An important component of Toronto Wildlife Centre’s work is our efforts in the area of wildlife-related conservation initiatives. Our conservation work is carried out both through direct research and through our education programming.

Dr. Heather Reid, staff veterinarian at Toronto Wildlife Centre (TWC), has worked in cooperation with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources on a variety of unique conservation projects. These have included tracking and monitoring urban Coyotes (whose populations have been decimated in recent years by an outbreak of sarcoptic mange) and at-risk Wolverines. In addition, her involvement in salamander and Black Bear research projects has contributed important data to wildlife conservation science.

In our education work, we place great emphasis on helping people to peacefully and responsibly co-exist with their wild neighbours – important components of working towards conservation goals. The conservation education we currently provide to the public is based on the concept that understanding, monitoring and enhancing the well-being of wildlife and wild populations is key to ensuring ecosystem health.

In addition, by working with agencies responsible for policy development, we aim to participate in the creation of regulations that affect wildlife and the ecosystems in which they live.