Toronto has had various zoos over the years, with the zoo in High Park still open. It is run by the City of Toronto and the Friends of High Park Zoo charity organization and has no admission fee. The zoo was established in 1893 and has been operating ever since – making it Canada’s ‘oldest animal display.’ Each year the zoo has over 600,000 visitors. Quick link: https://wholemap.com/HighParkZoo
Animals on display in the zoo
While not a large zoo, it has a range of animals on display now, including:
- Barbary sheep
- Bison
- Capybaras
- Emus
- Llamas
- Mouflon sheep
- Peacocks
- Reindeer
- West Highlands cattle
- Yaks
How much does the High Park Zoo cost?
There is no cost to enter the zoo, thanks to the City of Toronto, and the Friends of High Park Zoo charity organization. Dogs are allowed, but must be kept under control, on a leash at all times. You are also free to bring your own food and drinks.
Getting to the Zoo in High Park
High Park Zoo parking
There is a free parking lot just east of the zoo, on the south side of Deer Pen Road, near High Park Picnic site #23.
Driving or biking to the High Park zoo
If you enter the park from the east side, along High Park Blvd, turn left (south) on Spring Road which turns into Deer Pen Road. If you enter the park on Colborne Lodge Drive then head east on Centre Road which loops south, then west, turning into Deer Pen Road. Either way, the road ends at the zoo.
History of the High Park Zoo
In 1893 John and Jemima Howard donated their home, Colborne Lodge, and its 165-acre grounds to the City of Toronto for use as a public park. The animal display was established in 1893 with the keeping deer. A photo from roughly 1908 shows bison in the zoo.
You can see a wide range of historic photos, besides the ones on this page, on our Wholemap historic photos around High Park page.
How to volunteer or support the High Park Zoo
You can donate money, or volunteer to help the Friends of High Park Zoo (FHPZ). Go to their website for more details https://www.highparkzoo.ca/
More information
For more information, including hours and location, see the City of Toronto High Park Animal Display page.