Toronto Zoo’s $19.1 million state-of-the-art Wildlife Health Centre had its official opening Monday at a reception that included Mayor John Tory. The hospital and laboratories feature a viewing gallery — the first of its kind in Canada — so visitors, as of July 1, can see first-hand wildlife care staff at work. The new facility is at the heart of the zoo’s “expanded vision” and will position the zoo as a world-leader in wildlife care and conservation, Toronto Zoo CEO John Tracogna told invited guests. This spring, a strike by zoo staff delayed the scheduled public launch. The zoo opened its doors in 1974 and has 5,000 animals, representing almost 450 species from around the world.

Laboratory shelves display worms taken from the stool sample of a grizzly bear, along with worm samples from other animals. “Even poop can tell us if an animal is healthy. This is where we check for parasites,” a lab sign tells visitors.

Each year, Toronto Zoo staff conduct more than 5,000 procedures including exams, treatments, medication administration and surgeries, using special equipment made for animals of all species, shapes and sizes. As of July 1, special tours will be offered so visitors can watch veterinarians at work inside one of two operating theatres at the zoo’s new Wildlife Health Centre.

The 4,600 square metre facility includes a cryogenic lab and storage room with six containers storing frozen sperm, ova and issue. Toronto Zoo has one of North America’s only animal reproductive labs. The cell samples are frozen at 196 degrees C below zero in liquid nitrogen. More than 50 rare and endangered species are frozen in genetic time capsules, perhaps for use someday by future scientists with improved reproductive techniques.