TOLEDO, Ohio, August 27, 2024 – The Toledo Zoo is proud to announce that it has been awarded the prestigious 2023-2024 Pinnacle Award by the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC). This esteemed recognition places the Toledo Zoo at the forefront of educational excellence, making it the only zoo in the state and region to receive this honor.
Each year, the Pinnacle Award is bestowed upon Content Providers who receive the highest ratings from educators and activity coordinators participating in their programs. These evaluations highlight the exceptional educational value, interactive engagement, and professional delivery of programs via videoconferencing technologies. The Toledo Zoo’s achievement underscores its commitment to offering enriching, innovative, and accessible educational experiences for learners of all ages.
The Pinnacle Award, first introduced in 2008, has become a hallmark of quality within the educational community. Presented annually at the beginning of the academic year, the award showcases the best in live, virtual learning experiences that inspire and engage students across the globe.
“We are thrilled to be recognized with the CILC Pinnacle Award,” said Josh Minor, Assistant Director of Education at the Toledo Zoo. “This award reflects our dedication to providing top-tier educational content that not only teaches but also captivates and motivates learners. We are proud to be leaders in the integration of technology and education, bringing the wonders of wildlife to classrooms everywhere.”
The Toledo Zoo’s award-winning programs are designed to actively involve students at their level, making learning about animals, conservation, and the environment an interactive and memorable experience. Through the use of cutting-edge videoconferencing technologies, the Zoo’s educational team brings the natural world into schools, inspiring the next generation of wildlife advocates and environmental stewards.
For more information about the Toledo Zoo and its programs, please visit
The Toledo Zoo & Aquarium, situated in Toledo, Ohio, proudly holds membership in the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums and accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Boasting a diverse collection, the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium is home to more than 16,000 individual animals spanning 680+ species. Actively engaged in conservation efforts, the Zoo participates in over 80 species survival programs. With a robust community of over 75,500 members, the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium welcomes over 1 million visitors annually.
About The Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration
The Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to igniting a passion for learning by expanding access to treasured museums, science centers, aquariums, zoos, historic sites, field experts, and more. Founded in 1994, CILC has been a leader in the interactive virtual learning space before “remote learning” and “virtual experiences” were catchphrases. Over three decades, CILC has developed hundreds of partnerships with over 200 Content Providers and has delivered over 130,000 virtual field trips to 3.6 million learners in over 112 countries throughout the world. CILC is committed to changing lives by making learning accessible, regardless of physical limitations, geographical location, or financial means. For more information about CILC, please visit cilc.org.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
