Conrad the Raccoon

On the morning of July 9, 2015, the body of a raccoon was found on the sidewalk near 819 Yonge Street. Nicknamed Conrad, the raccoon became a social media sensation, and a makeshift memorial on the site grew. Eventually, Toronto Animal Services removed Conrad, leaving the collection of offerings behind.

Why did this humble raccoon capture the imagination and hearts of so many Torontonians?

Native to North America, raccoons have long been our masked, mischievous neighbours. They thrive in the shadows of the city, rummaging through bins, squeezing through fences, adapting to whatever we throw at them (sometimes quite literally). Perhaps it’s their resilience, their resourcefulness, or their night-owl antics that make us see a bit of ourselves in them: stubborn survivors in an ever-changing urban jungle.

On the 10th anniversary of Conrad’s death, we’ve opened a book of memories. Thank you for sharing your loving messages to Conrad and other Toronto raccoons who made an impact on your life.

Read the official plaque at 819 Yonge St, and take a moment to remember Toronto’s most beloved trash panda.