Our Story
Toronto Zoo Explorer started in late 2023 as a side project by a small group of wildlife biology students at the University of Toronto. We were frustrated by how scattered information about local zoological attractions was across the internet — so we decided to build a single, comprehensive, and completely free resource.
What began as a simple blog quickly grew into a full educational platform covering species profiles, visit planning tools, conservation news, and curriculum-aligned learning materials.
Our Mission
We believe access to wildlife education should be free and available to everyone. Our mission is to:
- Provide accurate, well-researched information about the species found in Ontario's zoological gardens and nature reserves
- Help families, students, and tourists plan memorable and educational visits
- Raise awareness about conservation programs and the role that zoos play in protecting endangered species
- Create high-quality learning materials that teachers and parents can use in classrooms and at home
Who We Are
We're a team of volunteers — students, educators, and wildlife photography enthusiasts — united by a shared passion for Ontario's natural heritage. No one on our team is paid for their contributions; we do this because we genuinely love wildlife and want to share that enthusiasm with the wider community.
Sarah Mitchell
Wildlife Biology, UofT
Lead Editor
James Okoye
Nature Photography
Visual Content
Priya Sharma
Environmental Science
Conservation Writer
Alex Chen
Web Development
Technical Lead
Editorial Independence
Toronto Zoo Explorer is entirely independent. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the Toronto Zoo, the City of Toronto, or any government institution. Our reviews, recommendations, and educational content are written without outside influence.
We fund this project through contextual display advertising and carefully selected affiliate partnerships. These revenue streams never influence our editorial decisions. For full details, see our Terms of Service.
Get Involved
We're always looking for passionate volunteers who want to contribute articles, photographs, lesson plans, or technical expertise. If you'd like to join the team, reach out to us.