The Toledo Zoo 125th Anniversary Symposium Series is a landmark event that underscores the Toledo Zoo’s century-long commitment to wildlife conservation and community engagement. Scheduled from October 21 to 23, 2025, this three-day symposium will bring together conservationists, scientists, and educators from around the globe to share knowledge, celebrate achievements, and discuss future strategies for biodiversity preservation.
Event Overview
Dates:
- October 21–23, 2025
Location:
- Malawi Event Center, Toledo Zoo, Ohio, USA
Admission:
- Free; RSVP recommended; walk-ins accommodated if space allows
Livestream:
- Available for those unable to attend in person
RSVP:
Symposium Highlights
Day 1: Local Conservation Initiatives
The first day will focus on the Toledo Zoo’s conservation efforts within Ohio, highlighting local species recovery programs and community engagement projects.
Key Sessions:
- Toledo Zoo & Aquarium – 125 Years of Impact
Speaker: Jeff Sailer, President & CEO, Toledo Zoo - History of Conservation at the Toledo Zoo
Speaker: Mitch Magdich, Toledo Zoo - The Toledo Zoo Butterfly Conservation Programs: History and Current Successes
Speaker: Jake Schoen, Toledo Zoo - Recovery of the Hellbender in Ohio
Speaker: Katie Herzog, Toledo Zoo - Copper-bellied Water Snake Conservation in Ohio
Speaker: Megan Seymour, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Return of the Maumee River Sturgeon
Speaker: Justin Chiotti, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Saving the Allegheny Woodrat in Ohio
Speaker: Becky Crow, Ohio Division of Wildlife - Engaging Citizens in Conservation: 12 Years of Wild Toledo Success
Speaker: Dr. Ryan Walsh, Toledo Zoo
Tours:
- Regional conservation projects, including sturgeon, Hellbender, turtles, and copper-bellied water snakes
Day 2: Global Conservation Efforts
Day two will spotlight the Toledo Zoo’s international conservation initiatives, featuring programs in Nepal, the Philippines, Southern Africa, and Cameroon.
Key Sessions:
- Zoos as Conservation Engines
Speaker: Jeff Sailer, President & CEO, Toledo Zoo - Leveraging Expertise to Save Species
Speaker: Joseph Wood, Toledo Zoo - Conservation Above the Clouds – Saving Pheasants, Snow Leopards, and Red Pandas in Nepal
Speaker: Dr. Paras Singh, BIOCOS Nepal - Mitigating Conflict Between Hippos and Humans
Speaker: Dr. Lochran Traill, University of Leeds - Saving a Critically Endangered Monkey in an Urban Environment: Pied Tamarins
Speakers: Koral Stoddard & Suzanne Husband, Toledo Zoo - Returning the Negros Bleeding Heart Dove to the Wild
Speakers: Matthew & Ysabella Ward, Talarak Foundation - Caring for and Improving the Welfare of Rescued Gorillas in Cameroon
Speakers: Torie Curr Smith & Jerry Aylmer, Limbe Wildlife Centre - Using Reproductive Science to Save Elephants in Southern Africa
Speaker: Dr. Kari Morfeld, For Elephants
Documentary Feature:
- Tasmanian Devil Documentary Feature
Tours:
- Toledo Zoo grounds showcasing global conservation projects
Day 3: Future of Conservation Education
The final day will focus on future-focused programs highlighting education, early childhood conservation engagement, and innovative species recovery initiatives.
Key Sessions:
- Building Our Future
Speaker: Jeff Sailer, President & CEO, Toledo Zoo - Investing in Future Conservation Careers: Project T.U.R.T.L.E.
Speakers: Dr. Matthew Cross and Day’Veonna Smith, Toledo Zoo - Ensuring School Children Can Engage with Nature: Project Prairie
Speaker: Dr. Alex Burris, Toledo Zoo - Developing Conservation Capacity in the Solomon Islands
Speaker: Narelle Wilson, Toledo Zoo - Supporting Conservation Innovation: The Twite Project
Speaker: Oliver Crowther, OC Aviaries - Ensuring Early Access to Conservation Education: The Toledo Community Pre-School
Speaker: Jodi Anderson, Toledo Zoo - A Visit to the Toledo Zoo: Enjoy, Inspire, Educate, Act
Speaker: Kent Bekker, Toledo Zoo
Closing Remarks:
- Jeff Sailer, President & CEO, Toledo Zoo
Also read: Meet Brosno: Toledo Zoo Welcomes a Majestic New Amur Tiger
Notable Speakers
The symposium will feature a diverse lineup of experts from various conservation fields:
- Jerry Aylmer – Limbe Wildlife Centre, Cameroon
- Joe Wood – Toledo Zoo
- Dr. Lochran Traill – University of Leeds
- Matt Ward and Ysabella Montano-Ward – Talarak Foundation, Philippines
- Dr. Paras Bikram Singh – BIOCOS Nepal
- Torie Curr Smith – Limbe Wildlife Centre
- Narelle Wilson – Toledo Zoo Adviser
- Oliver Crowther – OC Aviaries
Also read: John Ball Zoological Garden: A Complete Guide to Michigan’s Wildlife Treasure
Legacy Gala: “Impact to Action”
The symposium will culminate with the Impact to Action: A Legacy Gala on the evening of October 23, 2025. This separate ticketed event invites guests to celebrate the Toledo Zoo’s 125th anniversary in some of its most historic Works Progress Administration buildings. Attendees will enjoy:
- Chef-inspired stations
- Live music
- Specialty sips
- Animal encounters
For more information or to RSVP, visit toledozoo.org/125symposium.
Also read: John Ball Zoo Ticket Price: Complete 2025 Guide with Memberships, Discounts, and Visitor Tips
Conclusion:Toledo Zoo 125th Anniversary Symposium Series
The Toledo Zoo 125th Anniversary Symposium Series offers a unique opportunity to engage with global conservation efforts and learn from experts dedicated to preserving biodiversity. Whether you’re a student, educator, or conservation enthusiast, this event promises to inspire and inform. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this historic celebration of wildlife conservation.
