [[Association of Zoos and Aquariums|AZA]]
| publictransit = {{rail-interchange|toronto|bus|85B}} <br />{{rail-interchange|toronto|bus|86A}}<br/>{{rail-interchange|toronto|bus|200}}
| notable exhibits = Xie Shou Panda Experience, Tundra Trek, Gorilla Rainforest, African Savanna
| website = {{URL|https://www.torontozoo.com/}}
}}

The '''Toronto Zoo''' is a [[zoo]] located in [[Toronto]], Ontario, Canada. Encompassing {{Convert|287|ha}},<ref name="Explore the zoo"/> the Toronto Zoo is the largest zoo in Canada averaging around 1.2 million visitors a year.<ref name="Ng" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.touropia.com/largest-zoos-in-the-world/ |title=8 Largest Zoos in the World |website=Touropia.com |access-date=August 15, 2017 |archive-date=August 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816013844/http://www.touropia.com/largest-zoos-in-the-world/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The zoo is divided into seven zoogeographic regions: Indo-Malaya, Africa, Americas, Tundra Trek, Australasia, Eurasia, and the Canadian Domain. Some animals are displayed indoors in pavilions and outdoors in what would be their naturalistic environments, with viewing at many levels. The zoo also has areas such as the Kids Zoo, Waterside Theatre, and Splash Island. The zoo has one of the most taxonomically diverse collection of animals on display of any zoo worldwide{{citation needed|date=May 2024}} and is currently home to over 3,000 animals (including [[invertebrate]]s and fish) representing over 300 [[species]]. The zoo is open to the public every day of the year.

The zoo is a corporation owned by the [[municipal government of Toronto|City of Toronto]] government.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pagliaro |first1=Jennifer |title=Toronto Zoo calls for donations to help feed animals during pandemic |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/city_hall/2020/04/16/toronto-zoo-calls-for-donations-to-help-feed-animals-during-pandemic.html |access-date=May 30, 2020 |newspaper=Toronto Star |date=April 16, 2020 |language=en |quote=The zoo — a corporation of the City of Toronto... |archive-date=May 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200529210515/https://www.thestar.com/news/city_hall/2020/04/16/toronto-zoo-calls-for-donations-to-help-feed-animals-during-pandemic.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Founded by Hugh A. Crothers and business partner, John Cameron Egan, who became the first Chairman of the Metro Toronto Zoological Society in 1966, the zoo opened on August 15, 1974, as the '''Metropolitan Toronto Zoo'''. The word "Metropolitan" was dropped from its name when the individual municipalities that made up the [[Metropolitan Toronto|Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto]] were [[Amalgamation of Toronto|amalgamated into the current city]] in 1998. The zoo is located near the [[Rouge River (Ontario)|Rouge River]] on the western border of [[Rouge National Urban Park|Rouge Park]] in the city's east end district of [[Scarborough, Ontario|Scarborough]].

== History ==
=== Predecessor ===
Around 1880, businessman Harry L. Piper (1839–1921) established a Zoological and Acclimatization Society (also as Toronto Zoological Garden) and opened a zoological garden at Old Post Office Lane at Toronto Street north of King Street East, then in 1881 to a lot at Front Street and York Street next to the [[Queen's Hotel, Toronto|Queen's Hotel]] and finally to the eastern end of the [[Exhibition Place|Exhibition Grounds]] in 1885.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://heritagetoronto.org/torontos-first-zoo/ |title=Toronto's First Zoo &#124; |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131205115443/http://heritagetoronto.org/torontos-first-zoo/ |archive-date=December 5, 2013 }}</ref> Piper was also Alderman for St. John's Ward from 1877 to 1880 and 1883 to 1888.
[[File:Women with goat.jpg|left|thumb|[[Stereoscope|Stereo card]] of a goat at the [[Riverdale Farm|Riverdale Zoo]]. Opened in 1888, the Riverdale Zoo was the predecessor to the modern Toronto Zoo. Riverdale Zoo later became a livestock zoo called Riverdale Farm.]]
In 1888, the [[Riverdale Farm|Riverdale Zoo]] opened in Toronto, as a typical example of a zoo during this time, with animals displayed as curiosities in dark cages and cramped enclosures. Animals for Piper's zoo moved to this site.

In 1963, a private citizen's brief to build a new zoo was introduced by Hugh Crothers to the Chairman of the Council of the Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto, [[William Allen (Canadian politician)|William Allen]]. Allen asked Crothers to head up a committee to investigate the feasibility of a new zoo. By 1966, a group of eleven people became The Metro Toronto Zoological Society with Crothers as the first chairman.

Original plans were to have the park be located in the Leaside area, but the site was later used to create the [[E.T. Seton Park]] and the original [[Ontario Science Centre]]. In 1966, Mr. Crothers and the 10 other citizens met at City Hall to form the ''Metropolitan Toronto Zoological Society''. In 1967, the [[Metropolitan Toronto|Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto]] (Metro Toronto) approved the Rouge Park site in Scarborough for a new zoo. The following year, a feasibility study on the new zoo was produced by architect [[Raymond Moriyama]]. In 1969, a master plan was created by Johnson Sustronk Weinstein and Associates<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.torontozoo.com/AboutTheZoo/History.asp |title=History of the zoo |access-date=August 15, 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070220230653/http://www.torontozoo.com/AboutTheZoo/History.asp |archive-date=February 20, 2007 }}</ref> that was approved by the Zoological Society. Construction of the new zoo began in 1970. On August 15, 1974, the ''Metropolitan Toronto Zoo'' was open to the public. The zoo increased from the original Riverdale Zoo's {{Convert|3|ha}} to {{Convert|287|ha}}, and is now one of the largest zoos in the world. The Zoo introduced some designs to enhance the public's viewing experience and the animals' living comfort. Animals were displayed in naturalized environments and grouped according to their zoogeographic region. The old zoo was converted into an urban farm called [[Riverdale Farm]], which opened in 1978.

=== Since opening ===
[[File:Toronto zoo monorail.jpg|thumb|The [[Toronto Zoo Domain Ride]] a year after it opened in 1977. Operating from 1976 to 1994, the "[[monorail]]" transported guests to various sections in the zoo.]]
In 1976, the Zoo opened the ''[[Toronto Zoo Domain Ride|Canadian Domain Ride]]'', a [[monorail]]-like automated guideway transit service that travelled into the Zoo's Canadian Domain area, located in the Rouge Valley. The ride's operations were placed on hold in July 1994 after an accident. The monorail has since been mothballed with many sections becoming overgrown with vegetation. A 2009 study determined it would cost upwards of $800,000 to return the infrastructure to use and upgrade it to current standards. A fundraising drive was started in 2010 and has since raised $1.15 million. In the interim, the current Zoomobile uses five (4-car set) [[Optima Bus Corporation|Chance Coach]] Sunliner rubber-tired trams.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.toronto-travel-guide.com/toronto-zoo.html |title=Toronto Zoo - Admission, Location, Cost, Hours, Maps and Events |website=Toronto-travel-guide.com |access-date=August 15, 2017 |archive-date=August 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816002949/http://www.toronto-travel-guide.com/toronto-zoo.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Between 1980 and 1984, several new exhibits were added to the zoo, including [[snow leopard]]s, [[gaur]], a children's zoo known as Littlefootland, and new indoor habitats for the zoo's [[African elephant]]s and [[Indian rhinoceros]]es, as well as the official opening of the Zoomobile.

In 1985, Qing Qing and Quan Quan<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/704835 |location=Toronto |work=The Star |first=Donovan |last=Vincent |title=$28,000 Panda Trip Gets Okay From Zoo |date=October 3, 2009 |archive-date=February 13, 2012 |access-date=September 17, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213125323/http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/704835 |url-status=live }}</ref> – a pair of [[giant panda]]s, on loan for three months from China, were displayed at the zoo. The zoo broke all previous attendance records as thousands of visitors came to see these rare animals. Over the years, the zoo has housed other rare or unusual animals, including [[golden snub-nosed monkey]]s (1986), [[koala]]s (1988, 1996 and 2002), [[Tasmanian devil]]s (from the late 1970s until 1998), and [[white lion]]s (1995 and 2012 onwards).

