Toronto Zoo implementing mandatory vaccine policy

'Some of our animals are susceptible to COVID-19 illness, including gorillas, orangutans, tigers and lions'

Torontosun.com
Oct. 14, 2021
Kevin Connor

If you want to visit the Toronto Zoo, you will need the double jab starting Oct. 25.

On Wednesday, the zoo announced it is implementing the mandatory full vaccination policy for all employees and guests over the age of 12.

The zoo noted that although it has many outdoor animal exhibits, many COVID-19 susceptible animals are kept indoors and as the weather cools, more visitors will be attracted to the indoor locations.

The move to implement a mandatory vaccination plan will help protect visitors, staff and animals, the zoo said.

“Our decision to implement this policy is based on many factors, including our responsibility to ensure the safety and protection of our staff, our guests and our animals,” CEO Dolf DeJong said in a release. “As a science-based institution, we fully support the evidence that vaccination protects individuals from serious illness and COVID-19 spread.

“It is also important to understand that some of our animals are susceptible to COVID-19 illness, including gorillas, orangutans, tigers and lions, to name a few.

“We will use every tool at our disposal to protect our animals and in particular, endangered species from developing illness due to COVID-19.”