Taronga Zoo was the vision of Albert Sherbourne Le Souef, the then
elected Secretary of zoo, who wished to build a zoo which was “bar
less”; the NSW Government granted 42 acres of land north of Sydney
Harbour in 1916. The zoo is situated on elevated land along the
waterfront, overlooking Sydney Cove, the Harbour Bridge and the Opera
House. The zoo even operates its own jetty that allows visitors to walk
directly into the zoo area after getting off it.
The touring of the zoo can be started from the zenith with panoramic
views of the harbour to witness. Once you reach the bottom, catch the
Zoo Sky Safari chair lift to go to the top again only to come down via a
different route.
The zoo has a “rustic bridge” which allows visitors to cross the natural
gully that it spans. The rustic effect in the romantic pathway was
created by embedding stones in the wall. In 1967 a critical review led
to the development of educational facilities like Seal Theatre and
friendship Farm. A Veterinary Quarantine Centre, Education Centre, New
exhibits like waterfowl ponds and walkthrough Rainforest Aviary, the
Platypus and Nocturnal Houses were also built.
Five elephants from Thailand and other Asian rain forest specimens are
housed in the "Wild Asia" precinct. Great Southern Oceans, marine
section covers 1.2 hectare, it features Californian Sea Lions,
Australian Sea Lions, New Zealand Fur Seals, Australian Fur Seals,
Leopard Seals, Pelicans and Penguins.
The zoo has many native and exotic species and allows Animal Encounters
experience. You can enter the enclosures of some of the animals and have
your picture taken by a professional. However, you are not allowed to
touch or hold Koalas in NSW.
Zoo Friends offers fund raising for both Taronga and Western Plains Zoo.
Members are offered behind-the-scenes experiences at the Zoo and
unlimited Zoo entry.
Website:www.taronga.org.au/taronga-zoo Email: tz@zoo.nsw.gov.au Address: Bradleys Head Road, Mosman, NSW 2088. Phone: (612) 9969 2777 Fax: (612) 9969 7515 Timings: Open every day 9.00am - 5.00pm. Admission Price:
