Go to Applications

Toronto Zoo

At your Toronto Zoo, we envision a world where people, animals, and wild species thrive. Our mission is to connect people, animals, conservation science and traditional knowledge to fight extinction..

The reality for many species is simple: Out of sight, out of mind, and off the planet. Climate change and biodiversity loss are accelerating at an alarming rate, and we know we can make a difference. Over the last 50 years, we have hosted over 60 million guests, creating memories that last a lifetime while educating them about the realities facing our planet, and what they can do to help. Our Zoo is a zoo for all, a place for people from all walks of life to join us in our mission to create meaningful and lasting change, and to become Guardians of Wild.

Board responsibilities

The Toronto Zoo is owned by the City of Toronto and operated on behalf of the City by a Board of Management. The board is responsible for the Toronto Zoo's oversight and the approval of certain financial and contractual obligations, including:

• working with Toronto Zoo staff to develop strategic plans, goals, and policies and ensuring that these plans are efficiently and effectively implemented
• approving the annual operating and capital budgets for recommendation to City Council
• hiring and evaluating the Chief Executive Officer who is responsible for the Toronto Zoo's day-to-day administration and its staff
• considering matters relevant to the management and delivery of quality programs and services
• being accountable for the Toronto Zoo's activities and ensuring that it complies with applicable legislation

Board size and composition

The board consists of 11 members composed of:

• the Mayor or designate appointed by the Mayor
• 2 Council members
• 8 public members

Chair and vice chair

City Council appoints the board's chair, and the board elects a vice chair from amongst its members.

Term of office

The term of office for public members is four years.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for appointment to the board, public members must meet the eligibility requirements in the City's Public Appointment Policy, including:

• Must be a resident of the city of Toronto;
• Must be at least 18 years old;
• Cannot be a spouse, partner, child or parent of a Member of Toronto City Council;
• Cannot be a City employee or an employee of a City agency or corporation.

Qualifications

Public members of the board should collectively demonstrate a range of qualifications including:

• financial management
• tourism/attractions marketing
• knowledge of zoos and the role they play in wildlife conservation and education
• largescale fundraising or public-private partnerships, leadership, and partnership development
• general public sector board experience
• a youthful perspective, defined as an individual in the 18-30 age range, is a desired qualification for at least one public member

Meetings

The board meets approximately 8 times per year or more frequently at the call of the chair.

Remuneration

No remuneration is paid to board members.

Related links

• Toronto Zoo website
• Toronto Zoo Board agendas and minutes