YOUR TORONTO ZOO AND CRIME STOPPERS CONTINUE LONG-STANDING PARTNERSHIP TO STOP ILLEGAL TRAFFICKING OF WILDLIFE

TORONTO, ON, Friday, August 13, 2021: Your Toronto Zoo and the Ontario Association of Crime Stoppers unveiled their latest co-venture, advertising public campaign highlighting the illegal harvest of black bears. Black bear parts are illegally harvested in Ontario and sold to supply a local and global demand. This initiative is timed to coincide with the Ontario black bear hunting season that begins on Sunday, August 15th, and is aimed at educating and encouraging individuals to help put an end to this shocking crime. The trafficking of wildlife is just as illegal as trafficking drugs, weapons and humans, and sadly it is it on the rise globally. 

Similar to elephant ivory and rhinoceros’ horns, black bears taken from the wild are part of a global illegal wildlife related criminal activities estimated to be worth as much as $23 billion annually. Whether it’s a professional poacher or an individual capturing and trying to sell or trade black bear parts it is a real and serious issue in our own backyards. 

In some cultures, there is the traditional belief that black bear gall bladders have medicinal powers. The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act makes it illegal for a person to possess a black bear gall bladder that has been removed from the bear's carcass. It is also illegal to buy, sell or trade game wildlife, including black bears, except under specific circumstances. By submitting your observations about these illegal activities you contribute to the protection of all wildlife. 

“The trafficking of wildlife is a serious issue that can have detrimental impacts on the sustainability of wild populations,” says Dolf DeJong, CEO, Toronto Zoo. “Conservation is a team sport and co-operation and collaboration with organizations committed to implementing solutions that make a positive impact on our environment and community, like Crime Stoppers, are key to its success,” he added.

“Crime Stoppers encourages the public to report anonymously any information they may have pertaining to the illegal poaching, smuggling and trade of black bear parts and any wildlife species,” says David J. Forster, President, Canadian Crime Stoppers Association. “This is a growing problem throughout Ontario and Canada and we need the communities support to assist in preventing these senseless illegal activities. Wildlife crime is the fourth most lucrative criminal activity in the world. Please help!,” he added.

Crime Stoppers and your Toronto Zoo, encourage people to get involved and help prevent black bear poaching. You can help by:

  1. The fight to stop the illegal trade starts with reporting illegal activity.  Solving a crime is like putting a puzzle together, each piece of information is important and your call can help stop illegal and senseless killing.  If you have information regarding this illegal activity and wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.  You may be eligible for a Cash Reward of up to $2,000. 
  2. Spread the word. Many people don't realize that taking threatened animals from the wild is illegal.
  3. Watch for suspicious activity in natural areas, including off-trail activities, overnight parking, or anglers carrying unusual equipment such as snares or a large number of buckets.
  4. To learn more about Crime Stoppers please visit http://ontariocrimestoppers.ca/.


CLICK HERE to download the “Canada’s Wildlife Is Not For Sale” poster.

For footage of black bears in the wild:

Media Contact Information:

Katie Gray
Manager of Strategic Communications
[email protected]

David J. Forster
President, Canadian Crime Stoppers Association
[email protected]




For general information visit torontozoo.com

The Toronto Zoo’s mission is to connect people, animals and conservation science to fight extinction and our vision is a world where wildlife and wild spaces thrive.

An iconic tourist attraction and Conservation organization, the Toronto Zoo boasts a number of leading programs for helping wildlife and their natural habitats – from species reintroduction to reproductive research. A world-class educational centre for people of all ages, the Toronto Zoo is open every day including December 25 and attracts approximately 1.2 million guests each year.

Toronto Zoo is accredited by Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The Zoo has also achieved the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) Certificate of Good Animal Practice® and is inspected by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA).

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