Australia's first specialist wildlife veterinary teaching hospital.

Did you know Taronga is the largest contributor to veterinary services in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation in NSW and a major national training ground for veterinary staff specialising in native wildlife treatment? 

The new wildlife hospital will replace the existing veterinary, quarantine and animal nutrition facilities. The relocated and expanded hospital will not only provide modern facilities for wildlife care, nutrition and research but also significantly increase capacity for the treatment of resident animals in addition to expanding and improving capacity for the treatment and rehabilitation of wildlife species.

A central part of the design and purpose of the new hospital is the critical role it will play in education. The proposed new facilities will double the current teaching space and upskill future conservationists, students, veterinary practitioners, scientists and wildlife carers.

This new specialist hospital will also play a vital role in engaging the public in wildlife conservation by deeply engaging Taronga Zoo's visitors in previously ‘back of house’ activities including opportunities to view animal treatment, surgeries, and breeding centres.

The new Hospital will:

• Increase capacity for wildlife treatment, rehabilitation and improved wildlife first response times
• Increase space for training and educating thousands of veterinary professionals, volunteer wildlife carers and students
• Increase space for quarantine and care of confiscated wildlife
• Expand capacity for breeding endangered birds and mammals for release to the wild

Timeline 

• October 2024 – Construction commences
• Late 2026 – Estimated Project Completion
• For more information on the development, please click here.
• Reach out to us via our Contact Us page for any feedback or to request a copy of our Taronga Wildlife Hospital Project complaints register.

Bolstering reptile and amphibian species from the brink of extinction. 

Taronga is a leader in reptile and amphibian conservation in Australia. We have brought back seven reptile and amphibian species from the brink of extinction.

The development of the new centre is allowing Taronga to continue to lead the recovery of species that would otherwise be lost to future generations. It is providing critical breeding space to support zoo-based conservation programs to ensure important species, such as Corroboree Frogs, are protected for decades to come.

The new centre is providing a new modern experience for guests to engage with reptiles and amphibians which has been designed with the latest best-practice standards for animal care and welfare. The new centre is an educational and multi-layered experience for guests that showcases the beauty and diversity of some of the most misunderstood and most imperiled creatures on the planet under threat from climate change, disease and habitat modification.

ARC (Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Centre) has been open since June 2024

Timeline

• Late 2021 - Early site preparation works completed
• February 2022 - State significant development application was approved by The NSW Department of Planning and Environment
• September 2022 - Construction commenced
• Mid 2024 - Construction completion 

One of Taronga Zoo’s most popular native animal exhibits received a $16 million revamp as part of NSW government funding, featuring an up-close Australian animal habitat experience. The exhibit houses an especially designed koala encounter area with canopy walk, significant extensions to the kangaroo and wallaby walkthrough experience, refurbishment of Taronga's much-loved nocturnal exhibition and incorporation of underwater viewing of platypus. The revamp also includes a new western pavilion, tree top walkways and back-of-house and infrastructure upgrades.

The revitalised precinct allows for greater focus on giving visitors the opportunity to interact with animals that are unique to Australia and are vital improvements that will continue to give people a special connection to our wildlife and environment.

Nura Diya Australia has been open since April 2023. 

Taronga Zoo Sydney’s beloved Sky Safari is soaring back, reimagined as an unforgettable and inclusive experience for families and visitors of all abilities.

First launched in 1987, the Sky Safari became a treasured part of the Taronga journey before retiring in 2023. Now, it’s being revitalised to offer breathtaking aerial views of the Zoo and Sydney Harbour, while making Taronga more accessible than ever. 

What’s New in the Sky Safari 

The upgraded Sky Safari will deliver more comfort, greater capacity, and improved access, all while preserving the magic of the original experience:

• Same iconic route, new perspective 

  Glide above Giraffes, Zebras, Rhinos, Chimpanzees and other incredible species on a journey that follows the original path. 

• Larger, more inclusive gondolas 

  Designed to accommodate prams, larger wheelchairs, and groups of up to 10 people—ensuring everyone can enjoy the ride together. 

• Increased capacity 

  With room for up to 1,200 guests per hour (up from 750), the new system will reduce wait times and enhance access for those arriving via public transport. 

• Improved accessibility 

  A new lower station will feature DDA-compliant ramping, shaded areas, amenities, and an elevator—making the journey smoother from wharf to entrance. 

• Eco-sensitive design 

  Fewer pylons (reduced from nine to six) and gondolas in a natural green finish will help the system blend seamlessly into the tree canopy. 

Why It Matters 

Taronga Zoo spans 28 hectares, with a steep incline from the Taronga Wharf to the main entrance—equivalent to climbing 22 storeys or the height of the Sydney Opera House. While the location is iconic, it presents some challenges for accessibility. The new Sky Safari is a major step toward making Taronga a Zoo for everyone. 

In the meantime, the Taronga Wildlife Express is a fun and fantastic way to navigate our site. Further information on planning an accessible visit here.

Project Timeline 

• April 2022: Project announced, and community consultation begins February 2023: Former Sky Safari retires after 20million trips and 35 years of operation.
• September 2025: Planning approval received
• Early 2026: Construction begins
• Late 2027: Project completed 

Since its closure in January 2023, guests have consistently asked for the Sky Safari’s return. We’re thrilled to be one step closer to welcoming this much-loved experience back to the skies. 

View the proposed design here. 

Questions or feedback? If you have comments, questions, feedback about the Sky Safari, the project team would love to hear from you: capitalprojects@zoo.nsw.gov.au
 

Taronga Western Plains Zoo has commenced a bold new chapter in the provision of world class overnight experiences with the commencement of the Serengeti Resort. 

Set across 55 hectares of expansive grasslands, the Serengeti Resort will offer an immersive experience like no other, blending family-friendly accommodation with breathtaking views of roaming African wildlife. 

The resort will feature a central hub with a function and events centre, café restaurant, and infinity-edge pool, surrounded by diverse accommodation options. It will also unlock a previously unused area of the Zoo, five times the size of the current African Savannah habitat.

 With its scale, ambition and family-focused design, this development is set to elevate Taronga Western Plains Zoo to the number one family holiday destination in Australia. 

The Serengeti Resort development has received a $20 million investment from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, made possible through a partnership between Taronga Western Plains Zoo and Dubbo Regional Council, with a co-contribution from Taronga. 

Construction commenced in mid-2025 with the resort scheduled to open in the second half of 2026.

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