Friday, August 15, 2014, Toronto, Ontario:
Today, Toronto Zoo Board of Management Chair, Joe Torzsok and John Tracogna, Toronto Zoo CEO, held a special celebration in honour of the Toronto Zoo's 40th Anniversary. On hand for the festivities were the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport and Member of Parliament Halton, MPP Soo Wong, Scarborough-Agincourt and former Toronto Zoo Board Member Deputy Mayor, Norm Kelly. Past Toronto Zoo CEO's and Board Members were also acknowledged for their service to the Toronto Zoo. Also in attendance were Ms. Brenda Russell, one of the first visitors to enter the zoo when it opened in 1974, Dr. William Rapley and Mr. Bob Johnson, two Toronto Zoo employees who started working at the Zoo when it opened and three long-standing zoo volunteers, Dawn Todd, Lynn Wylie, and Annette Simms. The celebration took place at the Toronto Zoo, in the main courtyard and began with a musical performance from children of the Toronto Zoo Summer Camp Program and ended with the playing of the Toronto Zoo's original jingle, created by Terry Bush in 1976 and ceremonial cake presentation by Metro Grocers of Bowmanville.
"We are extremely proud of the work we've been doing over the past forty years to save and protect species and their habitats both locally and globally," said John Tracogna, Chief Executive Officer. "We are celebrating this weekend, with special keeper talks, enrichments, animal encounters, activities, and special interpretive stations and more, " he added.
When the Toronto Zoo first opened its doors in 1974 it was hailed as one of the most forward thinking and innovative zoos in the world. The Toronto Zoo was the first zoo in Canada to hire a full-time Nutritionist and is the only zoo in Canada with a full-time Reproductive Physiologist. Today the Toronto Zoo remains a leader in conservation and education and works with many partners in Canada and around the globe to further advance species survival and regeneration. Since the Zoo opened, on August 15, 1974, it has welcomed almost 50 million visitors.
"The role of accredited zoos has never been more important. With the world losing countless species each year, the Toronto Zoo collaborates with other zoos around the world to ensure the survival of wildlife and their habitats," said Dr. William Rapley, Executive Director Conservation, Education and Wildlife.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, the Toronto Zoo has been hosting a 40 day animal countdown which began on July 7th to highlight 40 unique species and to demonstrate how the Zoo is contributing to their survival. The Zoo will continue celebrations through August 17th including buskers, live music, WILD photo ops throughout the Zoo, free face painting, activities, animal encounters, birthday card colouring and more! Don't forget to visit our animals who have been with us since opening day August 15, 1974!