In 1987, the zoo rebranded the South American Waterfall area as the Maya Temple Ruin exhibits, featuring some architectural decor. The zoo's [[capybara]]s, [[jaguar]]s and [[spider monkey]]s remained while the [[llama]]s and similar animals were relocated. In 1988, the zoo completed new reptile exhibits in the Australasia Pavilion, the [[spotted-necked otter]] exhibit in the Africa Pavilion, and the Primate Wing in the Americas Pavilion.

The Malayan Woods Pavilion opened in 1993<ref>{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/thetorontozoo/status/1162006011089227776 |title=Here's a #throwback of some old Zoo maps #45YearsofTOZoo |website=twitter.com |access-date=January 14, 2020 }}</ref> and the [[Sumatran tiger]]s arrived the following year. [[Naked mole-rat]]s went on exhibit in 1996, and [[Komodo dragon]]s become a feature exhibit in 1997.

In 1997, zoo workers went on strike for nine weeks, however, the zoo remained open.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cp24.com/news/toronto-zoo-closed-as-more-than-400-workers-walk-off-the-job-1.3408412 |title=Toronto Zoo closed as more than 400 workers walk off the job |date=May 11, 2017 |author=Codi Wilson |website=Cp24.com |access-date=May 11, 2017 |archive-date=May 12, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170512000548/http://www.cp24.com/news/toronto-zoo-closed-as-more-than-400-workers-walk-off-the-job-1.3408412 |url-status=live }}</ref> After the strike, they signed a minimum compliment contract.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://1989.cupe.ca/2017/05/16/cupe-1989-supports-striking-zoo-workers-and-you-should-too/ |title=CUPE 1989 Supports Striking Zoo Workers, and You Should, Too |date=May 16, 2017 |publisher=CUPE 1989 |access-date=September 2, 2017 }}</ref>

In 1998, with [[Amalgamation of Toronto|the amalgamation of the individual municipalities]] that made up Metro Toronto, the Zoo was officially renamed the ''Toronto Zoo.'' That same year, the Zoo opened the Africa Savanna, the largest expansion in its history.

==== 2000s ====
[[File:DSC00692 - Splash Island at the Toronto Zoo (7693742670).jpg|thumb|In 2001, the Toronto Zoo opened an educational [[water play area]] known as Splash Island.]]
In 2001, the zoo remodeled half of the Africa Pavilion into the Gorilla Rainforest, featuring the world's largest indoor habitat for [[western lowland gorilla]]s, as well as a giant fish tank for [[Lake Malawi cichlids]]. The zoo's Splash Island, an educationally themed [[water play area]], opened in 2002. This was followed by an open-air amphitheatre in 2003 and the Kids Zoo in 2004.

While the [[2002–2004 SARS outbreak|SARS outbreak in 2003]] had a devastating effect on the tourism industry in Toronto, the Zoo fared well with local residents supporting the zoo by visiting often. The Zoo's attendance has recovered well with many record-breaking annual attendance numbers since then, with the exception of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In November 2006, the Toronto Zoo temporarily closed the Australasia Pavilion for redevelopment. The pavilion underwent two years of construction, resulting in new exhibits including a Great Barrier Reef area in the location of the former Edge of Night area. The [[Great Barrier Reef]] exhibit consists of a large {{convert|7|m|adj=on}} long community tank featuring [[brownbanded bamboo shark]]s, [[damselfish]], and [[triggerfish]]. [[Lionfish]] were also added, as well as enlarged [[seahorse]] tanks, [[sea anemone]]s and [[Aurelia aurita|moon jellyfish]]. The exhibit opened on May 16, 2008, alongside the reopening of the Australasia Pavilion.

In May 2007, ''Dinosaurs Alive'' opened, which featured 18 animated dinosaur models and life-size skeleton replicas. It featured the largest [[Tyrannosaurus|T-Rex]] model in North America. This exhibit was enjoyed by over 600,000 visitors and was included with zoo admission. The exhibit closed in October 2007. 

[[File:Ursus_maritimus_-Toronto_Zoo,_Ontario,_Canada-8b.jpg|thumb|left|[[Polar bear]] in the Tundra Trek area of the zoo]]

On August 21, 2007, the [[polar bear]], [[llama]], [[Dall sheep]] and [[Mara (mammal)|mara]] exhibits were closed for the construction of the new {{convert|10|acre|adj=on}} Tundra Trek area. Tundra Trek featured new exhibits for the polar bears, [[reindeer]], and [[Arctic wolf|Arctic wolves]], as well as new additions to the zoo, such as [[Arctic fox]]es, [[Snow goose|snow geese]] and [[snowy owl]]s. Returning to the zoo to take up residence in the new polar bear exhibit were three orphaned polar bears initially raised at the zoo and named by the community: Aurora, Nikita, and Inukshuk. The Tundra Trek opened on August 1, 2009.

On May 16, 2008, ''Stingray Bay'' opened for the first time. This interactive exhibit allowed the public to touch, feel, and feed live [[stingray]]s with their stingers removed. The exhibit returned to the zoo on a regular basis but closed permanently on October 8, 2012, to make room for the Giant Panda Research Center.<ref>{{cite web |title=Media Kit - Sharks at Stingray Bay 2012 |url=http://www.torontozoo.com/pdfs/2012%20Media%20Kit/Media%20Kit%20-%20Sharks%20at%20Stingray%20Bay%202012.pdf |work=Toronto Zoo |access-date=May 14, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140515014750/http://www.torontozoo.com/pdfs/2012%20Media%20Kit/Media%20Kit%20-%20Sharks%20at%20Stingray%20Bay%202012.pdf |archive-date=May 15, 2014 }}</ref> In September 2008, the Toronto Zoo Board approved a motion to dissolve the Toronto Zoo Foundation and bring fundraising and development in-house. All parties agreed to the transfer of existing donor funds to the Toronto Community Foundation.

On August 15, 2009, the Toronto Zoo celebrated its 35th anniversary. During that weekend, the public got to learn about some of the zoo's oldest residents, including Marg the [[demoiselle crane]] and Monty the West African [[dwarf crocodile]]. 

On September 9, 2009, the south side of the African Rainforest Pavilion was closed for construction. The pavilion reopened in early 2011, with new exhibits for [[pygmy hippopotamus|pygmy hippo]]s, [[red river hog]]s, an [[African softshell turtle]], and [[ring-tailed lemur]]s replacing the [[mandrill]]s, as well as a variety of exhibits for fish and reptiles.

==== 2010s ====
[[File:Scholfield statue toronto.JPG|thumb|A statue of [[Frank Schofield]] at the Schofield Memorial/Asian Gardens. The gardens were opened in the zoo in June 2010.]]
The [[Frank Schofield]] Memorial / Asian Gardens opened the first phase in June 2010 and includes a statue erected in Schofield's honour.

On May 21, 2011, the [[black-footed penguin]] exhibit opened to the public. This exhibit once housed [[Brown fur seal|South African fur seal]]s, and was closed and modified in 2010 to house the penguins. 

In 2011, the city started looking at the process of selling the zoo to a third party after Toronto Mayor [[Rob Ford]] claimed there were many interested buyers.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/rob-ford-buyers-eyeing-toronto-zoo-theatres-1.1022549 |title=Rob Ford: Buyers eyeing Toronto Zoo, theatres |date=September 15, 2011 |work=CBC News |access-date=September 22, 2017 |archive-date=December 2, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161202142442/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/rob-ford-buyers-eyeing-toronto-zoo-theatres-1.1022549 |url-status=live }}</ref> This process was short-lived with the city later deciding the zoo will remain an entity of the city.

