In the spring of 2024, your Toronto Zoo commissioned a "reimagining" of our logo that would signify our commitment to advancing truth and reconciliation, honour the Indigenous lands on which the Zoo sits, tell the stories of the animals in our care, and the importance of Indigenous worldviews and knowledge. The Indigenous logo would reflect the Toronto Zoo's original logo and demonstrate how we are all related, interconnected and how we are working to bridge traditional knowledge and conservation science. The species highlighted in the Indigenous logo represent some of the Toronto Zoo's conservation programs for Canadian species - Eastern Loggerhead Shrike, Blandings Turtle, Eastern Massassauga Rattlesnake, Bison and Polar Bear.
“In my piece, Wiidookodaadiwag, I wanted to pay homage not only to the original Toronto Zoo logo design, but to the waawaashkeshi that were the first beings to give inspiration to the Zoo as well. Created with interconnection and harmony in mind, this piece shows that what we may view as separate, are all linked by the greater web of life. All living things are on this planet are sacred and connected by theirrelationship to Shkagamik-kwe; from hunter to forager, flora to fauna, we are each a part of the whole. Noone is more important and all play a vital role on this earth. Our job as stewards and caretakers is to ensure that these beings are here for generations to come, and to understand and respect our connection to the planet as a whole. We all have a responsibility to move through life in a meaningful and helpful way, miigwech.”
- Adrienne Assinewai, Artist
The Toronto Zoo joins in recognizing the rich history, heritage, resilience, and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis People across Canada. Toronto Zoo's Turtle Island Conservation programme (TIC) respectfully shares the hopes and goals of First Nation partners in our commitment to the preservation of biodiversity. TIC partners with First Nation communities to preserve community knowledge and significant natural and cultural landscapes.
