WILD
for Life
Projects
WILD for Life
Since 1974, the Toronto Zoo has
given more millions of visitors
the unique chance to witness,
connect with and learn about
the extraordinary variety of life
on this planet. We are privileged
to have in our care over 5,000
animals representing 500 species.
Our Wildlife Health Centre helps
us care for our animals while
deepening our understanding of
what they need to survive and
thrive, in the zoo and in the wild.
Complete and existing campaign
projects represent WILD for Life
and the Toronto Zoo’s dedication
to wildlife care, species survival
and education.
WILD for Life’s current priorities
include a $50 million fundraising
goal in addition to annual municipal
support of $6 million. To date
two capital projects including the
Eurasia Wilds region and the highly
anticipated Giant panda exhibit
have been completed.
Wildlife Health Centre
A new state-of-the-art Wildlife Health Centre stands at the top of the
campaign priority list and will define excellence in the industry for years to
come. The current facilities evolved within the original 1974 animal holding
building, and minor upgrades over the years have done little to increase
the quantity and quality of the space. The 22,000 square feet of interior
space—nearly double the current space— will provide ample room for
handling, post op care and modern diagnostic and research equipment. A
public viewing coordidor for private guided tours will provide a behind-thescenes peek into the reproductive treatment and surgical suites for the
public.
Canadian Wilderness Region
The Canadian Wilderness region will showcase some of the most
important landscapes in this country and the species they support. A
new Boreal Forest biome represents an important and iconic habitat
and its species. A new Mixed Woodland biome will move Canadians
to appreciate a familiar but threatened landscape. A large interpretive
centre at the heart of the region will invite visitors and students alike to
learn more about our land and what lives on it. This project represents
and investment in the care and wellbeing of Canadian wildlife and their
preservation.
Revitalized Orangutan Exhibits
The largest arboreal animal, orangutans have been limited to two Indonesian
islands with the Sumatran orangutans being critically endangered and
sharply declining in population each year. The Toronto Zoo’s renewal
plan includes an expanded and redesigned indoor Borneo-Sumatran
Rainforest habitat, including natural habitat features and a possible mix of
species. A new outdoor area will more than double their living space and
contribute greatly to our animals’ overall health and well-being. Exhibits
will also include better enrichment elements such as cables, platforms,
and tunnels.
Centre for Species
Reproduction
Hippopotamus Exhibit
The Centre for Species Reproduction will feature indoor and outdoor
holding areas and accommodate all
of the diverse needs of a wide range
of species. The centre will host Canadian, Eurasian and African hoofstock, including Przewalski’s horse,
antelopes, gazelles, white rhinos,
moose and wood bison. Given the
variability in breeding seasons, the
facility will be well used all year and
will also provide holding space to
separate animals when needed.
The Toronto Zoo has three healthy
and mature hippos, a species
dependent on fresh water for
survival and threatened by poaching
and habitat loss. A priority for the
Toronto Zoo and the campaign is
the expansion of the current hippo
exhibit. The expansion will enhance
the physical and mental health
of this species, allow visitors to
connect with hippos year round and
will allow the Toronto Zoo to begin
breeding initiatives that
support global species
survival programs.
Samson the Toronto Zoo Grizzly
bear enjoying the day in his current
exhibit.
Become a Partner in the Survival of Wildlife Species
Success in these renewal efforts requires support in addition to the
municipal funding we receive. We are looking to partner with visionary
individuals, foundations and corporations that care deeply about the
welfare of the animals with which we share our planet. Partnering
with the Zoo is a key step in an organization’s journey towards
environmental leadership, demonstrating its commitment to raising
public consciousness and saving endangered species.
Get Involved Today!
Contact the WILD For Life Campaign team at 416-392-9113