At 283 hectares (700 acres) of parkland, it's one of the largest zoos in the world, with some 5,000 animals representing more than 500 species, plus an extensive botanical collection. Five indoor tropical pavilions—including Africa, Indomalaya, Australasia, and the Americas—and extensiceoutdoor paddocks house the resident critters.

One popular zoo attraction is at the African Savanna. It re-creates a market bazaar and safari atmosphere. Visitors trek through Kesho National Park past such special features as a bush camp, a white rhino, and several watering holes. This much-loved exhibition includes the African Rainforest, one of the most popular sights at the zoo and the largest indoor gorilla exhibit in North America. Another hit is Splash Island, where kids enjoy the cool mist as they explore and learn about which plants and animals live in different bodies of water in Canada.

In 2017, the Toronto Zoo opened a state-of-the-art Wildlife Health Centre. This is the first facility of its kind in Canada and is where important veterinary, nutritional physiology, conservation, and wildlife research efforts take place. Visitors can catch behind-the-scenes glimpses into this important work from the public viewing gallery.

Ten kilometers (6 1/4 miles) of walkways offer access to all areas of the zoo. Be prepared to walk long distances, but during the warmer months, the Zoomobile takes visitors around the major walkways to view the animals in the outdoor paddocks. The zoo has restaurants, a gift shop, first aid, and a family center. Visitors can rent strollers and wagons, and borrow wheelchairs. The African pavilion has an elevator for strollers and wheelchairs. There are several parking areas and plenty of picnic tables.