In April 2012, the zoo lost its accreditation in the [[Association of Zoos and Aquariums]] due to a disagreement regarding sending its three elephants to [[Performing Animal Welfare Society|PAWS]], an animal sanctuary in California that is not AZA-accredited. The zoo began looking for a new accredited home for its elephants in October 2011, but the Toronto city council voted to send the elephants to California instead, ignoring the recommendations of the zoo's professional staff. The zoo re-applied for AZA accreditation in March 2013, and they later returned to the AZA program.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/toronto-zoo-loses-international-accreditation-1.1290899 |title=Toronto Zoo loses international accreditation |work=CBC News |publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |date=April 18, 2012 |access-date=April 26, 2012 |archive-date=October 19, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019184948/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/toronto-zoo-loses-international-accreditation-1.1290899 |url-status=live }}</ref> The three elephants were transported to the PAWS sanctuary in California on October 16, 2013.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2013/09/18/toronto_zoo_training_elephants_for_long_voyage_to_california.html |title=Toronto Zoo Training Elephants for long haul to California |publisher=Torstar Corporation |newspaper=Toronto Star |date=September 28, 2013 |access-date=September 24, 2013 |archive-date=September 28, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928050630/http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2013/09/18/toronto_zoo_training_elephants_for_long_voyage_to_california.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2012, on a trade mission to China, it was announced that the Toronto Zoo and the [[Calgary Zoo]] would be lent two [[giant panda]]s from China for the span of ten years, with the pandas splitting the time equally between the two facilities. The pandas, named [[Er Shun]] and [[Da Mao]], arrived at the Toronto Zoo on Monday, March 25, 2013, greeted by Prime Minister [[Stephen Harper]]. Their exhibit opened on May 18, 2013.<ref>{{cite web |title=Er Shun & Da Mao's Journey |url=http://www.torontozoo.com/pandas/pdfs/Toronto%20Zoo%20Giant%20Panda%20Media%20Kit%202014%20-%20Er%20Shun%20&%20Da%20Mao's%20Journey.pdf |website=Toronto Zoo |publisher=City of Toronto |access-date=April 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810052230/http://www.torontozoo.com/pandas/pdfs/Toronto%20Zoo%20Giant%20Panda%20Media%20Kit%202014%20-%20Er%20Shun%20&%20Da%20Mao's%20Journey.pdf?b |location=Toronto ON |date=2014 |archive-date=August 10, 2014 }}</ref> The pandas originated from the [[Chongqing Zoo]] and Chengdu Panda Base. In October 2015, Er Shun gave birth to twin cubs named Jia Panpan and Jia Yueyue. The exhibit closed on March 18, 2018, when the pandas were moved to the Calgary Zoo.
[[File:Giant Panda Experience (14245660368).jpg|thumb|left|Entrance to the [[giant panda]] exhibit at the Toronto Zoo. The zoo hosted a giant panda exhibit from 2013 to 2018.]]
In December 2014, the renovated Eurasia area, renamed the Eurasia Wilds, opened, featuring a new aviary with [[Eurasian eagle-owl]]s and [[Steller's sea eagle]]s and a new exhibit for the [[snow leopard]]s.

In April 2016, plans to install a [[maglev]] operation to replace the [[Toronto Zoo Domain Ride|Zoo Domain Ride]] surfaced.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2016/04/10/toronto-zoo-eyes-monorail-after-edmonton-firms-proposal.html |title=Toronto zoo eyes monorail after Edmonton firm's proposal |date=April 10, 2016 |last=Sachgau |first=Oliver |newspaper=Toronto Star |access-date=August 15, 2017 |archive-date=August 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816015718/https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2016/04/10/toronto-zoo-eyes-monorail-after-edmonton-firms-proposal.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Plans have been confirmed in November 2018 with the consortium (which includes [[Magna International]] and [[Lockheed Martin]]) paying for construction and the first 15 years of operation.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/yes-it-s-a-monorail-and-the-toronto-zoo-could-get-it-for-free-1.4921661 |title=Yes, it's a monorail And the Toronto Zoo could get it for free |website=Cbc.ca }}</ref>

On May 11, 2017, over 400 employees went on strike, and zoo management decided to close the zoo, due to job security negotiations falling out,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/toronto-zoo-strike-1.4109761 |title=Striking Toronto Zoo workers 'are well paid,' Mayor Tory says |date=May 11, 2017 |author=Andrew Lupton |publisher=CBC News |access-date=May 11, 2017 |archive-date=May 11, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170511100241/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/toronto-zoo-strike-1.4109761 |url-status=live }}</ref> though conservation programs continued.<ref name="hn" /> During the strike, three [[snow leopard]] cubs, two [[clouded leopard]] cubs, five [[cheetah]] cubs,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cp24.com/news/toronto-zoo-announces-births-of-leopards-cheetahs-amid-strike-1.3427054 |title=Toronto Zoo announces births of leopards, cheetahs, amid strike |date=May 24, 2017 |author=Kayla Goodfield |publisher=Cp24.com |access-date=June 17, 2017 |archive-date=June 30, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630062624/http://www.cp24.com/news/toronto-zoo-announces-births-of-leopards-cheetahs-amid-strike-1.3427054 |url-status=live }}</ref> and three [[Vancouver Island marmot]] pups were born.<ref name="hn" /> The strike ended on June 15, 2017, after the Union and Zoo Board of Management signed and ratified a four-year agreement.<ref name="hn">{{cite web |url=http://humbernews.ca/toronto-zoo-reopens-thursday-after-workers-ratify-new-deal/ |title=Toronto Zoo reopens Thursday after workers ratify new deal |date=June 15, 2017 |author=Lucia Yglesias |publisher=Humber News |access-date=June 17, 2017 |archive-date=August 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813142911/http://humbernews.ca/toronto-zoo-reopens-thursday-after-workers-ratify-new-deal/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In December 2019, the zoo opened an after-hours night walk experience called Terra Lumina, in partnership with Montréal-based company Moment Factory.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.torontozoo.com/mediaroom/press2019?pg=20191018 |title=Terra Lumina an enchanted night walk into a bright future |date=October 18, 2019 |publisher=Toronto Zoo |access-date=January 6, 2020 }}</ref> The experience is designed as a hypothetical look into the year 2099, showing positive change having occurred in the world as humanity made changes in the decades between now and then to respect and live in harmony with wildlife, with strong [[Indigenous peoples in Canada|indigenous]] influences. The experience closed early on March 14, 2020, due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] and resumed on August 14, 2020.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/6275728/toronto-zoo-terra-lumina/ |title=New nighttime Toronto Zoo multimedia art exhibit set to be unveiled |date=December 9, 2019 |author=Nick Westoll |publisher=Global News |access-date=January 6, 2020 |archive-date=December 10, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191210130147/https://globalnews.ca/news/6275728/toronto-zoo-terra-lumina/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== 2020s ====
{{see also|COVID-19 pandemic in Toronto}}
The Toronto Zoo closed to all visitors starting March 14, 2020, due to concerns about the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Toronto|COVID-19 pandemic]]. Essential zoo staff remained on-site during the closure to continue caring for the animals. During this closure, a [[Masai giraffe]] calf was born. The zoo reopened as a drive-through experience beginning May 23, 2020, and began re-admitting walkthrough guests beginning July 4, 2020, with the drive-through experience continuing to run until October 5, 2020.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Aguilar |first1=Bryann |title=Toronto Zoo plans to reopen with drive-thru experience |url=https://www.cp24.com/news/toronto-zoo-plans-to-reopen-with-drive-thru-experience-1.4938815 |access-date=May 14, 2020 |website=Cp24.com |date=May 13, 2020 |location=Toronto ON }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Connor |first1=Kevin |title=Toronto Zoo eyes drive-thru service for visitors |url=https://torontosun.com/news/local-news/toronto-zoo-eyes-drive-thru-service-for-visitors |access-date=May 14, 2020 |newspaper=[[Toronto Sun]] |date=May 14, 2020 |location=Toronto, Ontario |archive-date=May 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200514153449/https://torontosun.com/news/local-news/toronto-zoo-eyes-drive-thru-service-for-visitors |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Toronto Zoo pivots to 'drive-thru' format, welcomes adorable new baby giraffe |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/toronto-zoo-1.5570587 |access-date=May 15, 2020 |work=CBC News |agency=The Canadian Press |date=May 14, 2020 |location=Toronto, Ontario |archive-date=May 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200515040912/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/toronto-zoo-1.5570587 |url-status=live }}</ref> The zoo closed to visitors once again starting November 23, 2020, due to the second [[COVID-19 lockdowns|lockdown]] of the Greater Toronto Area, and reopened June 12, 2021.

