Item - 2019.ZB2.15

The Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo received the item for information. 

This report focuses on the primary activities and achievements of the Education Branch at the Toronto Zoo for the year 2018. Education oversees a wide variety of different programs throughout the year that support key components of the Strategic Plan and further educational goals. These include school program offerings and teacher resources, as well as a roster of public programs for a variety of audiences/ages and summer camps. Overall program participation and revenues in 2018 were amongst the highest on record with revenue up 28.6 percent over 2017 (labour disruption year), generating overall $1,042,660, and participation up by 43.6 percent over the preceding year. Bookings for fee-based school programs increased by 49.4 percent over 2017, with a particularly large increase at the secondary level, which increased 81.3 percent. Core revenue generating programs such as Bush Camp, Zoo Camp, Zoo School, and the Valentine’s adult program, continue to show strong participation and revenue generation.

Also, included is a summary of curatorial outreach programs which are administered by the Conservation and Wildlife Division.