News

Have you noticed something different during your last visit to the Toronto Zoo? We’re in the process of building something big—something transformative. A new state-of-the-art Community Conservation Centre right here at your Toronto Zoo! This new space will not only enhance the guest experience but will also play a pivotal role in education, conservation, and community engagement.

A Hub of Education and Action

The Toronto Zoo Community Conservation Centre will serve over 1.3 million annual visitors, including thousands of students from across Ontario. This innovative space is designed to equip guests with tools, knowledge, and inspiration to take meaningful action on climate change, wildlife conservation, and biodiversity loss.

Advancing Conservation Science

The Centre will house the Zoo’s endangered turtle conservation breeding centre, further advancing our work in species recovery and conservation science. It will feature dedicated laboratories and classrooms, supporting hands-on learning for students from the University of Toronto Scarborough, as well as Toronto Zoo camps, Zoo School, and other educational programs.

The Evolution of Conservation and Well-Being

The Centre builds on the success of our Wildlife Health Centre, which opened in 2017, focusing on animal well-being, veterinary care, and reproductive research. As we confront the urgent global challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change, this new facility is a vital step forward—uniting science, education, and community action under one roof.

A Unique Educational Experience

One of the Centre’s most exciting features will be a new river otter habitat—a dynamic and immersive exhibit that makes learning about aquatic ecosystems fun and memorable. This engaging space will also serve as a community gathering hub, fostering connections between people, nature, and environmental action.

Immersive, Experiential Learning

The future of education is shifting, and experiential learning is leading the way. The Toronto Zoo Community Conservation Centre will offer students a unique learning experience, immersing them in the day-to-day operations of a working, conservation-based organization. With access to our experienced researchers and practitioners, students will gain invaluable hands-on experience that’s impossible to replicate in a traditional classroom setting.

A Vital Collaboration with Partners

We’re proud to be the first zoo in Canada to partner with a leading university to establish a permanent campus on-site. When not in use for formal education, these flexible classrooms will transform into community outreach venues, hosting events, town halls, and public programs. The Centre reflects our ongoing commitment to blending modern science with traditional knowledge in a holistic approach to conservation.

Accessible to All

What’s even more exciting is that this new facility will be open to the public seven days a week, including evenings and outside regular Toronto Zoo hours. With over 1.3 million guests visiting the Toronto Zoo annually, the Toronto Zoo Community Conservation Centre will showcase cutting-edge work not only from your Toronto Zoo but also from our academic partners. It’s a unique opportunity to engage with conservation science and education beyond the usual admission gates.

Built with Sustainability in Mind

The Toronto Zoo Community Conservation Centre is being constructed and is designed to meet Toronto Green Standard Version 4, aligning with our TZNet Zero Environmental Sustainability Plan. Our goal is to reach Net Zero by 2030, and this new space will play a key role in achieving that goal. In addition to the river otter habitat and conservation breeding facilities, the Centre will feature the Blanding’s turtle headstarting facility, an event space, a gift shop, and offices—all designed with sustainability at the forefront.

Looking Ahead

The new Toronto Zoo Community Conservation Centre at your Toronto Zoo is more than just a building. It’s a space designed to inspire, educate, and unite. With its focus on education, conservation, and community engagement, the Toronto Zoo Community Conservation Centre will be a catalyst for positive change in both the local community and the broader environmental landscape.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to bring this exciting project to life. The future is bright, and we can’t wait for you to experience it firsthand.

Together, we’re building a better future for our planet. You can learn more about the Community Conservation Centre by visiting our project page.