Support Conservation at the Toronto Zoo
The polar bears and other arctic ambassadors here at your Toronto Zoo serve as champions for their wild counterparts, advocating for a future where they are protected and preserved. But we cannot achieve this vision without your help.
This year’s Move Your Paws for the Polar Bear Cause 5K & 1K Run/Walk is more than just an event – it’s a call to action for all of us to stand up for some of Canada’s most vulnerable arctic species.
Due to the devastating impacts of climate change, the change in migration patterns and the loss of sea ice, the future of many iconic arctic species is hanging by a thread.
Like polar bears, Arctic wolves serve as an indicator of climate change. Industrial development has led to the construction of more roads, mines, and pipelines within the Arctic wolf’s habitat, interrupting their natural hunting grounds and decreasing food availability for this key predator species. Changing temperatures in the Arctic have made it difficult for animals like the musk ox and Arctic hare to find food, which has resulted in a decrease in wild populations. This in turn has reduced the traditional food supply of the Arctic wolf.
Your Toronto Zoo is currently home to several arctic species, each serving as powerful ambassadors, educating guests about the impacts of climate change and inspiring action. But we need to do more for them – and we need your help to do it.
With a fundraising goal of $35,000, every dollar raised will directly support new enrichment items here at your Toronto Zoo for both the Polar Bears and Arctic wolves as well as support ongoing conservation efforts.
Animal Enrichment is an essential part of the daily lives of animals here at the Toronto Zoo. By providing different forms of enrichment, it aims to enhance our animals’ environments by providing them with opportunities that stimulate their natural behaviours. Giving animals opportunities to follow their natural instincts is as essential to their overall health and well-being as good nutrition and medical care. Environmental changes are made with the goal of increasing the animal’s behavioural choices and drawing out their species appropriate behaviours, thus enhancing animal welfare. Some forms of enrichment may encourage foraging behaviours while others are strictly for play.
How can you make a difference?
- Donate directly to the Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy when you register for the event.
- Amplify your impact by sharing your fundraising page with friends and family – every contribution, no matter the size, will help us reach our $35,000 goal.
Together, we can preserve the beauty of Arctic species for future generations to experience and cherish – both at your Toronto Zoo and in the wild. Join us.
Fundraise Your Way To Amazing Prizes!
General Prizing
Early Bird Prize – Raise $400 by midnight on Friday, January 31 and be entered to win a one-of-a-kind painting created by a Toronto Zoo polar bear.
Top Fundraiser – Toronto Zoo Nutrition Science Centre Behind-the-Scenes – help make a meal for an animal!
Have you ever wondered what goes into feeding the animals at the Toronto Zoo? Step behind the scenes for a hands-on experience in our Nutrition Science Centre! You’ll get a guided tour of the facility with one of the zoo's Wildlife Nutritionists and learn how your Zoo’s expert team designs and prepares specialized diets for a wide variety of species. Then, roll up your sleeves and help the team prepare a meal for one of the Zoo’s animals! To top it all off, you’ll head to their habitat to watch as they enjoy the tasty results of your hard work!
This experience will be for approximately 1 hour, is valid for up to four (4) guests, and includes full-day general admission to the Toronto Zoo.
Experience must be redeemed by October 31, 2026. A minimum of two weeks’ notice is required to book.
Animal experience will be selected by the Zoo’s Nutrition and Wildlife Care teams based on timing and availability but could include preparing a food-based enrichment item for a polar bear, orangutan, Aldabra tortoise, ostrich, snow leopard, or river otter!
2nd Place – Toronto Zoo sweatshirt and 2026 Oasis ZooRun Entry!
3rd Place – Toronto Zoo t-shirt and 2026 Oasis ZooRun Entry!
Top Fundraising Team – A virtual and interactive tour of your Toronto Zoo for up to 30 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 30 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 12, 2026. The date and time of the virtual tour are subject to availability.
Corporate Prizing
Top Corporate Fundraising Team – One-of-a-kind painting by a Toronto Zoo polar bear for your entire office to enjoy! Plus a Toronto Zoo Swag Bag for each member of your Team.
2nd Place Corporate Fundraising Team – Toronto Zoo Admission for each member of your team and a Toronto Zoo Toque/hat.
This prize must be redeemed before December 12, 2026.
3rd Place Corporate Fundraising Team – A Toronto Zoo Toque/hat for each team member.
Please note - fundraising totals will be calculated on Friday, February 20th 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.
Donate to a Team
Click here to search for a team to sponsor.
Make a General Donation
Click here to make a direct donation to the Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy.
