The Guardians Campaign

The Guardians Campaign is more than just a fundraising effort—it’s a movement. With a goal of $60 million in philanthropic investment and over $180 million in government support, this campaign will enable your Toronto Zoo to:

I.

Guardian of Wild Experiences

The future of conservation education begins here.

For half a century, your Toronto Zoo has connected communities to animals and nature through accessible and memorable experiences. Now, we are reimagining conservation education, building on the legacy of leadership to inspire the next generation of advocates and scientists.

Your support will:

    • Build a world-class, state-of-the-art educational and experiential facility.
    • Empower young people through workshops, courses, and hands-on learning with zoo scientists.
    • Ensure every young person in the area has access to the zoo regardless of their socio-economic status, physical ability, or cultural identity.
    • Expand Indigenous programming at your Toronto Zoo, connecting traditional knowledge and conservation science for greater impact.
    • Inspire the next generation of conservation scientists and citizens.
Inspire & educate the next generation

$0M

II.

Be a Guardian of Wild Life

Caring for animals is at the heart of everything we do.

As the first Canadian zoo with dedicated Animal Welfare Science and Nutrition teams, and with award-winning zookeepers and habitats, your Toronto Zoo continues to set new standards in animal welfare and care.

They build naturalistic habitats, provide stimulating mental and physical activities, and advance reproductive health to ensure every animal in the Zoo’s care thrives. These spaces exemplify the dedication to creating meaningful, enriching, and transformative connections between people and wildlife.

Your support will:

  • Expand and enhance animal habitats, exceeding accreditation standards, to provide environments that encourage natural behaviours such as climbing, swimming and hunting.
  • Proactively address physical and mental health to ensure animal well-being.
  • Enhance human knowledge and understanding of animal behaviours.
  • Further improve reproductive outcomes.
  • Enable year-round viewing and engagement for guests.
Elevate animal well-being

$0M

III.

Be a Guardian of Wild Futures

Your Toronto Zoo has the most diverse wildlife biobank in Canada.

Inspired by the endless possibilities of pioneering scientific research, your Toronto Zoo leads efforts to secure biodiversity and restore genetically healthy, sustainable wildlife populations for future generations.

We house Canada’s largest repository of living, frozen cells from over 100 wildlife species. As the only zoo in Canada with expertise in cryogenic preservation of live cells and advanced reproductive technologies, your Toronto Zoo is driving innovation in breeding, head-starting, and reintroducing genetically diverse species into the wild.

Your support will:

  • Create and lead a National Biobanking Strategy to protect Canada’s species.
  • Expand cryogenic reserves to preserve genetic diversity for future generations.
  • Enhance head-starting and reintroduction programs for threatened and endangered populations.
  • Contribute to international Species Survival Plan® Programs that protect biodiversity worldwide.
  • Expand the Zoo’s research portfolio, funding additional PhD projects and groundbreaking studies.
Preserve, protect, and restore biodiversity

$0M

But the world is changing.

The rate of animal extinction has reached alarming levels, driven by habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, illegal wildlife trafficking, and overexploitation.

The Toronto Zoo has a bold new vision - to scale impact for generations to come. It involves transformative investments in infrastructure, experiential learning, animal well-being, and conservation science.

With your support, the Toronto Zoo will protect, preserve and restore endangered species, while inspiring future generations to continue this vital mission.

Where Hope Meets Action:

As we confront the dual challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss, we are fuelled by a profound sense of optimism, confident in the Zoo’s expertise and ability to drive meaningful, lasting change.

 

Contact us to learn more about the Guardians Campaign:

If you would like to receive information or have any questions, please contact Alison Kenn at akenn@torontozoo.ca or 416-392-5983.