Calling All Guardians
This is your Toronto Zoo
For over 50 years, the Toronto Zoo has inspired generations, protected endangered species, and stood as a global leader in conservation science.
The Guardians Campaign
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.
The Guardians Campaign is more than just a fundraising effort—it’s a movement. With a goal of $60 million in philanthropic investment this campaign will enable your Toronto Zoo to:
Be a Guardian of Wild Experiences
Inspire & educate the next generation
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.
Be a Guardian of Wild Life
Elevate animal well-being
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.
We 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.
Be a Guardian of Wild Futures
Preserve, protect, and restore biodiversity
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, headstarting, 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 headstarting 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.
Current Priorities
We are ALL
Guardians
of Wild.
Together
we rise to the challenge.
FAQs
What is the Guardians Campaign?
The Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy, fundraising partner to your Toronto Zoo, has launched a $60M community campaign to meet investment needs and enhance the impact of critical science and education programs.
Paired with over $180 million in capital investment from the government, this campaign will position your Toronto Zoo as a world-class institution for a world-class city.
Why is the Guardians Campaign important?
The Guardians Campaign is an investment in the future. As we confront the dual challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss, we are confident in our expertise and ability to drive meaningful, lasting change.
This campaign will strengthen our ability to care for animals, advance conservation science, and inspire our community to protect nature for generations to come.
How will the funds raised be used?
Every dollar raised through the Guardians Campaign will go directly toward:
- Community & Education – Toronto Zoo Community Conservation Centre – a public learning hub where visitors can explore interactive exhibits, attend workshops, and connect with conservation science inspiring action both locally and abroad.
Current demand for education programs exceeds our capacity. We are seeking support to ensure students are prepared for the challenges of the future.
- Animal Well-being and Habitat Enhancements – Modern, spacious, and enriching natural environments that exceed accreditation standards and provide stimulating mental and physical activity for the animals in our professional care.
Your Toronto Zoo leads the way in animal welfare, and we’re taking the next steps by creating climate-controlled spaces so guests can enjoy unforgettable animal experiences in every season. With support, not only will we will enhance habitats to encourage natural behaviours, we’ll also transform all-season viewing.
- Conservation Science – Inspired by the endless possibilities of pioneering science research, your Toronto Zoo leads efforts to secure biodiversity and restore genetically healthy, sustainable wildlife populations for future generations.
Although globally recognized for conservation science leadership, there is little awareness in Toronto and limited funding. With investment, your Toronto Zoo can increase our impact, protect Canadian wildlife and engage more PhD candidates for meaningful research.
How do you decide how the money is allocated?
Funding priorities for the Guardian Campaign are determined by the Zoo’s Campus Plan, and the Strategic Plan, both of which were developed with input from our many stakeholders and communities including wildlife care, animal husbandry, conservation scientists, educators, staff, volunteers, architects, planners and community stakeholders.
Donor contributions are carefully allocated to projects and purposes per donor wishes, and progress updates and reports are shared regularly so doors can see the tangible impact of their generosity.
How can I be sure my donation is making a difference?
We believe in transparency. Donors are kept informed through regular updates, progress reports, newsletters, and inspiring stories that show the impact of their generosity. Each year, we also publish an Annual Report including financial statements and campaign milestones, available on our website for everyone to see.
Can I choose which project my donation supports?
Yes. While general campaign contributions allow us to direct funds where they are most urgently needed, you may also designate your gift toward a specific project within the Guardians Campaign such as the Toronto Zoo Community Conservation Centre, the Red Panda Habitat, the Indoor African Savanna or conservation science which includes our cryobank initiatives.
Are there naming opportunities within the Guardians Campaign?
Yes. Donors can choose from a variety of recognition opportunities—from naming new habitats, and buildings to spaces within the Toronto Zoo Community Conservation Centre to sponsoring education or conservation programs. These opportunities are a meaningful way to create a lasting legacy while supporting wildlife and conservation.
For more information on naming opportunities, please contact Kathy Koch, Executive Director at 416-392-5913 or kkoch@torontozoo.ca.
What are the ways that I can give to the Guardians Campaign?
It is easy to donate online with a one-time or monthly gift via credit card, by sending a cheque, or gifting securities like stocks.
Other ways to give include:
- Including Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy as a beneficiary in your will,
- Designating the Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy as the beneficiary and/or owner of a new or existing life insurance policy,
- Naming the Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy as the beneficiary of your pension plan, RRSP, RRIF, or TFSA,
- Setting up a charitable gift annuity or charitable remainder trust, or
- Making a gift of property, such as real estate, jewelry, or art
We encourage you to discuss specifics with your financial planner and/or your lawyer.
Please reach out to Alanna Wallace, Director of Major Gifts at 416-392-5984 or awallace@torontozoo.ca if you are interested in learning more.
How can I donate or get more information?
You can give online or by mail.
For more details, or to speak a member of our development team about your giving options, please contact Kathy Koch, Executive Director at 416-392-5913 or kkoch@torontozoo.ca.
We’re happy to answer questions and help you find the best way to make an impact.
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:
Kathy Koch, Executive Director
416-392-5913
kkoch@torontozoo.ca