The Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Australia is definitely worth a visit, especially if you have children. Taronga Zoo Tourism is an opportunity for anyone who is visiting the beautiful city of Sydney to experience the many animals in a natural habitat. There are also various educational features for preschoolers and school children of all ages. It is an environmentally friendly zoo that provides wildlife conservation, environmental sustainability, and conservation science and research programs.
Some of the animals that you can expect to see when visiting the zoo are the Tasmanian Devil, Greater Bilby, Tree Kangaroo, Southern Hairy-Nosed Wombat, Galapagos Tortoise, Chimpanzees, Giraffes, Koala, Asian Elephants, Australian Sea Lion, Sumatran Tiger, Black Rhinoceros, Ring-Tailed Lemur, and so many others. The zoo cares for approximately 4000 animals from an amazing 350 species. Many of these animals are being threatened and close to extinction.
Taronga Zoo Wildlife Hospital
The zoo includes a Wildlife Hospital that provides rehabilitation and care for over 1500 animals that are native to Australia. Many of these animals are brought to the zoo’s hospital by local residents who have come across an animal that is injured, sick, or orphaned. The main goal of the Wildlife Hospital at Taronga Zoo is to release the animal back into the wild after rehabilitation and treatment.
Animals of all types from pelicans to baby bats receive professional attention and care during their rehabilitation and treatment process. The hospital offers a high standard of veterinary expertise. It has a well-equipped and modern veterinary facility. Whenever it is possible, the person who had rescued the animal will also be involved in the eventual release of the animal back into its natural habitat. The Wildlife Hospital has received many Taronga Zoo Tourism awards.
As a visitor you can get involved with the housing and care costs of an animal. The zoo has various ways that you can monetarily or physically help out such as making a donation, adopting an animal, volunteering, working on fund-raising events, or becoming a corporate partner.
Adopt an Animal Program
The adopting your favorite animal program for example is a good way to show your support. Besides adopting an animal for yourself you can also adopt an animal as a gift for any animal lover that you know. The funds for adopting will go towards various educational and research programs that focus in on Australia’s endangered species. The money will also assist with the breeding and preservation programs for wild animals and for their habitats.
Some of the animals that you can adopt include Tasmanian Devils, Asian Elephants, Meerkats, Sumatran Tigers, and Red Pandas. The adoption programs will cost anywhere is from $48-$1000. The different programs available include the E-Doption, Savannah, Horizon, River, and Jungle. With each program you will receive various perks plus all programs are 100% tax-deductible.
Take a Ride on the Cable Car
Included with your entry fee to Taronga Zoo, is free access to the Sky Safari – the name given to the zoo’s cable car. From this vantage point, you can take photos of some of the breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour. You can also watch the elephant herd play from above, as well as many other featured ‘residents’.
Since the Taronga Zoo rests on the bushy hillside that slopes its way down to Sydney Harbour, the Sky Safari chairlift is there to help visitors get around. In fact, if you’ve come to the zoo via the ferry that departs from Circular Quay, you can choose to take the Sky Safari up from the lower entrance to the top entrance. That way, your journey through the zoo will be “downhill all the way” … meaning that in a good way of course!
Taronga Zoo Features
Included in your zoo experience will be guided tours, daily presentations, animal encounters, a free flight bird show, as well as the largest collection of exotic and native animals that you’ll find anywhere in New South Wales. There are over 2,400 animals, about 340 species, rare and endangered animals, all resting on the 21 hectares sloping upwards from the harbour.
If you’re feeling like taking a break, there are numerous cafes and eateries, picnic areas, public bathrooms, parent areas, stroller hire facilities and lockers. You even get free WiFi. There are also ATM’s on site if you run short of cash.
Yes, there is no better family outing than a trip to your local zoo. The Taronga Zoo in Sydney is definitely worth the time it takes to make a visit. Our children need to learn about the importance of giving some thought to all of the animals in the wild and especially to those who are endangered.
From within Australia, the Zoo can be contacted by telephone: 02 9969 2777
Or you can visit the Taronga Zoo Website for further information and ticket purchases.
