Wildlife group, Toronto Zoo push for increased regulations in Ontario

Author of the article: Kevin Connor
Published Jul 18, 2023 • 

Mila, the Toronto Zoo's Amur Tiger. 

PHOTO BY TORONTO ZOO /Toronto Zoo
Anyone can own a zoo in Ontario and this province has been ranked “dead last” in a zoo regulations report card.

On Tuesday, the World Animal Protection Canada and the Toronto Zoo released a report card of Canada’s zoo regulations.

The report card says Ontario has “weak and non-existent” regulations and enforcement for the use of wild animals in private zoos.

The report card looks at provincial licencing of zoo facilities, permit system for non-native wildlife, permit system for native-wildlife, animal welfare,and public safety and security.,

“In Ontario, you don’t need expertise, a reason or a licence to operate a zoo or buy dangerous animals like a tiger or lion,” said Michèle Hamers,campaign manager for World Animal Protection’s Wildlife. “This is why Ontario ranks dead last and why we are working with the government to get this done for once and for all. We are pushing the province to implement what other provinces like Alberta and Quebec have done already. We want to see a mandatory province-wide zoo licensing system and meaningful and enforceable standards to safeguard animal welfare and public health and safety.”

WAPC says Ontario has the largest number of roadside zoos in the country with up to 30 locations including backyard zoos.

Yet, there is no tracking of how many of these facilities exist or what animals they house.

Dangerous animals at these facilities put the public at risk, WAPC says.


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“At your Toronto Zoo, our commitment to wildlife care extends beyond the Zoo site. There are far too many individuals and organizations operating without any regulation on how they care for animals,” said Dolf DeJong, CEO, Toronto Zoo.

“As an AZA accredited Zoo, your Toronto Zoo believes in our responsibility to meet animal wellbeing standards AND to push for the standards to continue to evolve. These animals deserve better, and we support the calls for stronger regulations in Ontario to protect exotic animals in unaccredited roadside zoos and in private ownership. We know better, so let’s do better, together.”

World Animal Protection has reported on hundreds of concerns at 11 roadside zoos that include animal deaths.

That includes the death of Kiska the orca and charges at Marineland.

“Our ongoing work has been driving the province to launch investigations at these facilities. But the patchwork system, where non-compliance is the norm, needs to stop, once and for all.” Hamers said.