Toronto Zoo lifting mandatory vaccination policy for guests on Friday
Posted May 12, 2022 10:19 am.
Last Updated May 12, 2022 10:25 am.
Toronto Zoo officials say its mandatory vaccination policy will be lifted on Friday.
The zoo’s mandatory vaccination policy will remain for staff, volunteers and any onsite contractors.
A spokesperson says the Toronto Zoo will continue to take precautions to protect its many animals, including recommending that guests wear facemasks while indoors.
“We are confident the lifting of the policy and our continued efforts to maintain certain safety protocols will continue to protect our COVID-19 susceptible animals,” Amy Taylor said as part of a news release.
“Through the pandemic, your Toronto Zoo has been consistently reviewing operations and developing processes to ensure the safety of all staff, volunteer teams, our guests, COVID-19 susceptible animals, and our broader community.”
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Ontario lifted proof-of-vaccination requirements at restaurants, gyms and other establishments on March 1. The zoo announced the intention to keep a vaccine passport system in place at the time, primarily to protect staff and guests but also to ensure animals are kept safe.
In early January, the zoo was forced to temporarily close due to Omicron and a surge in COVID-19 transmission.
In April, the zoo started vaccinating susceptible animals against COVID-19, giving the animals a choice on whether it feels comfortable to receive the shot in a specific part of the body.
Taylor says the zoo is actively monitoring recent avian flu (bird flu) outbreaks, saying the staff is taking extra care to protect its many bird species.