The zoo implemented a [[Vaccine passports during the COVID-19 pandemic|mandatory COVID-19 vaccine policy]] starting October 25, 2021, which requires all staff and visitors aged 12 years and older to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and to show their proof-of-vaccination documents to enter the entire Zoo grounds.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cp24.com/news/guests-will-need-to-be-fully-vaccinated-against-covid-19-to-visit-toronto-zoo-1.5621335 |title=Guests will need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to visit Toronto Zoo |date=October 13, 2021 |website=CP24.com |access-date=January 14, 2022 }}</ref> The zoo closed for a third time on January 5, 2022, due to growing concerns around the [[SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant|COVID-19 Omicron variant]], and reopened on February 10, 2022.

In June 2023, the zoo opened an outdoor habitat for the [[Sumatran orangutan]]s, marking the first time at the zoo that the species would be viewable outside of the Indo-Malaya Pavilion.

In late 2023, extensive renovations on the main entrance began, with plans set for it to become a "Conservation Campus" featuring a new exhibit for the zoo's [[North American river otter]]s as well as updated guest services buildings and research facilities.

On August 15, 2024, the zoo celebrated its 50th anniversary. The zoo took this opportunity to honour several longtime residents, including Puppe the Sumatran orangutan and [[Charles the Gorilla|Charles]] the [[Western lowland gorilla]], the only two remaining animals from the zoo's first year of operation in 1974. A new bronze statue of Charles was unveiled outside of the African Rainforest pavilion as part of the festivities. Charles died from heart failure two months after the festivities at the age of 52.

== Exhibits ==
[[File:Toronto Zoo map.png|thumb|275px|Map showing the extent of the Toronto Zoo within the [[Rouge River (Ontario)|Rouge Valley]]]]
The Toronto Zoo is divided up into seven different geographic regions. Each region showcases animals and plants from that area of the world.

===Indo-Malaya===
[[File:Sumatran_orangutan_family_in_Toronto_Zoo.JPG|thumb|left|A family of [[Sumatran orangutan]]s in the Indo-Malaya section of the Toronto Zoo, including female Puppe (right), the oldest living orangutan in North America, who was a resident of the zoo when it opened in 1974 and continues to live there as of {{currentyear}}; Puppe is the animal with the longest residency at the zoo since the passing of Charles in October 2024]]
The Indo-Malayan area contains an outdoor area, as well as a pavilion that exhibits plants and animals from South and Southeast Asia. Featured animals in this area include [[Indian rhinoceros]]es, [[babirusa]]s, [[Indian peafowl]]s, [[Sumatran orangutan]]s, [[great hornbill]]s, [[false gharial]]s, [[reticulated python]]s, [[Sumatran tiger]]s, [[clouded leopard]]s, and [[Lar gibbon|white-handed gibbon]]s. 

Species previously held in the Indo-Malaya section include [[gaur]]s, [[Malayan tapir]]s, and [[golden snub-nosed monkey]]s.

In 2023, the zoo completed construction on a large outdoor orangutan exhibit on the site of the gaur habitat that allowed for further study of orangutan social behaviours.

===Africa===
[[File:Crocuta_crocuta_Toronto_Zoo.jpg|thumb|A [[spotted hyena]] in winter, located in the African Savanna section of the Toronto Zoo]]
Opened in 1998, the African Savanna became the zoo's largest expansion in history. The African Savanna combined with the African Rainforest Pavilion encompasses most of the southern third of the zoo. The African Savanna featured species include [[white lion]]s, [[Grévy's zebra]]s, [[olive baboon]]s, [[greater kudu]]s, a [[white-headed vulture]], [[cheetah]]s, [[southern white rhinoceros]]es, [[hippopotamus]]es, [[spotted hyena]]s, [[watusi cattle]], [[Common warthog|warthogs]], [[Common eland|elands]], [[African penguin]]s and [[Masai giraffe]]s.

The African Rainforest Pavilion holds the world's largest indoor [[Western lowland gorilla|gorilla]] exhibit, home to the zoo's [[Animal-made art|artistic]] silverback [[Charles the Gorilla|Charles]] from 1974 until his death in 2024, as well as dozens of other African species, including [[meerkat]]s, [[red river hog]]s, [[dwarf crocodile]]s, [[crested porcupine]]s and [[pygmy hippopotamus]]es. The south side of the pavilion was completely refurbished in 2011 and showcases [[ring-tailed lemur]]s and [[Aldabra giant tortoise]]s.

Species previously held in the Africa section include [[African elephant]]s, [[mandrill]]s, [[sable antelope]]s, [[impala]]s, [[caracal]]s, [[spotted-necked otter]]s, [[blue wildebeest]]s and [[South African fur seal]]s.

===Canadian Domain===
[[File:American_Moose_Alces_alces2.JPG|thumb|left|Male [[moose]] formerly located in the Canadian Domain of the Toronto Zoo]]
The Canadian Domain is situated in the [[Rouge River (Ontario)|Rouge Valley]]. The Canadian Domain was built in accompaniment with the [[Toronto Zoo Domain Ride|Canadian Domain Ride]], which exhibited North American animals in their native environment. Featured species in this area include [[wood bison]], [[cougar]]s, [[bald eagle]]s, [[raccoon]]s, and [[grizzly bear]]s.

Species previously held in the Canadian Domain section include [[moose]],<ref> https://www.cbc.ca/amp/1.7423442</ref> [[muskox]]en, [[elk]]s and [[Canada lynx]]es.

===Americas===
[[File:Panthera_onca_at_the_Toronto_Zoo_2.jpg|thumb|A [[jaguar]] located in the Mayan Temple Ruins subsection of the Americas at the Toronto Zoo]]
This area of the zoo houses animals from both North and South America. The Americas Pavilion displays a wide variety of [[New World monkey]]s, amphibians, reptiles, fish, and insects. Some of its most popular residents are the [[blue-and-yellow macaw]]s, [[white-faced saki]]s, [[golden lion tamarin]]s, [[Linnaeus's two-toed sloth|two-toed sloths]], [[American alligator]]s, [[black-footed ferret]]s, and [[North American river otter|river otters]]. The Mayan Temple Ruins subsection features [[capybara]]s, [[scarlet macaw]]s, [[American flamingo]]s, [[black-handed spider monkey]]s and [[jaguar]]s.

Species previously held in the Americas section include [[beaver]]s, [[giant Pacific octopus]]es, [[prehensile-tailed porcupine]]s, [[llama]]s, [[dall sheep]], and [[Mara (mammal)|maras]].

===Tundra Trek===
[[File:Arctic Wolf (14583046892).jpg|thumb|left|An [[Arctic wolf]] sleeping in the Tundra Trek]]
The Tundra Trek opened in 2009, taking over land that used to feature several Americas exhibits. This area became the sixth region of the zoo, and showcases a variety of Arctic animals including [[porcupine caribou]], [[polar bear]]s, [[snow goose|snow geese]], and [[Arctic wolf|Arctic wolves]]. The new state-of-the-art exhibits are larger in order to encourage breeding. Educational theming emphasizes the lives of the [[Inuit]] and the effects of [[climate change]] on wildlife.

Species previously held in the Tundra Trek section include [[Arctic fox]]es and [[snowy owl]]s.

