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Friends of High Park Zoo

Make a difference for your neighbourhood zoo

Latest Updates

Zoo Closure

May 5, 2023 – High Park Zoo will be closed today due to repair work to some zoo sidewalk (capys to cows).

We apologise for the inconvenience, but look forward to a smoother walkway this spring!

Update re: High Park Movement Strategy

May 1, 2023: The High Park Movement Strategy will now be going to the City Council meeting on Wednesday, May 10. Friends of High Park Zoo (FHPZ) continues to say that the park needs to be open to vehicles on weekends to allow everyone to have access to the zoo and the park until Strategy #3 is implemented including the accessible shuttle being proposed. Please see our full statement here.

Current Hours and Gate Access

March 10, 2023 – Our current opening hours are 9:00 am – 7:00 pm. The Zoo can be accessed via both the north gate and the east gate.

COVID social distancing guidelines remain in effect: please keep a 2 metre distance from other visitors and zoo workers to allow them to perform their work safely.

Llama Pen Activities 2023

We will provide an update on our 2023 llama pen activities as soon as possible.

We continue to raise funds to enhance the Zoo under a phased capital Master Plan. If you are in a position to do so, please consider making a donation here.

Thank you and stay safe!

FHPZ

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About FHPZ

Friends of High Park Zoo (FHPZ) was formed in 2012 to raise the necessary funds to ensure that the Zoo remained open in the wake of City budget cuts for the 2012 and 2013 operating years. With the City restoring operating funding in 2014, FHPZ now looks to raise sustainable funding from individuals, corporations and local businesses to enhance and sustain the Zoo.

FHPZ is still raising funds towards Phase 2 of our multi-phased Master Plan. This phase will include the removal of the asphalt roadway and concrete curbs, the installation of bioswales, rain gardens, raised beds, the planting of more trees and the expansion of the Bison enclosure.

FHPZ is a registered charity created expressly to generate support for High Park Zoo. FHPZ accepts donations directly; more information is available here.

Please check our calendar frequently for a list of special events at the Zoo. Our hours of operation are available here.

High Park Zoo Awarded $2.6M in Project Funding

April 13, 2021: Friends of High Park Zoo (FHPZ) is pleased to announce that, in partnership with the City of Toronto, $2.6 million in Government of Canada and Province of Ontario infrastructure funding has been secured for our $3.6 million High Park Recreational Trail Improvements project in High Park Zoo. Read more

vision high park zoo

VISION, MISSION, VALUES

VISION
To ensure there is always a free community zoo in High Park for generations to enjoy.

MISSION
To support High Park Zoo for the benefit of all visitors by leading activities that engage the community, while advancing education and awareness of the Zoo.

PARTICIPATE

For information on how to make donations that will support High Park Zoo, please visit our donation page.

There are also Yellow Donation Boxes located in the Zoo.

ABOUT HIGH PARK ZOO

Established in the 1893 for deer, the Zoo’s animal paddocks have always been a popular attraction. Today, over 120 years later, the Zoo’s eleven paddocks are home to a variety of animal species from around the world including bison, llamas, peacocks, reindeer, highland cattle, emus and sheep.

HELP US OUT. JOIN US AS A VOLUNTEER.

Become a Volunteer

Latest News

Name the new Highland calf, a girl, born on Easter Sunday to parents Bluebell and Fergus – Poll

April 18, 2023|Categories: Events|

Announcing the new Highland calf, a girl, born on Easter Sunday to parents Bluebell and Fergus The winning name will be announced on May 8, 2023. Subscribe to stay in the loop with our newsletter and be the first to know about [...]

Thank You For Your Support!

During this unprecedented time, as the physical distance among us becomes greater, so too, does the importance of shared experience. When this is behind us, our work of inspiring connection, curiosity and new understanding will continue in earnest, as will our contributions to the fabric of our community. We thank you for your support and understanding, and ask that as individuals, families and communities, we continue to pull together.

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