Toronto Zoo’s senior director of wildlife science, Dr Gabriela Mastromonaco, is one of the few reproductive scientists around the globe who have dedicated their careers to wildlife reproductive sciences. As the only zoo-based reproductive scientist in Canada, she is a ground-breaking pioneer and mentor, as well as an inspiration to female scientists around the world.
Mastromonaco, who has been with Toronto Zoo since 2007, has led the Zoo’s reproductive sciences team to many world firsts, such as the birth of wood bison calves from sperm frozen for 35 years. She also oversees the only biobank in Canada for wildlife species, which is located in the Zoo’s Wildlife Health Centre (WHC).
In 2021, she led another conservation science first when her team worked with researchers from the University of Saskatchewan. The team partnered with Sexing Technologies to use highly sensitive equipment capable of sorting x- from y-bearing sperm in hopes of producing predominantly female calves, an important step forward for the long-term sustainability of bison conservation herds.
Mastromonaco has also made valuable contributions to species recovery programs, AZA Species Survival Plans, and government and non-governmental conservation organizations with a focus on Canadian species at risk.
“She is passionately committed to advancing conservation science at the Toronto Zoo and globally, especially with our natural world undergoing such rapid and drastic changes,” said one nominator. “She is focusing on strengthening the connections between diverse scientific disciplines as a necessary step towards improving the future for all living things.
“Under her leadership, the Toronto Zoo is a global leader in reproductive research and assisted reproduction for wild species. It is committed to being the steward of valuable genetic resources not only for Canadians but for the world.”
As a leader in STEM, Mastromonaco has built a strong national and international profile within the zoological and academic communities, based on sound practices and scientific integrity, and is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion.