The fonds consists of the records of the Zoological Society of Montreal for the entirety of its existence, from 1964-2016. These records were generated in the pursuit of the Zoological Society’s goal to enhance public awareness of wildlife conservation issues through speakers, film screenings, field trips, special events, and large projects. The records also reflect the Society's charity to zoological, ecological and conservation causes. The administration of the Society, its interactions with its members, and its projects and events are documented through minutes, correspondence, communications, published articles, financial documents, reports, and proposals. The Society’s interests and activities are also reflected through books, objects from their offices, audio and video materials, and 5243 photographs, most of which are stored in photo albums. The fonds also contains the records of the Zoological Society of Canada, which were created to administer the Canadian Society similarly to the Montreal Society, with the goal of expanding the organization’s reach nationally.

The fonds is comprised of the following series: 1) Activities (1965-2013); 2) Administration (1964-2016); 3) Artifacts (1980-2004); 4) Books (1967-1991); and 5) Newsletters (1967-2016).

Relating to AGMs including minutes, notices, bylaws, Letters Patent Incorporating, reports, financial statements, lawsuit against Society and dissolution of Society notice. Also contains Canadian Society minutes. Originally in binder rehoused into 3 folders including (c1.f5) and (c1.f6).

Exec. Committee minutes and AGM minutes and notices. Originally in binder.

The series consists of documents produced in the day-to-day managing of the Society. These records were created by various bodies within the Zoological Society including most prominently, the Executive Committee, the Project Committee and the president. They reflect the mandate and creation of the Society through by-laws and letters patent incorporating, and the operations of the Society including meeting minutes and notices, correspondence, reports, financial records, member information, event and project planning documents, and donations. Newspaper advertisements and published articles on the Society or its activities have also been gathered and documented. Correspondence records are primarily with the Society president, but also contain member and guest speaker correspondence with the Executive Committee. The Project Committee administrative records deal largely with field trip planning and associated communications to members. The series also contains the administrative records of the Zoological Society of Canada (1969-2011), which contain the same types of documents.
Notably, this series contains correspondence with Prime Minister’s Jean Chrétien and Brian Mulroney (MSG1164.c2.f2 and MSG1164.c4.f11).

Relating to AGMs including minutes, notices, bylaws, Letters Patent Incorporating, reports, financial statements, lawsuit against Society and dissolution of Society notice. Also contains Canadian Society minutes. Originally in binder after (c1.f4) and (c1.f5).

The series consists of materials used to communicate the Society’s activities, interests, and administration to its members and the public. These are primarily in the form of newsletters whose format and purpose varied throughout the Society’s existence. The series contains the Society’s newsletter The Lynx, a seasonal publication, for the years 1967-81, with gaps between 1968-71. The Lynx contains photos, articles, and book reviews relating to the interests of the Society, as well as administrative coverage of the Society’s meetings and member reports. In the mid-70s, The Lynx took on a longer, magazine-style format whose focus shifts to editorials, long form articles, and contains advertisements. After 1981, the Society began publishing the aptly named Newsletter in place of The Lynx, moving away from the highly polished magazine format. This series contains the Newsletter, published monthly from 1981- 2016. Although the name The Lynx was reinstated in 2000, the format remained casual. The newsletter entitled Bulletin is also contained in this series, published monthly from 1976-81 as a means of informing members about recent and upcoming Society events. Some files also contain event invitations, notices, and pamphlets on activities hosted by the Society.

Newsletters and other communications (including 40th Anniversary write-up) and published articles. Originally in folder followed by (c4.f22).

Newsletters and other communications (including 40th Anniversary write-up) and published articles. Originally in folder following (c4.f21).

Newsletters The Lynx. Originally in folder following (c2.f34).

Relating to AGMs including minutes, notices, bylaws, Letters Patent Incorporating, reports, financial statements, lawsuit against Society and dissolution of Society notice. Also contains Canadian Society minutes. Originally in binder between (c1.f4) and (c1.f6).