Press Releases

The Toronto Zoo is a highly respected and accredited conservation, education and research centre in Canada and North America. As a unique wildlife experience, we inspire people to live in ways that promote the well being of the natural world. We participate in over 40 species survival programs and support many international wildlife projects. In addition, the Zoo offers comprehensive educational programs from JK to post-graduate studies in partnership with respected educational institutions.

We agree that the issue of euthanasia of animals is a very difficult and sensitive practice that must not be done without careful reflection and research of alternatives. It is not a decision that is made lightly by any zoo or wildlife organization, including humane societies and various government agencies. It is not the number one option, but the last option. Mr. Strobel’s story shows how all Toronto Zoo staff is passionate about animal welfare and conservation and how important it is to ensure that there is responsible management of the Zoo’s animal population. All Zoo staff take this responsibility very seriously and agonize over the decisions affecting the animals’ welfare and future viability. It is unfortunate that Mr. Strobel’s story is sensational and does not present a complete and balanced report on the issue.

The Zoo is obligated to responsibly regulate the size of their animal populations with the following strategies:

1. Relocation to other zoos or sanctuaries:
   • Movement of cervids across international and provincial borders is highly restricted now due to chronic wasting diseases evident in wild populations. (The Zoo’s population does not have this disease.)
   • The Zoo has two 4 year old male reindeer off-exhibit that have been advertised on a surplus list in North America and worldwide to all accredited facilities for the last 3 years. No placement has been found.
   • It is our responsibility to ensure that any animals are only transferred to authorized/accredited facilities that satisfy the standards of care and possess the necessary permits. For a variety of reasons commercial farms or roadside zoos do not qualify.
2. Reintroduce to wild:
   • These are domesticated animals and cannot be released in the wild. There is no ‘wild’ for reindeer.
3. Castration:
   • Castrated males will continue to fight and may kill each other. It is not ideal to hold reindeer off-exhibit on their own when they are a social and herd animal. Castration still does not support the need for a genetically diverse herd - it only postpones the issue and you end up with a herd of sterile males and postreproductive females.
4. Reproductive control:
   • Available contraceptive methods have not proven successful for this species and the effect of long-term use is yet unknown.

When none of these measures are feasible without causing stress or impacting upon group behaviour, then individual animals should be humanely put down in a fear-free environment. The humane culling of animals should take place at times that approximate natural processes of “biological crossroads” such as birth, weaning or the leaving of the family group.

The Zoo has had a euthanasia policy since the 1970’s. The policy has been reviewed and upgraded as guidelines have been developed over the years by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA). Specific policies have been in place for a number of years providing for euthanasia at birth for population control of muntjac deer, mara and capybara. This policy for population management through euthanasia was extended to reindeer after a thorough review and approval by Zoo staff and management, with oversight by civilian experts. The updated euthanasia policy was endorsed by the Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo in June 2007.


Q. Why the need to euthanize two male reindeer?

A. There is a comprehensive collection plan for the reindeer at the Toronto Zoo. The herd needs to continue to be genetically viable without inbreeding. The male offspring were all related to the breeding male so there is a need to breed the female reindeer to a new male source to provide greater genetic diversity and reduce inbreeding in the herd.

Q. Were other options considered?

A. Yes. All options were properly investigated, a formal review process followed and the necessary approvals obtained. Please see the options outlined under “The Zoo’s Position”. The Zoo received offers from a variety of facilities after the issue became public.

Q. Why breed these female European reindeer?

A. For many years the Zoo has been involved working with other universities and institutions in reproductive research and breeding of endangered species. The Zoo has an aging population of reindeer (lifespan typically 12 years). New genetics are required for the herd. It is best for herds to have reproductive animals and promote natural behaviours. But the sex of any neonates born cannot be controlled.

Q. Would sperm sorting be available in the future to help manage reindeer populations?

A. Yes. This science is in its infancy and is limited to a few animal species at present. With expanded research in the relatively new science of sperm sorting to select in advance the desired sex of animals, in the future this may be a useful alternative and eliminate the need for culling.

Q. Has the Zoo always had a euthanasia policy?

A. The Zoo has had a policy since the 1970’s. The policy has been reviewed and upgraded as guidelines have been developed over the years by AZA and CAZA. Specific policies have been in place for a number of years providing for euthanasia at birth for population control of muntjac deer, mara and capybara. This policy for population management through euthanasia was extended to reindeer after a thorough review and approval by Zoo staff and management, with oversight by civilian experts. The updated euthanasia policy was endorsed by the Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo in June 2007.

The Toronto Zoo’s Board of Management has agreed that culling is a responsible, last resort, practice for population management.

All Animal Care staff is made aware when they are hired and in in-service training programs. When our euthanasia policy was updated 2 years ago, workshops were held with staff and input sought on the policy.

Q. Was another male reindeer born?

A. A male reindeer calf was born on Sunday, May 4, 2008. This calf will remain with the herd for approximately a year until it is weaned from its mother. At that time, the reindeer will be relocated to the Bowmanville Zoo, a CAZA accredited privately-owned zoo.

The Bowmanville Zoo will also be taking two 4 year old male reindeer that have been advertised internationally for three years on the Toronto Zoo’s surplus list. The Bowmanville herd recently was reduced in size due to the recent deaths of older reindeer, thereby freeing up paddock and holding space for three new animals. Once all of the necessary applications, veterinary checks and permits have been completed and approved, the animals will be transferred to this new location. This process will take up to a few months to complete.