Support the Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy

This year’s Oasis ZooRun is more than just a race—it’s a chance to step out of your shell and go the extra mile for wildlife. It’s about protecting Blanding’s turtles and ensuring this globally Endangered species doesn’t fall behind.     

In 2012, as few as 10 Blanding’s turtles remained in what is now the Rouge National Urban Park, placing this freshwater species on the brink of disappearing from the region entirely – one of the many reasons your Toronto Zoo’s Blanding’s Turtle Headstart Program is a critical conservation initiative worth supporting.  

This program aims to release at least 50 juvenile turtles into the wild each spring and has successfully released more than 542 head-started Blanding’s turtles to date. Each of these turtles is incubated, hatched, and raised at your Zoo for 2-years to help increase their size and their chances of survival in the wild.  

That’s why we’re inviting you to lace up, shell-ebrate conservation, and help us raise $110,000 to support your Toronto Zoo’s Blanding’s Turtle Headstart Program as well as the new home of the program located within the Community Conservation Centre. This dedicated space will serve as the hub for incubation, and care, while also giving guests the opportunity to see hatchlings and learn firsthand about the importance of conservation programs at your Toronto Zoo.     

By supporting the Oasis ZooRun, you’re not just participating in an event; you’re helping to rebuild wild populations and protect ecosystems. Shell we take the next step for conservation—together?   

Help us take big strides for small shells by:   

• Donating directly to the Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy when you register for the event.
• Amplifying your impact by sharing your fundraising page with friends and family – every contribution, no matter the size, will help us reach our $110,000 goal.

Fundraising Prizes

Early Bird Prize   

One of a kind artwork, painted by a Blanding’s turtle! 

Raise $400 by May 23, 2026 at midnight (World Turtle Day!) and you will automatically be entered into a draw for a chance to win one of a kind artwork, painted by a Blanding’s turtle! 

Top Individual Fundraiser  

Toronto Zoo Community Conservation Centre Tour + Name a Blanding’s Turtle Hatchling! 

Step behind the scenes at the Toronto Zoo’s brand-new Community Conservation Centre, the home of our Blanding’s turtle headstarting program! You’ll enjoy a guided tour of the facility with a member of the Zoo team, and learn about the vital work our team is doing to restore populations of this locally endangered species. 

As the highlight of your visit, you’ll have the unique opportunity to name a Blanding’s turtle before it is released into the wild – a chance to leave a lasting mark on conservation in your own backyard!  

*This experience lasts approximately 30 minutes, is valid for up to four (4) guests, and includes full-day general admission to the Toronto Zoo. 

Experience must be redeemed by May 31, 2027, and a minimum of two weeks’ notice is required to book your tour. 

Plus, receive a complimentary entry to any 2027  Canada Running Series event! 

Top Fundraising Team   

Name a Blanding’s Turtle Hatchling + Running Hats for your Team! 

Make a lasting impact on local conservation by naming an endangered Blanding’s turtles before it is released into the wild! This is a unique opportunity to be involved with the Toronto Zoo’s headstarting program for this locally endangered species. 

As an added bonus, your entire team will receive custom Toronto Zoo running hats, perfect for celebrating your fundraising success in style! 

* This prize is valid for the entire winning team. Turtle naming opportunity is valid until May 31, 2027. 

New this year – Raise $250 and receive a Blanding’s turtle plush! 

Raise $250+ and collect your Blanding’s turtle plush on race day! 

Random Draw Prize   

Adopt an Animal Package! 

Raise $300+ and be entered for a chance to win an adoption package, which includes a personalized certificate of adoption featuring a photo of a Toronto Zoo animal, species info booklet + fold out poster, and Adopt an Animal logo pin. 

Please note — the Top Fundraisers will be determined on Friday, September 11th at 5 p.m. based on online fundraising pages only, unless otherwise stated. 

Prizes are subject to change, are not transferable, and can be won by any participant, regardless of finish place, time, or completion of event.     

Back this year – Corporate Team Fundraising Challenge!  

Bring your colleagues together for an unforgettable run experience packed with exclusive perks, including a corporate fundraising toolkit, team photo opportunities, exclusive prizing opportunities, and recognition along the way!  

Learn more about the Corporate Team Fundraising Challenge!

Secure Your Spot in 2027! 

Back by popular demand, raise $350 by September 30th at midnight and you’ll receive early access to the 2027 event!  

Make a Top-Up Donation 

You can donate directly to the Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy during registration. 

Make a General Donation 

Click here to make a direct donation to the Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy. 

Personalize your Fundraising Page 

And send it around to family and friends! 

• To customize your page, select to Donate to participant, search for your name, and click on Donate. 
• Sign In to Race Roster if not yet logged in (top right). 
• Click Edit fundraising page below the profile image on the right-hand side. 
• Specify your fundraising goal, write a personal message, and upload a photo. 
• Be sure to scroll down and click Save updated fundraising information. 

Sponsor a Participant or Team 

• Click here to search for participants to sponsor. 
• Click here to search for a team to sponsor. 

Spectators & Cheering!

Supporting your friends and family while they compete at the Oasis ZooRun is super fun! Both the 10K and 5K courses wind their way past several habitats and pavilions. The courses use both public pathways and service roads. When looking for a great spot to cheer, it’s recommended to take a copy of the race maps with you and find a spot where you think your runner would love a boost of encouragement. Be sure to stay on the public pathways, and stay alert for runners coming by! In the interest of animal welfare, some of the traditional cheer tools are prohibited at the Zoo. Please leave your horns, whistles, and other noise makers at home for this race. The Oasis ZooRun is the perfect opportunity to design your best creative cheer signs!