===Australasia===
[[File:Western_grey_kangaroo_(2873781507).jpg|thumb|A [[western grey kangaroo]] located in the Australasia section of the zoo]]
The Australasia Pavilion features animals from the Australian mainland, as well as [[Oceania]]. Featured species in this area include [[Western grey kangaroo]]s, [[Red-necked wallaby|red-necked wallabies]], [[short-beaked echidna]]s, [[southern hairy-nosed wombat]]s, [[kookaburra]]s, [[Victoria crowned pigeon]]s, [[Fly River turtle]]s, [[Brachylophus fasciatus|Lau banded iguanas]] and [[Komodo dragon]]s.<ref name="zoo_australasia" /> This pavilion once had an "Edge of Night" section to highlight [[Crepuscular animal|crepuscular]] and [[Nocturnality|nocturnal]] [[marsupial]]s, but this was later converted into the [[Great Barrier Reef]] exhibit featuring [[pot-bellied seahorse]]s, [[Aurelia aurita|moon jellyfish]], [[Pterois|lionfish]], [[clown triggerfish]], and a {{Convert|7|m|adj=on}} long community tank.

Species previously held in the Australasia section include [[koala]]s, [[Matschie's tree kangaroo]]s, [[emu]]s and [[Tasmanian devil]]s.

===Eurasia Wilds===
[[File:Siberian Tiger, Swimming.jpg|thumb|left|[[Siberian tiger|Amur tiger]] in the Eurasia Wilds section of the zoo.]]
Often regarded as the oldest part of the zoo, Eurasia received a large overhaul in 2014. The featured species in this section of the zoo are [[snow leopard]]s, [[Amur tiger]]s, [[West Caucasian tur]], [[mouflon]], [[red panda]]s, and [[Bactrian camel]]s. With the area's redesign to the Eurasia Wilds [[Steller's sea eagle]]s were added; while several other species are now only viewable from the Zoomobile, including [[lion-tailed macaque]]s, [[yak]], and the herd of [[Przewalski's horse]]s.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.torontozoo.com/ExploreTheZoo/AnimalsOffDisplay.asp |title=Toronto Zoo - Toronto Zoo - Animals Off Display |website=Torontozoo.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100630144114/http://www.torontozoo.com/ExploreTheZoo/AnimalsOffDisplay.asp |archive-date=June 30, 2010 |access-date=August 15, 2017 }}</ref> 

Species previously held in the Eurasia section include [[scimitar-horned oryx]], [[European bison|wisents]], [[dhole]]s, [[chamois]], and [[Japanese macaque]]s.

From May 18, 2013, to March 18, 2018, the area included two [[giant panda]]s: [[Er Shun]] (female) and [[Da Mao]] (male). With the pandas' arrival, the zoo refurbished its seasonal attraction area into an extensive educational centre – the Giant Panda Interpretive Centre. In 2014, after her first estrus, Er Shun was artificially inseminated – the first such procedure performed on a panda in Canada.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.torontozoo.com/press/releases.asp?pg=20140612 |title=Toronto Zoo - Press Releases |work=Toronto Zoo |access-date=August 15, 2017 |archive-date=August 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816005049/http://www.torontozoo.com/press/releases.asp?pg=20140612 |url-status=live }}</ref> No baby was born in 2014 and it was believed that Er Shun experienced a [[pseudopregnancy]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.torontozoo.com/press/releases.asp?pg=20141211 |title=Toronto Zoo - Press Releases |website=Torontozoo.com |access-date=August 15, 2017 |archive-date=August 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816011454/http://www.torontozoo.com/press/releases.asp?pg=20141211 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Luteal phase length, endometrial edema, and behavior differentiate post-ovulatory events in a giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)">{{cite journal |url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/zoo.21655 |author=Magnus, G. |author2=Dutton, C. |author3=Mastromonaco, G. |author4=Gartley, C. |author5=MacDonald, S. |author6=Franke, M. |year=2022 |title=Luteal phase length, endometrial edema, and behavior differentiate post-ovulatory events in a giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) |journal=Zoo Biology |volume=41 |issue=2 |pages=130–142 |doi=10.1002/zoo.21655 |pmid=34672395 |s2cid=239051542 |access-date=March 6, 2023 |archive-date=March 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306202424/https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/zoo.21655 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription }}</ref> a phenomenon common in giant pandas. In 2015, Er Shun was again artificially inseminated, resulting in the first birth of giant pandas in Canada. [[Jia Yueyue and Jia Panpan|Twin cubs]], one male (later named "Jia Panpan" indicating "Canadian Hope") and one female ("Jia Yueyue" indicating "Canadian Joy"), were born on October 13, 2015.<ref name="Luteal phase length, endometrial edema, and behavior differentiate post-ovulatory events in a giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.torontozoo.com/GiantPandaCubs/ |title=Toronto Zoo - Giant Panda Cubs |website=Torontozoo.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018062232/http://www.torontozoo.com/GiantPandaCubs/ |archive-date=October 18, 2015 |access-date=August 15, 2017 }}</ref><ref name="CTV News Panda Cubs">{{cite web |url=http://toronto.ctvnews.ca/first-panda-cubs-born-in-canada-at-toronto-zoo-1.2607126 |title=First panda cubs born in Canada at Toronto Zoo |first=Kendra |last=Mangione |date=October 13, 2015 |access-date=August 15, 2017 |archive-date=August 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816003524/http://toronto.ctvnews.ca/first-panda-cubs-born-in-canada-at-toronto-zoo-1.2607126 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://toronto.citynews.ca/2016/03/07/toronto-zoo-panda-cubs-named-canadian-hope-canadian-joy/ |title=Toronto Zoo panda cubs named 'Canadian Hope' and 'Canadian Joy' |website=Citynews.ca |date=March 7, 2016 |access-date=August 15, 2017 |archive-date=February 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220115145/http://toronto.citynews.ca/2016/03/07/toronto-zoo-panda-cubs-named-canadian-hope-canadian-joy/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The cubs were raised by Er Shun, with "twin swapping" occurring through the first four months of their lives until they were large and healthy enough that zoo staff were confident of their survival.

===Discovery Zone===
The Discovery Zone is geared towards children and features educational themes and exhibits. The most prominent area is a children's water park, Splash Island, which features landscaping and themed objects depicting the three states of water. Exhibits are grouped around various themed groups of aquatic animals, including rivers, lakes, and oceans. Waterside Theatre is an open-air enclosure where live demonstrations of a variety of animals are shown, including goats, [[grey crowned crane]]s, ravens, [[macaw]]s, [[marabou stork]]s and [[ground hornbill]]s. 

A third area, the Kids Zoo, consists of a variety of animals that children can interact with, such as [[ferret]]s, [[skunk]]s, and [[armadillo]]s. The Discovery Zone also hosted Dinosaurs Alive and the Stingray Bay exhibit for their respective durations.

==Conservation==
[[File:African Penguin Spheniscus demersus8.JPG|thumb|[[African penguin]]s at the Toronto Zoo in 2013. The species is one of several endangered species that the zoo has successfully bred over the years.]]
The Toronto Zoo makes considerable effort to conserve endangered species from around the world with the help of other accredited zoos. Captive breeding is often considered one of the most difficult and elusive rewards of captive animal care, but the Toronto Zoo's efforts have been met with much success, and even resulted in the re-introduction of many species.

