Our history

Taronga over 100 years

Taronga’s story over the last 100 years reflects a broader shift in how zoos operate. Taronga Zoo Sydney first opened in 1916 as a traditional zoological park focused on exhibiting animals and after a major review in 1967 the Zoo entered a “new era” prioritising scientific research, education, and conservation over entertainment. This transformation was strengthened with the creation of Taronga Western Plains Zoo in 1977, an innovative open-range zoo designed for breeding and protecting large and endangered species in more natural environments. Together, we have evolved from displaying wildlife to actively saving it, developing world-leading breeding programs, research centres, and global conservation initiatives as part of our role as a leading conservation organisation.

1916

Taronga Zoo Opens

Taronga Zoo opens to the public, with
1,200 people in attendance.

1916

Sir Edward Hallstrom appointed

As Trustee of the Zoo, he launched a
review into exhibit design and welfare
conditions.

1929

The Aquarium is added

It quickly becomes one of the Zoo's most
popular attractions.

1956

Taronga becomes a body coporate

Through an Act of Parliament, the Taronga Zoological Park Trust is made a Body Corporate, enabling it to function more smoothly as a commercial enterprise

1959

Australia's first gorilla

Five-year-old 'King Kong' arrives from California moving into a purpose built 'Gorilla Villa'. 'King Kong' was incredibly popular and saw zoo attendance increase by 26% to 914,000 in 1959/1960.

1964

Dolphin pools established

The existing Seal Pool is modified to house Dolphins to compete with several marine parks. Sadly, the Dolphins do not fare well with the average longevity of each animal less than one year.

1970s

New era of natural exhibits

are built including the Platypus House (1968), Rainforest Aviary (1970), the Nocturnal House (1972) and several waterholes. These new habitats aim to to hide built form amongst the landscape using natural materials.

1970

The zoo’s first masterplan

Two new curators are appointed. Their philosophy stipulates that each new acquisition will be based on its message to the public and its conservation significance. The zoo's first ever masterplan.

1971

Vet Hospital opens

The first dedicated veterinary building is constructed at Taronga Zoo Sydney. The new facilities include animal holding post-mortem rooms, aviaries and treatment rooms.

1974

Volunteering begins

Volunteers support teams to take care of animals, engage and educate visitors and guests and deliver conservation programs.

1976

Education Centre opens

Five teachers offer services from primary to university level. At the same time, the Friendship Farm opens providing additional opportunities for teaching.

1976

Elephant rides cease

In line with the zoo's increasing focus on animal welfare, conservation science and education, elephant rides and the merrygo-round cease.

1977

Western Plains Zoo Dubbo opens

It is the first zoo in Australia to be designed on open-range principles and is also the first zoo to be built in Australia in 60 years.

1979

A new Seal Theatre is opened

The new, improved facilities bring with them a new approach, with seals showcasing natural behaviours instead of ‘tricks’.

1982

Saving Przwalski Horses

Thirteen Przwalski Horses are imported to help establish a breeding program for the species which at the time is nearing extinction.

1985

Australian Registry of Wildlife Health is founded

at Taronga Zoo, focusing on detecting and diagnosing endemic, emerging and exotic diseases.

1987

Sky Safari Opens

A Taronga Aerial Cabin Ride - now known as the Sky Safari - opens to assist in moving visitors across the zoo's steep topography.

1987

Bilby program established

A new breeding program is established for the Greater Bilby with aims to release to the wild In the first six months of the program, five joeys are born.

1988

Pandas move in

Taronga Zoo welcomes two giant pandas thanks to China’s Bicentennial Gift to Australia - 623,390 visitors visit the pair in just three months.

1989

The fight to save rhino

Taronga becomes a founding member of the International Rhino Foundation to assist with in-situ breeding programs and anti-poaching operations.

1989

Conservation & Research Centre

The first such facility in any Australasian zoo spurring on collaborations with universities and research institutions.

1995

Twilight concert series launches

It evolves into a successful annual performance event.

1995

Zoofari Lodge Opens

Zoofari Lodge opens at Western Plains Zoo, paving the way for future tourism development.

2000

Taronga Foundation is launched

It has since raised more than $20m for conservation, education programs and wildlife in care.

2003

White Rhinos Arrive

Five White Rhinos are imported from South African to add important genetic diversity to the Taronga Western Plains Zoo's herd.

2006

Asian Elephant Arrive

Taronga Zoo Sydney welcomes five Asian Elephants from Thailand to establish a conservation and breeding program.

2008

New Brand Identity

Taronga Zoo Sydney and Western Plains Zoo become Taronga Conservation Society Australia. The rebrand signifies Taronga’s increasing investment in conservation and science. Western Plains Zoo also adopts the name Taronga.

2008

Taronga Training Institute

The Taronga Training Institute is established to deliver accredited training and short-courses in the fields of animal management and tourism.

2011

Saving Coral

Taronga joins other research groups at the Australian Institute of Marine Science during the annual coral spawning to freeze
coral species of the Great Barrier Reef. Samples are stored at the Wildlife Reproductive Centre at Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

2016

Taronga Zoo turns 100!

Taronga Zoo Sydney marks its 100th anniversary with a parade through the streets of Sydney CBD, the opening of the Centenary Theatre and by launching a commitment to ten legacy species.

2018

Institute Opens

The Taronga Institute of Science and Learning opens, providing dedicated facilities for students from pre-school through to PhD.

2019/20

Black Summer Wildlife Crisis

Unprecedented bushfires burn across much of eastern Australia. Taronga staff come together to treat injured wildlife and provide safe-haven for displaced animals.

2021

Taronga bilbies return to NSW

Ten Greater Bilbies bred at Taronga Western Plains Zoo are released in Sturt National Park more than a century after they were declared extinct in NSW.