The History of the City’s Beloved Moose Sculptures

The Moose in the City project was a public art display that took place in Toronto in the year 2000. It involved placing 326 life-sized moose sculptures throughout the city, decorated by local artists. The project was conceived by George Cohon, the founder of McDonald’s Canada, who was inspired by a similar display of cows in Chicago. He received support from then Mayor Mel Lastman, who appointed him as the chairman of the campaign. The project aimed to promote tourism, civic pride, and charitable causes in Toronto.

The moose sculptures were made of plastic and foam by Moose Productions Inc., a company that specialized in creating fibreglass animals. Each moose cost $6,000, with a standard $1,000 fee going to the artists. Corporations, organizations, and individuals sponsored the moose and chose their locations and themes. The artists painted the moose in various styles, ranging from realistic to abstract, humorous to political, and cultural to whimsical. Some of the moose had names, such as Moosolini, Moosterious, and Moosic Moose.

The moose were displayed from April to October 2000, attracting attention from locals and visitors alike. They became a popular subject for photography, media coverage, and public discussion. However, they also faced vandalism and theft, especially of their antlers which were detachable. The city set up a hotline for moose abuse tips, and a group of volunteers launched a website called AntlerWatch.com to monitor and report the condition of the moose. Some people were arrested for stealing or damaging the moose.

The project was not intended to be permanent, and the moose were auctioned off at the end of the display period. The proceeds went to various charities, such as the United Way, the Hospital for Sick Children, and the Toronto Zoo. Some of the moose remained in public places, such as parks, malls, and businesses, while others were moved to private homes or backyards. A few of the moose were donated to other cities or countries, such as Ottawa, Montreal, and Israel.

The Moose in the City project was a unique and memorable event in Toronto’s history. It showcased the creativity and diversity of the city’s artists and residents, and raised awareness and funds for important causes. The project left a lasting impression on the city’s culture and identity, and the moose became a symbol of Toronto’s spirit and humour. There was even a documentary called Moose about searching for the missing moose as they started to disappear. You can see all the original ones listed here.

Moose sculptures are still on display throughout the city, and we’re photographing as many as we can find. We’ll continue adding to our collection as we come across more, and if you’d like to share any with us, feel free to do so!

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