Some of the conservation initiatives that the Toronto Zoo has participated in are as follows:
*The Toronto Zoo was the first zoo to establish a captive-breeding program for [[black-footed ferret]]s with the goal of releasing them back into their wild habitat<ref>{{cite web |url=http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.org/2011/09/23/black-footed-ferret-the-comeback-kid-celebrates-30-years-of-rediscovery/ |title=Black-footed Ferret: The Comeback Kid Celebrates 30 Years of Rediscovery |first1=Jordan Carlton |last1=Schaul |date=September 24, 2011 |website=National Geographic Society (blogs) |access-date=August 15, 2017 }}</ref> and, after years of successful breeding, had released more than 120 animals by 2011.{{Citation needed|date=October 2011}} This included re-introducing the ferrets, which had been extinct in the wild, to Saskatchewan's Grasslands National Park beginning in 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cwf-fcf.org/en/discover-wildlife/endangered-species/mammals/terrestrial/black-footed-ferret.html |title=Black-footed Ferret |publisher=[[Canadian Wildlife Federation]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203162531/http://cwf-fcf.org/en/discover-wildlife/endangered-species/mammals/terrestrial/black-footed-ferret.html |archive-date=February 3, 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/Government-Canada-Marks-Third-iw-2967274159.html |title=Government of Canada Marks Third Release of Black-Footed Ferrets in Grasslands National Park |website=Finance.yahoo.com }}</ref>
*The zoo has rescued orphaned polar bears from the wild: two in 2001, later named Aurora and Nikita and one in 2003, later named Inukshuk after [[Inuksuk|the Inuit wayfinding landmark]].{{citation needed|date=October 2011}}
*In 2008, the Toronto Zoo participated in 2008 Year of the Frog, where researchers were sent to study a deadly fungus causing problems to amphibians and reptiles worldwide.{{citation needed|date=October 2011}}
*The Toronto Zoo has acted and continues to act in the captive breeding, and re-introduction into the wild of critically endangered and otherwise threatened Canadian species, including the [[Vancouver Island marmot]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://marmots.org/rarest-marmot-in-the-world-in-our-backyard/ |title=Captive Breeding Program Wins Prestigious CAZA Award! |date=January 25, 2012 |website=Marmot Recovery Foundation |access-date=August 15, 2017 |archive-date=March 23, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160323120223/http://marmots.org/rarest-marmot-in-the-world-in-our-backyard/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[loggerhead shrike]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bsc-eoc.org/losh.html |title=Loggerhead Shrike Recovery Actions |access-date=March 2, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402190803/http://www.bsc-eoc.org/losh.html |archive-date=April 2, 2015 }}</ref> and [[Blanding's turtle]],<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.insidetoronto.com/news-story/4636360-blanding-s-turtles-hanging-on-in-rouge-park/;send=false |title=Blanding's turtles hanging on in Rouge Park |website=insidetoronto.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610082008/http://www.insidetoronto.com/news-story/4636360-blanding-s-turtles-hanging-on-in-rouge-park/;send=false |archive-date=June 10, 2015 }}</ref> as well as Great Lakes fishes.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.torontozoo.com/pdfs/FINAL%20-%20Atlantic%20Salmon%20Release-%20June%2018%202013.pdf |title=TORONTO ZOO'S AQUA-LINKS PROGRAM RELEASE ATLANTIC SALMON FRY INTO THE WILD |website=Torontozoo.com |access-date=January 14, 2022 |archive-date=April 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414102740/https://www.torontozoo.com/pdfs/FINAL%20-%20Atlantic%20Salmon%20Release-%20June%2018%202013.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> The zoo also runs a program for habitat preservation within the Great Lakes Region, focusing on the protection of endemic species of freshwater mussels. In the past, the zoo contributed heavily to increasing the numbers of threatened species, including the [[wood bison]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2012/04/08/wood_bison_bouncing_back.html |title=Wood Bison: Bouncing back - Toronto Star |newspaper=[[Toronto Star]] |date=April 8, 2012 |access-date=August 15, 2017 |archive-date=August 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816004122/https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2012/04/08/wood_bison_bouncing_back.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and the [[trumpeter swan]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cnn.com/EARTH/9604/11/trumpeter_swans/index.html |title=CNN - Fate of the trumpeter swan swayed - Apr. 11, 1996 |website=Cnn.com |access-date=August 15, 2017 |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305103414/http://www.cnn.com/EARTH/9604/11/trumpeter_swans/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
*The Toronto Zoo has actively contributed to international conservation efforts and reintroduction programs, including for the [[Puerto Rican crested toad]], and for fish in the African Great Lakes (including the [[Oreochromis esculentus|Singidia tilapia]] or ngege).<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2012/04/08/ngege_extinct_in_the_wild.html |title=Ngege: Extinct in the wild |date=April 8, 2012 |author=Donovan Vincent |newspaper=[[Toronto Star]] |access-date=August 27, 2015 |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305075126/http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2012/04/08/ngege_extinct_in_the_wild.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
*The zoo has bred additional rare Ontario species such as the [[redside dace]] and [[eastern massasauga]] [[rattlesnake]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://toronto.ctvnews.ca/endangered-rattlesnakes-born-at-toronto-zoo-1.2534366 |title=Endangered rattlesnakes born at Toronto Zoo |first=Kendra |last=Mangione |date=August 26, 2015 |access-date=August 15, 2017 |archive-date=August 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816003242/http://toronto.ctvnews.ca/endangered-rattlesnakes-born-at-toronto-zoo-1.2534366 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*One zoo staff member has been key in preservation of critically endangered Malagasy freshwater fish species, both at the zoo and in Madagascar.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2014/01/27/toronto_zoo_expert_helps_give_fish_on_brink_of_extinction_another_chance.html |title=Toronto Zoo expert helps give fish on brink of extinction another chance - Toronto Star |newspaper=Toronto Star |date=January 27, 2014 |access-date=August 15, 2017 |last1=McDiarmid |first1=Jessica }}</ref>

The Toronto Zoo has been collecting and [[Electronics recycling|recycling cell phones]]<!--Don't bypass redirect to [[Electronic waste]] per [[WP:NOTBROKEN]]--> since 2006. In 2010, it was awarded the distinction of being the top cell phone recycler out of the Eco-Cell's 175 participating wildlife organizations in North America. Other participating wildlife organizations include the [[San Diego Zoo]] and the [[Philadelphia Zoo]].<ref>[http://www.zandavisitor.com/newsarticle-2996-Toronto_Zoo%27s_ECO-CELL_Program_Beats_San_Diego_Zoo_in_Cell_Phones_Collected] {{dead link|date=January 2022 }}</ref> [[Coltan]] is a mineral [[ore]] mined and refined in central Africa for metals used in the electronics industry. This unregulated mining industry has a dramatic impact on the region's [[biodiversity]]. Recycling cell phones helps to preserve the critical Lowland gorilla rainforest habitat in Africa by decreasing the demand for these minerals. This is of particular interest to the Toronto Zoo as its gorilla habitat has expanded with the addition of a newly born baby gorilla. The Toronto Zoo's cell phone recycling program is composed of two parts: Retrocell<ref>
{{Cite web |url=https://www.retrocell.ca/ |title=Retrocell, Environmentally friendly $50 locked Cell Phones |access-date=March 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100525235110/http://www.retrocell.ca/ |archive-date=May 25, 2010 |url-status=dead}} 
</ref> is the zoo's official cell phone refurbisher and the Ontario Electronic Stewardship Program<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ontarioelectronicstewardship.ca/ |title=Home |website=Ontarioelectronicstewardship.ca |access-date=August 15, 2017 |archive-date=August 15, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170815182143/http://ontarioelectronicstewardship.ca/ |url-status=live }}</ref> processes the remainder of the phones that are collected by the Toronto Zoo.

