Toledo Zoo Commemorates 125 Years with International Conservation Symposium
The Toledo Zoo in Ohio is gearing up for a momentous celebration of its 125th anniversary with a landmark three-day international symposium scheduled for October 21 to 23, 2025. This event promises to gather conservationists, educators, and scientists from all corners of the globe under one roof. With a mission aimed at showcasing the Zoo's century-long contributions to wildlife conservation, the symposium aims to inspire communities and foster a greater commitment to protecting endangered species worldwide.
According to Jen Brassil, the director of PR and communications events at the Toledo Zoo, it was essential to develop an event that embodies the Zoo's core mission. The Toledo Zoo is not just key in local conservation efforts; it actively reaches out to various regions around the globe, participating in significant conservation projects in places such as Africa, Aruba, Brazil, Nepal, the Pacific Islands, and Tasmania. By organizing this symposium, the Toledo Zoo aspires to establish itself as a central hub for international collaboration in conservation strategies. This symposium will provide a platform for experts from multiple continents to share innovative strategies for species preservation and enhancing community connections to wildlife.
The event will feature a comprehensive lineup of presentations focusing on both local and international conservation efforts. Attendees can expect to delve into topics such as endangered species recovery initiatives, community engagement projects, and groundbreaking research aimed at understanding ecosystems worldwide. Here’s a sneak peek into what participants can anticipate:
The symposium will feature an impressive lineup of speakers, including:
This diverse group of speakers will provide rich insights into the multifaceted nature of conservation efforts and collaborate showing the best practices from various global contexts.
The symposium is free and open to the public. The events scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday are designed for a college-level audience, while Thursday's sessions are suitable for middle school participants and older audiences. For those unable to attend in person, a livestream of the symposium will be available. RSVPs are highly recommended to ensure seating, as space is limited. The symposium details are as follows:
The symposium will culminate with the Impact to Action: A Legacy Gala, a separate ticketed event where guests can explore the historic Works Progress Administration buildings of the zoo. This evening will be filled with culinary delights from chef-inspired stations, live music, specialty beverages, and personal animal encounters, adding a special touch to the celebratory atmosphere on the evening of October 23.
In conclusion, the Toledo Zoo's 125th-anniversary campaign, themed "Honoring our past. Envisioning our future," underlines its commitment to conservation, education, and community involvement. Throughout the year 2025, numerous special events, exhibits, and programs will be conducted to honor this significant milestone. The Toledo Zoo encourages everyone to join this celebratory journey while shaping the next chapter of its extraordinary legacy.
According to Jen Brassil, the director of PR and communications events at the Toledo Zoo, it was essential to develop an event that embodies the Zoo's core mission. The Toledo Zoo is not just key in local conservation efforts; it actively reaches out to various regions around the globe, participating in significant conservation projects in places such as Africa, Aruba, Brazil, Nepal, the Pacific Islands, and Tasmania. By organizing this symposium, the Toledo Zoo aspires to establish itself as a central hub for international collaboration in conservation strategies. This symposium will provide a platform for experts from multiple continents to share innovative strategies for species preservation and enhancing community connections to wildlife.
Key Highlights of the Symposium
The event will feature a comprehensive lineup of presentations focusing on both local and international conservation efforts. Attendees can expect to delve into topics such as endangered species recovery initiatives, community engagement projects, and groundbreaking research aimed at understanding ecosystems worldwide. Here’s a sneak peek into what participants can anticipate:
- - Day 1 (Oct. 21): The symposium will start by focusing on the Zoo’s rich legacy in Ohio. Highlights will include discussions on butterfly, turtle programs, and the recovery initiatives for species like Hellbenders and Copper-bellied water snakes. Participants will also have the opportunity to take tours of regional conservation projects to understand the scope of the Zoo's local impact.
- - Day 2 (Oct. 22): This day will shift toward global wildlife initiatives, spotlighting programs from Nepal, the Philippines, Southern Africa, and Cameroon. Presentations will cover a wide array of topics including Snow leopards, Red pandas, Pied tamarins, unique doves, rescued gorillas, and fascinating studies on elephant reproduction.
- - Day 3 (Oct. 23): The focus will be on future-oriented programs, emphasizing education, early childhood engagement with conservation, and innovative species recovery projects. Participants will learn about initiatives like Project T.U.R.T.L.E., Project Prairie, and the Twite Project, which aims to connect future generations with the importance of wildlife conservation.
Notable Speakers
The symposium will feature an impressive lineup of speakers, including:
- - Jerry Aylmer from the Limbe Wildlife Centre, Cameroon
- - Joe Wood from the Toledo Zoo
- - Lochran Traill from the University of Leeds
- - Matt Ward and Ysabella Montano-Ward from Talarak Foundation, Philippines
- - Dr. Paras Bikram Singh from BIOCOS Nepal
- - Torie Curr Smith from Limbe Wildlife Centre
- - Narelle Wilson, an advisor at the Toledo Zoo
- - Oliver Crowther from OC Aviaries
This diverse group of speakers will provide rich insights into the multifaceted nature of conservation efforts and collaborate showing the best practices from various global contexts.
Event Details
The symposium is free and open to the public. The events scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday are designed for a college-level audience, while Thursday's sessions are suitable for middle school participants and older audiences. For those unable to attend in person, a livestream of the symposium will be available. RSVPs are highly recommended to ensure seating, as space is limited. The symposium details are as follows:
- - Dates: Tuesday to Thursday, October 21-23, 2025
- - Location: The Malawi Event Center at the Toledo Zoo
- - Admission: Free; an RSVP is recommended; walk-ins will be accommodated subject to space availability.
Legacy Gala
The symposium will culminate with the Impact to Action: A Legacy Gala, a separate ticketed event where guests can explore the historic Works Progress Administration buildings of the zoo. This evening will be filled with culinary delights from chef-inspired stations, live music, specialty beverages, and personal animal encounters, adding a special touch to the celebratory atmosphere on the evening of October 23.
In conclusion, the Toledo Zoo's 125th-anniversary campaign, themed "Honoring our past. Envisioning our future," underlines its commitment to conservation, education, and community involvement. Throughout the year 2025, numerous special events, exhibits, and programs will be conducted to honor this significant milestone. The Toledo Zoo encourages everyone to join this celebratory journey while shaping the next chapter of its extraordinary legacy.
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