The Toronto Zoo has linked its orangutan enclosure fences to a central security platform, establishing a live monitoring network for animal habitats. Developed jointly by Gallagher Security and Gallagher Animal Management, the setup connects energized fencing to the zoo’s Command Centre. This allows staff to monitor fence voltage in real time and receive immediate notifications if the barrier is breached.
When alerts trigger, personnel can confirm them through integrated CCTV before responding. The system represents a unified approach to balancing animal welfare with site security. The Toronto Zoo spans 500 acres and cares for over 2,000 animals across 200 species, welcoming 1.3 million visitors annually. Gallagher has supplied perimeter fencing for the zoo for more than 50 years, and this initiative expands their role into broader security operations.
The pilot deployment focuses on the orangutan enclosure, where wildlife care teams can now track fence voltage continuously. Graham Birtles, the zoo’s Supervisor of Health and Safety Services, explained that the system delivers instant alerts if an energized wire is contacted. “Now we can see the voltage of our fences at all times,” he said. “We can send alerts to our wildlife care team the moment something touches the hot wire so we can make sure the animals are safe.”
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This is the first time Gallagher’s Command Centre has been integrated with animal enclosure energiser systems in this way at the zoo. The project involved custom adjustments to suit the orangutan habitat, developed through collaboration with the zoo’s teams. Nour Muqatash, Regional Sales Manager for Gallagher Security, said this was a genuinely collaborative effort between the company’s security and animal management divisions. The zoo’s long-standing trust in Gallagher for perimeter fencing made this expanded partnership possible.
The system will also oversee access to the zoo’s new Community Conservation Centre, where Command Centre will regulate entry for students, researchers, and visiting groups. By merging alerts from physical infrastructure with access controls and incident tracking, the platform enhances risk management across the zoo’s varied environments—from enclosures to public areas. James Clark, Territory Manager for Gallagher Security, noted that the solution was designed specifically for the zoo’s needs, ensuring real-time protections for both animals and staff.