Biology & Conservation Evolution of

Conservation Centre

Zoological Park

Menagerie VISION AND GOALS OF THE

TORONTO ZOO VISION: The Toronto Zoo will be a dynamic and exciting action centre that inspires people to love, respect and protect wildlife and wild spaces. Conservation and Education programs include curators, wildlife health and animal care specialists, nutrition and reproductive experts, conservation biologists, behavioural researchers,

and educators.

numerous partners…

Initiatives have made the Toronto Zoo a world leader

for wildlife experience and conservation of and nature. • 300 Exhibits

• 500 Species

• 6000+ Specimens  Guest experience that is fun and interactive and promotes commitment to sustainable living

 Create dynamic habitats that celebrate wildlife and connects people with nature Rouge Park Insect Biodiversity Study CONSERVATION, EDUCATION & WILDLIFE GOALS

 Maintain Conservation, Education and Research as the primary focus

 Reduce the Zoo’s ecological footprint and take a leadership role in green initiatives

 Secure financial and staff resources to implement the Conservation Strategy Huge Disconnect Between People and Nature

ESD UN DECADE (Rsearch)

ADULT & CORPORATE Art & Community Outreach Cultural: First Nations / African Korean / Chinese / Eco Exec Program Volunteers GREEN + ESD PROGRAMS (ISO) City, Province, EASO, BEAN Green Team UNIVERSITY & COLLEGE PROGRAMS & RESEARCH University of Guelph, , Seneca

EDUCATION, BUSH CAMP $$$ High School (Summer) FormalPROGRAMS / WORKSHOPS ZOO CAMPS $$$

CURATORIAL EDUCATION OUTREACH Adopt-a-pond, Frogwatch, Turtles, Great Lakes, First Nations, Stewardship, Recovery SCHOOL VISITS – UNSTRUCTURED

VISITORS & FAMILIES & MEMBERS On Site Kids Zoo, Interactive Graphics, Talks Web SITE + ANIMALS + PLANTS EDUCATION PROGRAMS

 Student Workshops  Professional Development  Operation Conservation  Internships  Zoo Camps  Serengeti Bush Camp  Volunteer Programs  Sustainable Education  Nurture a culture of best practice, passion and commitment

 Protect wildlife and the natural places

 Environmental leadership

 Compelling education and outreach experiences to inspire people ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS

Provide new and exciting learning opportunities community members.

Zoo Bush Camp participants explore the Zoo day and night Hands-on Learning CONSERVATION PROGRAMS

 Captive Breeding and Reintroduction  Great Lakes  Habitat Restoration  Adopt-A-Pond and Wetland Conservation  Road Ecology Group  First Nations Education Programs RESEARCH PROGRAM

 Veterinary Programs  Reproductive Biology  Behavioural Research  Nutrition Research  Animal Enrichment  Animal Husbandry  Conservation Biology Centre for Sustainable Life and Learning

Ontario Universities and Colleges Toronto Zoo has partnered with many universities and colleges on many projects: from pure and applied research, to internships, to teaching. University and College Programs • University of Guelph • Veterinary Science: DVSc. Externs, • Reproduction: MSc, PhD, Post-Doc. • Nutrition: MSc. • Behavioural Enrichment: MSc. • Landscape Architecture: Masters, Honours

• York University • Behavior: MSc. PhD, York University • Education: PhD

• University of Toronto • Conservation Biology: MSc., Coop • Environmental and Green Programs: • Museum Studies: MSc., ROM. • Education

• Trent University • Genetics:, MSc., BSc., DNA Centre Tiger

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Estrogens Pregnanes TZ ANIMAL RE-INTRODUCTION & RECOVERY PROGRAM PARTICIPATION

TZ bred and reared these species back in the wild in “head-start” programs for release

• Black-footed • Vancouver Island marmot • Loggerhead shrike • • Puerto Rican crested toad • Massasauga rattlesnake • Wood turtle • Blandings turtle • Atlantic salmon • Wyoming toad • Mallorcan midwife toad • Wood

Re-introduction underway where TZ exhibits and BREED these species for survival

• Przewalski’s horse • Golden lion tamarin • Scimitar-horned oryx • Axolotl • Oregon spotted frog • African penguins • Blue and yellow macaws • Karner blue butterfly • Sumatran orangutan Re-introductions with TZ Staff involved

• in Ontario 1983 – 1998 • Wild turkey in Ontario (released on site with OMNR) • Piping plover LEADING EDGE - GREEN PROGRAMS

 Toronto Zoo Green Plan  Environmental Management System  ECO-CELL Cell Phone Recycling  Invasive Species Management  Green Roofs  ECO Executives  Geothermal Systems  Solar Energy Towards a carbon neutral Toronto Zoo

Human induced climate change is real, and we are all responsible for limiting or eliminating GHG emissions Large-scale renewable energy

GERMAN SUCCESS STORY – generation… biogas

• Over 4,000 facilities in operation, predicted to exceed 20,000 by 2015

• 400 companies involved in biogas development in Germany alone

• Biogas will account for 17% of Germany’s electricity mix by 2020

• Well developed renewable energy purchase programs throughout Europe ENDANGERED SPECIES RESERVE FUND

 Protection and recovery of species and habitats  Funds ~40 projects/year in the field around the world  Funding is approximately $90,000 - $100,000/year at this time  The fund has $821,613 and is building  Separate from Operating Budget

EXTERNAL GRANTS

Education, Conservation & Research

2008 – $583,128.22 2009 – $1,024,831.49 2010 – $786,353.14 Centre for Sustainable Life and Learning

Non-Government Organizations

Incorporating community groups and national NGO’s will be important for a successful ESD program and centre. QUESTIONS? WETLANDS Trumpeter Swan Recovery Program Implantation of radiotransmitters in wolf pups in Algonquin Park SAVING BIODIVERSITY Education Why We’re Here

Conservation