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Securing a shared future for wildlife
& people

Our vision 

At Taronga we believe that wildlife and people can share this planet. All of us have a responsibility to protect the world’s precious wildlife, not just in our lifetimes, but for the generations of the future.

Not-for-profit

Taronga is a not‑for‑profit organisation, with every dollar reinvested into wildlife conservation, education and the protection of animals in the wild. Every time you visit, donate or stay overnight, you're saving wildlife, including caring for thousands of sick and injured animals at our Wildlife Hospitals.

At Taronga, we pay our deepest respect and gratitude to the Cammeraigal (Taronga Zoo, Sydney), Wiradjuri (Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo) and Gomeroi (Habitat Positive, Northern Tablelands and North West Slopes) Peoples and regions of New South Wales as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters and skies on which we live and care for. 

We Acknowledge their enduring connection to Country, Culture, and Community, and we recognise that this connection continues to guide how we care for the natural world. It is through consultation and listening to First Nations stories, knowledge and voices that enable us to form better connections to Country and Community to build on our relationships across all regions of Australia and the Torres Strait.

In a time of rapid environmental change, Taronga’s commitment to conservation, education and science is intertwined with our commitment to Country, to walk alongside, connect, consult and be led by the wisdom and custodianship of First Nations Peoples as we work together to safeguard the future of our planet. The Country on which we have the honour to stand, learn and work always was, and always will be, Aboriginal land.

Strategic plan

Our six strategic focus areas reflect the overarching priorities for our organisation. We have developed ambitious goals that are aligned with our purpose and will help us achieve our vision to secure a shared future for wildlife and people. They focus the expertise, energy and enthusiasm of our people to maximise our impact. Each focus area has specific goals with objectives and measures to monitor progress across the period of this Strategic Plan.

Our history

For more than a century, Taronga has shaped the way the people connect with wildlife and inspiring generations to act for the wild. Since the opening of Taronga Zoo in 1916 and Taronga Western Plains Zoo in 1977, our reach and impact have grown on a global scale.Discover the story behind our evolution into a world-leading conservation zoo.

Governance

Taronga is constituted under the Zoological Parks Board Act 1973 as a statutory authority owned by the people of New South Wales and administered by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment. 

Environmental leadership

Our commitment to the environment is to find a sustainable way for wildlife and people to share this planet. We work hard to deliver measurable impact through our four sustainability priorities: Climate & Energy, Circular Economy, Water and Environmental Leadership Through Partnerships and Places.

Responsible sourcing

From the products we purchase to the food we serve, Taronga is committed to responsible sourcing. Guided by a Sustainable and Ethical Procurement Framework, we prioritise environmentally sustainable, ethical and high-quality options.

ZAA Accreditation

Taronga's two Zoos are proudly accredited by the Australasian Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA), the peak body, which represents the collective voice of the zoos, aquariums, sanctuaries and wildlife parks across Australasia that operate to the highest standards.