Support Polar Bear Conservation at the Toronto Zoo
As a conservation science leader committed to climate action and research to protect Arctic wildlife and their homes, your Toronto Zoo is actively engaged in the fight against extinction. Our vision is a world where wildlife and wild spaces thrive, and your participation in this year’s Move Your Paws for the Polar Bear Cause 5K & 1K Run/Walk will bring us one step closer to our vision becoming a reality.
With a goal of $30,000, funds raised from this year’s event will continue to support your Zoo’s conservation, education and research activities to increase wild polar bear populations and inspire people to live in ways that promote the well-being of the natural world.
Fundraise Your Way To Amazing Prizes!
Early Bird Prize – Raise $300 by January 31st at midnight and you will automatically be entered into a draw for a chance to win a polar bear adoption package!
This special package includes a personalized certificate of adoption featuring a photo of a Toronto Zoo polar bear, an adorable polar bear plush toy, a polar bear species fact booklet with a fold-out poster (11" x 17"), and a gold embossed certificate holder!
Top Fundraiser – Polar Bear Experience!
This year's Top Fundraiser will win a special day at your Toronto Zoo, including complimentary admission for up to 4 people, complimentary parking for 1 vehicle, and a special polar bear meet the keeper experience!
This experience is available for redemption on a weekday between April 2024 and June 2024; some restrictions may apply. Please note that for the health and safety of the animals in the Zoo's care, all details of your experience are subject to change.
2nd Place – Toronto Zoo sweatshirt and 2024 Oasis ZooRun Entry!
3rd Place – Toronto Zoo t-shirt and 2024 Oasis ZooRun Entry!
Top Fundraising Team – A virtual and interactive tour of your Toronto Zoo for up to 50 participants!
Get ready to experience your Toronto Zoo like never before! This one-of-a-kind, 40-minute tour will take you and your friends, family, or coworkers (up to 50 participants) through one region of your Toronto Zoo. This interactive experience will give you a chance to see and learn about several of the animals in our care and will include a Q&A session.
*Please note: This prize must be redeemed before December 13, 2024. The date and time of the virtual tour are subject to availability.
Fundraising totals will be calculated on Friday, February 23rd at 5pm ET based on online fundraising pages.
Prizes are subject to change, are not transferable, and can be won by any participant, regardless of finish place or completion.
Personalize your Fundraising Page
It’s easy to get started - simply personalize your fundraising page and send it around to family and friends!
- To customize your page, select Donate to participant, search for your name, and click on Donate next to your profile.
- Sign In to Race Roster if not yet logged in (top right).
- Click Edit fundraising page below the profile image on the right-hand side.
- Specify your fundraising goal, write a personal message, and upload a photo (or keep it as the polar bear!)
- Be sure to scroll down and click Save updated fundraising information.
Donate to a Participant
Click here to search for a participant to sponsor.
Make a General Donation
Click here to make a direct donation to the Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy.
More Information
Currently, polar bears are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species due to climate change and the melting of sea ice. If things don’t change, their status could quickly be escalated to endangered. For polar bears, sea ice is crucial for their reproduction, hunting, and migration. Without it, their chances of survival are dramatically lowered, putting them at risk for extinction.
Unfortunately, over the past few years, more and more polar bear cubs have been found abandoned and orphaned in the wild. While the reason for this is not yet fully understood, research indicates that stress over sea-ice loss could be a factor. Knowing this, the Zoo is no longer breeding polar bears to ensure there is a home at your Toronto Zoo for a cub in need.
The Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy is a dedicated partner with your Toronto Zoo in the fight against extinction, established in 2019 to secure increased financial resources and support for the wildlife conservation work being done by the Toronto Zoo. You can donate directly to the Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy during registration or go one step further and share your fundraising page with friends and family to collect pledges.
