PRESS RELEASES

TORONTO, ON, Thursday, August 15, 2024: Today your Toronto Zoo celebrated our 50th anniversary! We kicked off the celebrations with a countdown to Zoo opening this morning at the front entrance with music, animal enrichment talks and the unveiling of a statue commemorating the life of one of our most iconic Toronto Zoo residents: Charles the Western lowland gorilla! Charles has called your Toronto Zoo home since the day we opened, and thanks to the amazing care he has received from his team he continues to live a long and inspiring life up in our African Rainforest pavilion, where you can now find his statue. We know everyday with him is a gift and couldn’t think of a better way to say Happy 50th Birthday Toronto Zoo! 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 the 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.

Today, 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.

“Without question, none of the incredible work that happens here would be possible without the unwavering support of our community and our city. ” says Dolf DeJong, CEO, Toronto Zoo.  “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”.

The role of accredited conservation science focused zoos has never been more crucial. It is our responsibility to continue to evolve and challenge assumptions. We must also work tirelessly to know better, and to do better in service to wildlife. We believe that contemporary science and traditional knowledge can together make a profound difference. We believe conservation is a team sport, and we need more players.

Your Zoo is committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible, and to finding innovative solutions to the problems we face. Our commitment to everyone - We will continue to build partnerships with committed conservation organizations, governments, and communities to amplify our impact and drive positive change.

Earlier this year, we launched a new campaign, Guardians of Wild, to inspire people to take action and change behaviours to improve our planet for both humans and animals. 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 are Guardians. We exist so we can all exist, together. And we will protect the house that every living thing calls home.

We know we can’t do this work alone and are grateful to have the Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy as our dedicated partner in our mission and the fight against extinction. Since its inception in 2019, the Wildlife Conservancy has raised more than 19 million dollars in support of your Toronto Zoo.

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. Here's to the next 50 years of discovery, passion, and commitment to the natural world!

We were honoured to be joined today by the following people who kindly gave formal remarks and congratulated your Toronto Zoo for reaching such an amazing milestone.

“Today, we are not just marking five decades of existence; we are celebrating 50 years of passion, dedication, and commitment to the well-being of the animals, the preservation of our natural world, and the incredible support of our community”.

- Paul Ainslie, Chair of the Board of Management Toronto Zoo.

“It is wonderful to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Toronto Zoo, celebrating the past and recognizing the future possibilities of this important institution in Scarborough. I am proud that our government is a strong supporter of the work they do, embracing education and conservation”.

- Vijay Thanigasalam, Member of Provincial Parliament for Scarborough - Rouge Park

“Thank you to the Toronto Zoo for 50 years of memories. Your passion, dedication, and commitment to being Guardians of the Wild shine through in everything you do. The Zoo’s leadership in animal care, conservation, education, and environmental stewardship is commendable. I look forward to seeing what the next 50 years holds for one of Toronto’s greatest treasures”.

- The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, Member of Parliament for Scarborough—Rouge Park 

“As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Toronto Zoo, we recognize its tremendous contributions to conservation science, education, and our community. The Government of Canada is proud to partner in these efforts, supporting initiatives that protect our natural world and inspire future generations. I am particularly proud to have this extraordinary institution right here in our riding. Here’s to many more years of success and stewardship at the Toronto Zoo.”

- Deputy Mayor McKelvie

“As we look to the future, the conservation science work we do here is more important than ever. We will build the Community Conservation Centre which will engage the next generation of scientists. We will grow and adapt our animal habitats, and expand our live material biobank to protect genetic diversity of endangered species. Your involvement ensures we can continue protecting and preserving wildlife and wild spaces for generations to come.”

- Kathy Koch, Executive Director, Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy

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