In addition, the Toronto Zoo also participates in, and has been a key centre for, the Species Survival Plans (SSP) of dozens of species, maintaining healthy captive populations of animals which may one-day be re-introduced to their former homes. Some notable SSP species the zoo has successfully bred over the years include the [[western lowland gorilla]], [[Sumatran orangutan]], [[golden lion tamarin]], [[Sumatran tiger]], [[Amur tiger]], [[snow leopard]], cheetah, [[Przewalski's horse]], [[Indian rhinoceros]], [[Matschie's tree-kangaroo]], [[African penguin]], and [[Komodo dragon]]. The Toronto Zoo has bred hundreds of species, with many of these breedings being firsts for Canada,<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2014/08/27/endangered_burmese_star_tortoise_hatched_at_toronto_zoo.html |title=Endangered Burmese star tortoise hatched at Toronto Zoo |first=Sean |last=Wetselaar |date=August 27, 2014 |access-date=January 14, 2022 |newspaper=[[Toronto Star]] |archive-date=November 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120170806/https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2014/08/27/endangered_burmese_star_tortoise_hatched_at_toronto_zoo.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="torontozoo.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.torontozoo.com/ExploreTheZoo/History.asp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100705134717/http://www.torontozoo.com/ExploreTheZoo/History.asp |archive-date=July 5, 2010 |title=Toronto Zoo History }}</ref><ref name="CTV News Panda Cubs"/> North America,<ref name="torontozoo.com"/> and even the world.<ref>{{Cite journal |title=Breeding the Renauld's or Coral-billed ground cuckoo at the Metro Toronto Zoo |journal=International Zoo Yearbook |volume=22 |pages=168–171 |date=January 2008 |last=Atkinson |first=R.W. |doi=10.1111/j.1748-1090.1982.tb02028.x }}</ref>

===Notable births and hatches===
In 2003, a Komodo dragon was hatched for the first time in Canada.

In 2004, two female West African [[dwarf crocodile]]s successfully hatched on October 1, the first hatching of this species in Canada.

Three Sumatran tigers were born at the zoo to parents Brytne and Rengat in 2003, and two more were born in 2006.

In 2006, three orangutans were born and named Jingga, Kembali, and Budi through a [[TVOKids]] naming contest.

In 2006, a Matschie's tree kangaroo was born, one of three born in North America in 2006. Later named Noru, it was sent to the [[Lincoln Zoo]], and was paired with a mate named Milla who gave birth to twins – a first for this species.

On June 5, 2007, two rare [[snow leopard]]s were born, the first birth in thirteen years. Another snow leopard was born in 2009, alongside three more in 2017, and two more in 2024.

Two Przewalski's horses, one male and one female, were born on June 22, 2007, the first birth in fifteen years. The zoo also successfully bred Przewalski's horses in 2008, 2009 and 2020.

The zoo has also been very successful in breeding [[Bactrian camel]]s, the most recent birth coming in 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Toronto Zoo {{!}} Press Releases |url=https://www.torontozoo.com/mediaroom/press2023/20230505 |access-date=April 11, 2024 |website=www.torontozoo.com |archive-date=December 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241201164703/https://www.torontozoo.com/mediaroom/press2023/20230505 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In July 2015, two wood bison calves were born as the result of artificial insemination using frozen-thawed sperm that had been collected from a male wood bison in Elk Island, Alberta, in 1980.<ref name="toronto.ctvnews_2520644">{{cite web |url=https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/bison-calf-conceived-at-toronto-zoo-with-frozen-sperm-from-1980-1.2520644 |title=Bison calf conceived at Toronto Zoo with frozen sperm from 1980 |website=CTV News Toronto |access-date=March 31, 2021 |date=August 17, 2017 |archive-date=April 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405152554/https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/bison-calf-conceived-at-toronto-zoo-with-frozen-sperm-from-1980-1.2520644 |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Toronto,_Canada_(17991339724).jpg|thumb|left|Male [[white lion]] at the Toronto Zoo in 2015]]

Through the weekend of September 26–27, 2015, the zoo's white lioness Makali gave birth to four cubs: the first pure-bred white lions born at the Toronto Zoo.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2015/10/02/white-lion-gives-birth-to-4-cubs-at-toronto-zoo.html |title=White lion gives birth to 4 cubs at Toronto Zoo |date=October 2, 2015 |last=Bateman |first=David |website=thestar.com |access-date=August 15, 2017 |archive-date=August 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816015839/https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2015/10/02/white-lion-gives-birth-to-4-cubs-at-toronto-zoo.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

On October 13, 2015, [[Er Shun]], the visiting female [[giant panda]], gave birth to two [[Jia Yueyue and Jia Panpan|cubs]]. This was the first successful reproduction of giant pandas in Canada. A male, later named Jia Panpan, was born at 3:31 AM with a weight {{convert|187.7|g}}, while the other, a female, later named Jia Yueyue, was born at 3:44 AM and weighed 115 g. Their sexes were unknown during the first few months of their lives, being determined in February 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/2500231/its-a-boy-and-a-girl-dna-testing-reveals-gender-of-toronto-zoo-panda-cubs/ |title=It's a boy AND a girl! DNA testing reveals gender of Toronto Zoo panda cubs |date=February 5, 2016 |last=Campbell |first=Will |website=Global News |access-date=August 15, 2017 }}</ref><ref name="Toronto Sun Panda">{{cite news |url=http://www.torontosun.com/2016/03/07/giant-panda-cubs-named-at-toronto-zoo |title=Push to keep panda cubs in Toronto longer |date=March 7, 2016 |last=Yuen |first=Jenny |newspaper=Toronto Sun |access-date=August 15, 2017 |archive-date=September 23, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923050935/http://www.torontosun.com/2016/03/07/giant-panda-cubs-named-at-toronto-zoo |url-status=live }}</ref> The cubs were kept off display until the age of 5 months.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.torontozoo.com/press/releases.asp?pg=20151013 |title=First Giant Panda Cubs Born in Canada |date=October 13, 2015 |website=Press Releases |publisher=Toronto Zoo |access-date=August 15, 2017 |archive-date=June 12, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170612231755/http://www.torontozoo.com/press/releases.asp?pg=20151013 |url-status=live }}</ref> In March 2016, the cubs were given the names [[Jia Yueyue and Jia Panpan|Jia Panpan and Jia Yueyue]] to signify Canadian hope and Canadian joy, respectively, and revealed to the public before the March Break of that year.<ref name="Toronto Sun Panda" />

On [[Remembrance Day]] (November 11) of 2015, a female polar bear named Juno was born to mother, Aurora.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.news1130.com/2016/02/25/toronto-zoo-polar-bear-cub-born-on-remembrance-day-2015-named-juno/ |title=Toronto Zoo polar bear cub born on Remembrance Day 2015 named Juno |date=February 25, 2016 |website=News 1130 |access-date=September 22, 2017 |archive-date=September 23, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923095616/http://www.news1130.com/2016/02/25/toronto-zoo-polar-bear-cub-born-on-remembrance-day-2015-named-juno/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Named for [[Juno Beach]], Juno would be adopted by the [[Canadian Army]] and was granted the rank of Honorary Private, and was later promoted to Honorary Corporal on her first birthday and Honorary Master Corporal on her fifth birthday.

On February 17, 2016, 11-year-old Indian rhinoceros Ashakiran, on loan from the [[Los Angeles Zoo]], gave birth to a male named Nandu. With fewer than 3,555 left in the wild, Indian rhinos are classified as a vulnerable species.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2016/02/19/newborn-rhino-cuddles-with-mom-in-toronto-zoo-video.html |title=Newborn rhino cuddles with mom in Toronto Zoo video |date=February 19, 2016 |last=Goffin |first=Peter |website=thestar.com |access-date=August 15, 2017 |archive-date=August 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816001136/https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2016/02/19/newborn-rhino-cuddles-with-mom-in-toronto-zoo-video.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In May 2017, the Toronto Zoo had its first births of clouded leopards to mom, Parvati, and dad, Mingma.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cp24.com/news/toronto-zoo-announces-births-of-leopards-cheetahs-amid-strike-1.3427054 |title=Toronto Zoo announces birth of leopards, cheetahs amidst strike |website=cp24.com |access-date=October 16, 2017 |date=May 24, 2017 |archive-date=August 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813143746/http://www.cp24.com/news/toronto-zoo-announces-births-of-leopards-cheetahs-amid-strike-1.3427054 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On July 17, 2017, a wood bison calf was born at the Toronto Zoo as a result of embryo transfer from a bison at the [[University of Saskatchewan]].<ref name="canadiangeographic.ca">{{cite web |url=https://www.canadiangeographic.ca/article/inside-toronto-zoos-bison-breakthrough |title=Inside the Toronto Zoo's bison breakthrough |website=Canadian Geographic |access-date=March 31, 2021 |date=February 4, 2018 |archive-date=February 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210216125056/https://www.canadiangeographic.ca/article/inside-toronto-zoos-bison-breakthrough |url-status=live }}</ref>

