2024 Toronto Zoo 🐻🌳🦧 50th Anniversary Celebration 🦍

Saturday, 24 August 2024 08:44.AM
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On August 15th, 2024 Toronto Zoo celebrated it's 50th anniversary. Celebrations kicked off with a countdown to Zoo opening in the morning at the front entrance with music, animal enrichment talks and the unveiling of a statue commemorating the life of one of the most iconic Toronto Zoo residents: Charles the Western lowland gorilla.

Charles has called theToronto Zoo home since the day it opened, and thanks to the amazing care he has received from his team he continues to live a long and inspiring life up in our African Rainforest pavilion, where visitors can now find his statue.

On hand to join in the festivities were many elected officials from all levels of government, members of the Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo and Mr. Paul Godfrey, former Chairman of Metropolitan Toronto in 1974, and who was in attendance on August 15th 1974 to open the Zoo!

When the Toronto Zoo first opened its doors in 1974, it was envisioned as a place where people could come and marvel at the beauty and diversity of wildlife from around the globe. But more than that, it was a place where the seeds of conservation could be planted, where future generations could be inspired to care for our planet and all its inhabitants.

Now Toronto Zoo has become a global leader in conservation science, thanks to the tireless dedication of the Zoo staff and volunteers, past and present. From breeding endangered species to pioneering conservation science research, the Zoo played a critical role in preserving biodiversity.

“Without question, none of the incredible work that happens here would be possible without the unwavering support of our community and our city. ” says Dolf DeJong, CEO, Toronto Zoo. “Your Toronto Zoo is not just a place for animals; it is a place for people—a place where families come to learn, explore, and create memories that last a lifetime. We have hosted over 60 million guests, connecting them to the natural world and fostering a lifelong love of nature. There's a saying I use a lot: ‘The windshield is bigger than the rearview mirror because where we are going is more important than where we have been’. This milestone reminds us that while we’ve accomplished much, our greatest challenges lie ahead”.

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