Can’t measure zoo’s value by money

Re Passion for pandas proved too poor for zoo, Feb. 15

I was surprised by the negative tone of Jennifer Pagliaro’s article about the Toronto Zoo. I have no doubt her facts are correct, but there is nothing in the article about the many positive contributions the zoo is making to life in Toronto and beyond.

The story focuses on the giant pandas and the financial cost of housing them for the past five years. There is no mention of the how this exhibit helped educate visitors on the necessity for conservation of endangered species.

Zoo staff have also made valuable contributions to the overall knowledge of behavioural and reproductive issues with pandas. One zookeeper received an international award for her work with the pandas.

The article notes the zoo has always failed to make a profit, and will cost city taxpayers $12 million this year. The zoo is a major tourist attraction, with visitors coming from across the GTHA, other provinces and all over the world.

How much does this contribute to the economy of Toronto?

As an educational facility, the zoo connects thousands of children with the miracles and mysteries of nature.

As a conservation organization, the zoo has been a consistent advocate for measures to tackle climate change.

And the zoo partners with other organizations to save endangered species in Canada and beyond.

None of these non-monetary contributions of a world-class research and conservation organization were mentioned. The value of life is larger than mere money. Allan Baker, Scarborough