Toby Styles
1943 - December 27, 2024
Toby Styles passed away on December 27, 2024, at the age of 81, in Oshawa, Ontario. Born in 1943 in Banff, Alberta, Toby was the second son of Bernard (Bud) and Shirley Styles (McCullagh).
Toby’s first job as a “weasel wrangler” for Walt Disney Productions led to a lifelong career as an animal trainer and keeper across North America. His passion for animals brought him to Toronto as one of the original staff members of the Toronto Zoo before its opening in 1974. Toby played a key role in many significant events during the zoo’s first 25 years, including transporting animals from Europe by ocean freighter, welcoming Canada’s first African elephant calf, and accompanying the first pair of giant pandas from Hong Kong. He was a beloved public figure, often appearing on radio and television, including shows like the KangaZoo Club and Sharon, Lois & Bram.
After retiring as Executive Director in 2000, Toby and his wife, Suzanne, enjoyed traveling around Africa and other parts of the world before settling back in Canada.
Toby is survived by his wife, Suzanne (St-Maurice); his daughter, Tara; his older brother, Barry; his younger sisters Jill, Josée, and Holly; as well as many in-laws, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and his younger brothers, Lance and Bing.
As per his wishes, Toby was cremated, and no formal funeral service will be held. A celebration of life will take place at a later date.
