Are coins such a problem in Canada? A few people have mentioned it now. Melbourne Zoo opened a penguin exhibit a couple of years ago with a similar barrier and I always think that people reaching over to try and touch the penguins is a bigger issue than people throwing coins into the exhibit. Maybe it's a cultural thing
When I walked through the only thing I thought of was toughing. Coins did not even cross my mind. Other open topped aquatic exhibits at the zoo have no sign of coins so and I no longer see any signs saying not to. There were definitely signs like that when I was younger, but nothing now.
I wouldn't say this is a problem in Canada, this is a problem world wide and some people just don't notice it. I know when the Toronto zoo first opened our penguin exhibit there was no signs saying please do not throw coins but now a few months later there is. Coins will always be a problem with any establishment it may not be so frequent but it does happen.