 A
Local Treasure
It all began with a woodchuck.
In 1900, a single woodchuck was
donated to the City of Toledo’s Parks Board. From that
small act of generosity, a great institution emerged, one
that has become virtually synonymous with Toledo. The Toledo
Zoo is now widely regarded as one the finest zoological institutions
in the nation. It is not only the region’s number one
attraction, but it is also recognized as a leader in animal
conservation. It has become an integral part of the Toledo
community and a draw for animal lovers from all over.
A History of Change
 As
an institution with a more than 100-year history, The Toledo
Zoo understands the need to preserve the past even as it reaches
out toward the future. As you stroll around the Zoo’s
grounds, that sense of history is everywhere. You’ll
see it most prominently in the WPA-era buildings that still
house our Aviary, Reptiles and Aquarium. It’s in our
historic Amphitheatre, which hosts several concerts throughout
the summer. And it’s in
our commitment to providing each visitor with the best experience
possible.
The Toledo Zoo’s standing as a cornerstone
in the community was never a given, though. From its earliest
days, the Zoo faced enormous challenges, from uncertain financial
conditions to changes in the natural world that require us
to constantly re-evaluate our standards of animal care.
The Zoo was run by the City of Toledo
until 1982, when ownership transferred to The Toledo Zoological
Society, a private non-profit organization. This transfer
marked the beginning of a new era of improvements and progress.
With an eye on the past as well as the future, the Zoological
Society professionalized the management of the Zoo and developed
a vision for the institution that can be seen in its operation
today.
Keeping Up with the Times
 Beginning
in the 1980s, The Toledo Zoo has introduced many exciting
and innovative exhibits. The African Savanna
offers a stunning recreation of the plains and jungles of
Africa. The Savanna is home to the world-famous Hippoquarium,
the first of its kind in the world. Our Kingdom of the Apes
exhibit, Primate Forest, Arctic Encounter® and multi-species
Africa! exhibit give visitors an amazing up-close experience
while at the same time ensuring the well-being of the animals.
Along the way, the Zoo has continued to
preserve its heritage even as it improves its facilities,
as evidenced by the Aviary, which was built in the 1930s and
renovated in 1998. The following year, it received the Association
of Zoos and Aquariums’ Exhibit Award for Excellence.
Zoo Visitors are also welcomed by a new parking lot, entry
complex, gift shop and a ramped pedestrian bridge over the
Anthony Wayne Trail.
The popularity of the Zoo has increased
dramatically over the last twenty years. Restored facilities,
new exhibits and a concerted effort to address the needs of
the visitor have resulted in an average attendance of 875,000
people each year, with over 1,000,000 visitors in 1988, 1994,
and 1999. Special events such as The Lights Before Christmas
capture the charm and character of the Zoo and have become
traditions for Toledo families.
Today, The Toledo Zoo is home
to over 6,000 animals representing
over 760 species. It's one of the world’s most complete
zoos—it’s also the region’s top family destination! |
Download A Visitor's Guide Admission, Group Rates & Zoo hours Purchase Tickets Online Host Your Party or Event at the Zoo Out-of-Town Visitor Info Driving Directions and Maps Fun Activities at the Zoo Stroller and Wheelchair Rentals Field Trips & Educational Programs Concessions and Food Service Zoo Policies