On May 1, 2021, three [[Amur tiger]] cubs were born, with one surviving.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.torontozoo.com/mediaroom/press2021?pg=20210503 |title=Toronto Zoo announces birth of cubs |website=torontozoo.com |access-date=May 3, 2021 }}</ref>

On June 13, 2024, two [[red panda]] cubs were born.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/two-rare-baby-red-pandas-born-at-toronto-zoo-1.6929725 |title=Two rare baby red pandas born at Toronto Zoo |access-date=June 22, 2024 |archive-date=June 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240622205413/https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/two-rare-baby-red-pandas-born-at-toronto-zoo-1.6929725 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Scientific contributions==
[[File:Canadian_Wood_bison_Bison_bison_athabascae.JPG|thumb|A pair of [[wood bison]] at the Toronto Zoo]]
The Toronto Zoo has conducted extensive reproduction research on [[wood bison]] (''Bison bison athabascae''), in an effort to find means of supporting wild populations in northwestern Canada which may be reproductively compromised due to disease. In July 2015, two wood bison calves were born as the result of artificial insemination using frozen-thawed sperm that had been collected from a male wood bison in Elk Island, Alberta, in 1980.<ref name="toronto.ctvnews_2520644"/> On July 17, 2017, a wood bison calf was born at the Toronto Zoo as a result of embryo transfer from a bison at the [[University of Saskatchewan]].<ref name="canadiangeographic.ca"/>

==Controversies==
On November 30, 2009, Tara, the zoo's largest [[African elephant]], died. She was found lying down when staff arrived in the morning and was unable to be raised to her feet. Tara was the third elephant in 14 months to die at the zoo and the fourth in three years.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/elephants-death-a-crossroads-for-zoo/article1383554/ |title=Elephant's death a crossroads for zoo |last=Wingrove |first=Josh |date=December 1, 2009 |newspaper=The Globe and Mail |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091204154639/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/elephants-death-a-crossroads-for-zoo/article1383554/ |archive-date=December 4, 2009 |access-date=December 3, 2009 }}</ref>

Elephant deaths preceding Tara's:
*June 2009: Tessa was knocked to the ground by another elephant, unable to stand unassisted after being raised to her feet by staff and equipment.
*September 2008: Tequila, cause of death not released.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.elephantsincanada.com/toronto-zoo/toronto-zoo-s-elephant-exhibit/elephant-health-at-the-zoo/necropsy-report-for-tequila |title=Autopsy |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923235330/http://www.elephantsincanada.com/toronto-zoo/toronto-zoo-s-elephant-exhibit/elephant-health-at-the-zoo/necropsy-report-for-tequila |archive-date=September 23, 2015 }}</ref>
*July 2006: Patsy was euthanized due to long-term degenerative arthritis

In the days following Tara's death, both Zoocheck Canada<ref>{{cite web |url=https://torontoist.com/2009/12/when_elephants_die/ |title=When Elephants Die |date=December 2, 2009 |last=Kupferman |first=Steve |website=The Torontoist |access-date=December 3, 2009 }}</ref> and U.S.-based In Defence of Animals,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2009/12/03/zoo_elephant_deaths_spark_call_for_shutdown.html |title=Zoo elephant deaths spark call for shutdown |date=December 3, 2009 |website=thestar.com |access-date=December 3, 2009 }}</ref> as well as game show host [[Bob Barker]] of The Price is Right fame, called for the zoo to close the exhibit and send the remaining three elephants to a sanctuary. [[Toronto City Council]] endorsed this highly controversial decision. In September 2013, plans were finalized to move Toka, Thika and Iringa to a sanctuary in California in October 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2011/05/12/elephants_to_leave_toronto_zoo.html |title=Elephants to leave Toronto Zoo |date=May 12, 2011 |last=Vincent |first=Donovan |website=thestar.com |access-date=September 18, 2013 |archive-date=June 28, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140628033530/http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2011/05/12/elephants_to_leave_toronto_zoo.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The three elephants were transported on land during a 50-hour-long drive with stopovers.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/toronto-zoo-elephants-to-head-south-after-thanksgiving-1.1858375 |title=Toronto Zoo elephants to head south after Thanksgiving |date=September 17, 2013 |website=Cbc.ca |access-date=September 18, 2013 }}</ref> Iringa died on July 22, 2015, at the sanctuary in California.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2015/07/23/torontos-iringa-the-elephant-has-died-in-california.html |title=Toronto's Iringa the elephant has died in California |date=July 23, 2015 |last=Taekema |first=Dan |website=thestar.com |access-date=August 15, 2017 }}</ref>

==Media==
*''[[Zoo Diaries]]'' was a Canadian documentary television series which aired on Life Network. Its focus was on the relationship between the animals and their keepers, allowing viewers to experience what it is like to bond with some of the world's most exotic creatures. There have been 74 episodes produced since 2000 by DocuTainment Productions. The first two seasons of the show were also released on DVD/VHS.
*''[[Undercover Boss Canada]]'' took place in 2011 and was filmed at the Toronto Zoo with the CEO.
*''[[Rick Mercer Report]]'' featured Canadian comedian [[Rick Mercer]] at the Toronto Zoo in 2008 and early 2016 with Mercer visiting the pandas.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5V1OYOkeXg0 |title=RMR: A Trip to the Toronto Zoo |date=November 25, 2008 |publisher=[[Rick Mercer Report]] |access-date=August 15, 2017 |via=YouTube |archive-date=September 30, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930233620/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5V1OYOkeXg0&feature=player_embedded |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite episode |title=Season 13 - Episode 16 |series=[[Rick Mercer Report]] |date=March 8, 2016 |url=http://www.cbc.ca/mercerreport/episodes/season-13/season-13-episode-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160424103931/http://www.cbc.ca/mercerreport/episodes/season-13/season-13-episode-16 |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 24, 2016 |network=[[CBC Television]] |season=13 |people=[[Rick Mercer|Mercer, Rick]] |access-date=August 15, 2017 }}</ref>
*Multiple YouTube videos released by the zoo have gone viral, being shared by news agencies and social media sites to millions of viewers around the world. Notably, videos of visiting giant panda [[Da Mao]] have received significant attention.
* The Zoo began releasing the ''Wild for Life'' podcast<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://wildforlife.libsyn.com/ |title=Wild For Life |website=Wildforlife.libsyn.com |access-date=April 23, 2019 |archive-date=May 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190528162425/http://wildforlife.libsyn.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref> in early 2019 sharing interviews with staff on the behind-the-scenes conservation, animal care and research work done by the facility.

==See also==
{{Portal|Canada|Ontario}}
* [[Fauna of Toronto]]
Other Toronto zoos and animal exhibits:
* [[Centreville Amusement Park]] – Far Enough Farm, a livestock zoo, on [[Toronto Islands]]
* [[High Park Zoo]] – small zoo in High Park run by donations
* [[Riverdale Farm]] – livestock zoo on site of former Toronto Zoo

==References==
{{Reflist |refs=

<ref name="zoo_australasia">
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==External links==
{{Commons category}}
*{{Official website}}

{{Zoos of Ontario}}
{{Toronto landmarks}}
{{Toronto Government}}
{{Toronto}}
{{Metro Toronto Government}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Zoos in Ontario]]
[[Category:Culture of Toronto]]
[[Category:Metropolitan Toronto|Metro Toronto Zoo]]
[[Category:Scarborough, Ontario]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Toronto]]
[[Category:Zoos established in 1974]]
[[Category:Companies owned by municipalities of Canada]]
[[Category:1974 establishments in Ontario]]
[[Category:Zoos in Canada]]