Both Whitby-based Nova’s Ark and Clarington-based Jungle Cat World have said they will not be impacted by the proposed bill to regulate private or roadside zoos in Ontario.
Lucille Collard, MPP for Ottawa-Vanier, is proposing the Captive Wildlife Protection Act, 2024. World Animal Protection and Dolf DeJong, CEO of the Toronto Zoo, joined MPP Collard to announce the bill on December 4.
The act aims to address the lack of provincial oversight for captive wildlife, which currently allows anyone to collect wild animals like lions and tigers and operate as a zoo, resulting in the proliferation of dangerous and cruel ‘roadside zoos’, said a statement following the announcement.
“Jungle Cat World Wildlife Park fully supports efforts to improve animal welfare and public safety through licensing and regulation. As a facility in compliance with the Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) Act, we already adhere to stringent standards for animal care which are upheld through regular inspections,” said Peter Klose, Director at Orono-based Jungle Cat World.
Nova’s Ark has already had its 74 ‘exotics’ like wolves, pythons, lynx, serval and bobcat, which violated the town’s bylaw, removed following an order from the Town of Whitby in January this year (see below).
“We’re done with exotics. The Town [of Whitby] took care of it. This bill does not affect us,” Mary Ann Nova, President and Director of Nova’s Ark told Durham Post.
Ontario the Weakest Jurisdiction
The bill promoters’ statement said Ontario is the weakest jurisdiction when it comes to regulating the keeping of wild animals, and so it’s no surprise then that Ontario is home to the highest number of these dangerous facilities across Canada. No licence is needed to keep non-native wild animals in a zoo and there are no required consistent standards, leaving municipalities to manage with ineffective and patchwork bylaws.
The proposed bill introduces mandatory licensing for zoos, along with annual inspections to enforce high standards of care and safety. It also prohibits the use of wild animals for entertainment purposes, such as petting sessions, photo opportunities and performances that compromise their welfare. Facilities will be required to meet clear licensing requirements, including proof of financial resources and emergency preparedness plans.
“Keeping exotic wild animals in inadequate conditions is not only harmful to the animals but also dangerous for the public. Owning and caring for wild animals should be restricted to qualified individuals and organizations who are subject to proper government oversight. It is long past time for Ontario to implement a regulatory framework for the keeping of wild animals in order to ensure the well-being of the animals and keep the public safe,” said Lucille Collard, MPP for Ottawa-Vanier
“The safety and well-being of both animals and people depend on these regulations. This act sends a clear message: substandard conditions and neglect have no place in Ontario. As a leader in wildlife conservation and education, the Toronto Zoo strongly supports these first steps to protect animals and communities alike,” added Dolf DeJong, CEO, Toronto Zoo.

Quick Facts
- Ontario has approximately 30 roadside zoos—more than any other province in Canada—operating without provincial regulation.
- 88% of Ontarians support provincial licensing and oversight of zoos.
- Nearly half of Ontario’s municipalities have no bylaws governing the keeping of wild animals, leaving communities vulnerable to safety risks.
- Roadside zoos often house wild animals in substandard conditions, leading to physical and psychological distress for animals and safety risks for visitors.
- There is no centralized registry in Ontario tracking where exotic animals are kept or how many exist in captivity, leaving communities vulnerable to unreported escapes and safety incidents.
- The Captive Wildlife Protection Act, 2024, brings Ontario in line with regulations in other provinces for the treatment of captive animals, setting a precedent for better welfare protections.
- This legislation is supported by leading animal welfare organizations, municipalities and cross-party members of the Ontario Legislature.