The Future of Conservation Science at Toronto Zoo
This talk is sponsored by Joseph Kreiner Real Estate Limited 
October 6, 2022 (10am to 12 noon)
It is often cited how the modern zoo, which focuses on its role in saving species rather than simply exhibiting them, evolved from simpler menageries of the past. However, as many wild species and spaces remain under pressure from either ongoing or novel threats, the modern zoo must continue to evolve. To keep up with this need, conservation science at the Toronto Zoo is changing. While our conservation activities can be less conspicuous than our guest-facing operations, we are shifting from independent science initiatives to multi-disciplinary technology-based approaches that will help us broaden our understanding of the health and welfare needs of wildlife species as they face ever-changing environments. Our science initiatives align with three pillars: Healthy Systems, Changing Environments, and Sustainable Future. With our key academic and governmental partners, we aim to establish a data-driven future within the science units and across the zoo that will enhance our stewardship of wild species and spaces as well as support our varied communities: guests, public, donors and more.
Gabriela Mastromonaco has spent more than 25 years working with assisted reproductive technologies in livestock and wildlife species. She graduated from the University of Guelph with a PhD in Biomedical Sciences, and subsequently joined the Toronto Zoo in 2007 as Manager of Reproductive Sciences where has been responsible for implementing research projects to investigate fundamental questions on the reproductive biology of non-domestic species and integrating results into conservation management programs. She recently took on the position of Senior Director, Wildlife Science, a role that allows her to build multi-disciplinary collaborations to enhance our understanding of wildlife health and welfare, and support species recovery strategies in human care and the wild. Gabriela currently maintains adjunct professor positions at four Canadian universities as part of her commitment to the training of graduate students in reproductive and conservation sciences.
