Why be a social media influencer?

Have you ever considered being a social media influencer? You know, the type of people who post on their social networks on a VERY regular basis — mostly with photos of them wearing colorful clothing or eating interesting food or simply talking to their smartphones. However, there are different types of social media influencers, and the Toronto Zoo in Canada invites visitors to be what they call "ZOOfluencers."

But first, did you know that today is VISIT THE ZOO DAY? The first public zoo was the Vienna Zoo, which opened in 1752 and remains one of the oldest zoos currently in operation. Some zoos use surprising animals as ambassadors. For instance, the San Diego Zoo features sloths, porcupines, and Madagascar hissing cockroaches to teach about conservation. And zoos in snowy regions like the Detroit Zoo create climate-controlled enclosures for tropical animals such as penguins and flamingos. And some species, like the Hawaiian crow, exist only in zoos with the aim of re-introducing them to their natural habitats. 

Here's what the Toronto Zoo's website says:

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Our hope is that as a “ZOOfluencer,” you will partner with us in being a "Guardian of Wild," where you’ll proudly share our mission of connecting people, animals, conservation science, and traditional knowledge to fight extinction.

The Toronto Zoo is Canada’s premier Zoo and home to over 3,000 animals representing 290 species. Our vision is a world where people, wildlife, and wild spaces thrive, and we are happy to partner with individuals who will work with us to proudly amplify our mission.

Whether you're a digital specialist passionate about wildlife and conservation, a family seeking adventure, or someone in the GTA (Greater Toronto area) looking for a fun day out — you'll find a story worth sharing at your Toronto Zoo.

Influencers who are chosen to partner with us each receive complimentary admission (details follow) and free parking. Please note that your Toronto Zoo is a not-for-profit organization that partners with the Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy. Regretfully, our influencer opportunities are not paid. We ask that participants produce high-quality and engaging content highlighting their visit to the Zoo and, where applicable, their experience at special events that are hosted on site. The Toronto Zoo may use and repost content, with credit given where possible.

Specific instructions will be provided to each influencer, but general requirements for content are as follows:

Photographers: A minimum of 3 photos must be shared within 5 days of visit with tag @TheTorontoZoo on social media platforms.

Videographers: Footage must be posted within 5 days of visit with tag @TheTorontoZoo on social media platforms.

Bloggers: Content must include a detailed blog post, created on your website (500 words + photos taken during the visit). Blog posts must be published within 5 days of the visit. Content must be shared across social channels that writers maintain. Links to content must be shared with Toronto Zoo’s Strategic Communications team.

Influencers: Influencers must post 3 - 4 pictures/videos plus 1 to 2 stories/live updates on their social platforms highlighting their experience at the Toronto Zoo. All content must tag @TheTorontoZoo and use the specified hashtags determined by the Strategic Communications team. Vloggers must publish video content no later than a week after a visit. Links to content must be shared with Toronto Zoo’s Strategic Communications team.

THE TORONTO ZOO'S EVALUATION:

Lions Roar: 1 Million + = Complimentary admission for you and up to six guests + a Behind-The-Scenes VIP Tour

Grizzly’s Growl: 500k-1 Million = Complimentary admission for family up to six people + a complimentary Wild Encounter

Owls Hoot: 50-500k = Complimentary admission for family up to six people

Birds Chirp: 10k-50k = Complimentary admission for up to four people

The number of followers is based on Instagram and/or TikTok. A case-by-case review may include YouTube.

Thank you for your interest! If you’d like to apply, please fill out the form. Only those selected will be contacted for next steps. If contacted, please note that it may take up to six weeks prior to your scheduled work visit.

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What a wonderful way to target young people who "live" on their mobile devices, to engage with people of all ages to promote the Toronto Zoo, and to increase attendance at the Toronto Zoo.

What branding lessons can your brand learn from this unique ZOOfluencer program?

Image Credit: Toronto Zoo.

Check out the Toronto Zoo's ZOOfluencer form:

https://www.torontozoo.com/zoofluencer/apply#start

Read about the Toronto Zoo:

https://www.torontozoo.com/tz/about

Read Toronto Zoo's Guardians of Wild Strategic Plan 2025-2027:

https://www.torontozoo.com/strategic

Visit the website for the world's oldest zoo:

https://www.zoovienna.at/en/zoo-and-visitors/welcome-worlds-oldest-zoo/