Wild Encounter - Grizzly Bear

Grizzly Bear

Step into the world of Shintay, the Toronto Zoo's resident grizzly bear! Watch in awe as she indulges in a feeding session, showcasing her strength and natural behaviors up close. Learn about Shintay's captivating personality and the specialized care she receives, leaving with a deeper appreciation for grizzly bears and wildlife conservation efforts.

Yearly Availability: May-October. Please note the last encounter of the 2025 season will be on October 13th. 

Capacity: 8

Experience Length: 30-45 minutes

Meeting Location: Top of the Canadian Domain Hill

Directions: The meeting location is approximately a 30-minute walk from the Front Entrance Gates. Upon entering the zoo, turn right and proceed past Goat World into the Core Woods. When you see the Caribou Café and the airplane, take the path to the left towards Africa and the Americas. Follow the boardwalk on your left up to Africa, and at the top, take the path to your right towards the African Savanna. Continue straight past the African Penguins, and when you see the Spotted Hyena habitat, veer right towards the African Zoomobile Station. Pass the station and follow the path towards the Canadian Domain. At the top of the hill, you will see a sign indicating which animals are on display and the meeting location for the wild encounter. If you see the raccoons you have gone too far!

Age Restrictions Children aged 2 and under are not permitted on this encounter. Guests must be 3 years or older to participate in this encounter. Participants who do not meet the age requirement will not be permitted to join, and refunds will not be issued.

Age Recommendations: Suitable for ages 12+

Rules and Policies

Wild Encounter tickets do not include Zoo admission: Zoo admission must be purchased separately 

Interaction: There is no direct interaction with the grizzly bear in this Wild Encounter. It is up to the animals to choose to participate and we cannot guarantee the duration of time the animals will spend engaging with us. The encounter may be subject to change based on the animals’ health, safety, and behavioural needs.

Drugs & Alcohol: Impairment due to alcohol or drugs is not permitted before or during your Wild Encounter. Anyone who is drinking or appears to be even slightly intoxicated before the Wild Encounter will be denied participation. Refunds or alternate dates will not be given.

Adult Supervision: Children under the age of 12 years must be accompanied by a paying adult (at least 18 years of age)

Reschedule/Cancellation: By purchasing tickets, you are agreeing to the following refund policy. Exceptions will not be made. The Wild Encounters team requires at least 48 hours’ notice prior to your scheduled encounter to process any refund or rescheduling requests. Failure to attend your encounter at the scheduled date and time will result in forfeiture of your tickets, and refunds will not be issued. Please ensure you arrive at the designated meeting location before your scheduled start time. Late arrivals or guests who are unable to locate the meeting point will not be eligible for refunds. We recommend reviewing your confirmation details carefully and allowing extra time to navigate the Zoo. 

Strollers/Personal Items: Strollers/wagons are permitted in the behind-the-scenes areas. 

Accessibility: The Grizzly Bear Wild Encounter is wheelchair accessible; however, it takes place at the bottom of the Canadian Domain, which involves navigating a steep incline to go down and back up. Please consider your own limitations before booking, as Zoo ECV (electric convenience vehicles) are not permitted in the Canadian Domain. Guests with disabilities who require the assistance of a support person are encouraged to email us before making a reservation so we can provide the appropriate support and ensure the best possible Wild Encounter experience. At this time, service animals cannot be accommodated in behind-the-scenes areas. The Access 2 Card is accepted for support persons. 

Fees: A processing fee of $1.00 per ticket will be applied at checkout.

Please contact us at wildencounters@torontozo.com or call us at 289-200-4362 for more information.