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Adopt an Animal

Adopt an Animal

Did you know you can become a Zoo Parent by adopting one of these amazing animals for a whole year?

Choose your animal

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Meerkats
Meerkats

There's no better way to show your support for the wild!

Animal adoptions also make the perfect gift for friends, family and loved ones. It's a unique gift, and so quick and easy to purchase.

Your adoption will fund Taronga's work with research and education programs, focusing on endangered species in Australia and around the world, as well as assist with the conservation, breeding and preservation of wild animals and their habitats.

Choose your animal
Meerkats
Lion cub. Photo: Rick Stevens
Lion cub. Photo: Rick Stevens

Our Zoo Parents

Thank you to our Horizon, River, Jungle and 10+ year Zoo Parents for their generous support. 

Adopt an animal today to join our online acknowledgement gallery.

View gallery
Lion cub. Photo: Rick Stevens

Frequently asked questions

When will I receive my Zoo Parent welcome pack?

For eDoptions you will receive your online pack two business days from when payment has been processed.  For all other levels please allow up to 10 business days after payment has been processed.  

If you need your pack sooner we can send it by Express Post for an additional charge of $10.

As I am buying Zoo Parent as a gift, will the pack still be sent to me?

You can choose to have the pack sent to you or directly to the recipient. After the initial welcome pack, all other benefits will be sent to the recipient unless otherwise requested.  Details on how to renew the gift will be sent first of all to the purchaser.

How many people can adopt an animal?

There is no limit to the number of people who can adopt each animal. Families, businesses, sports clubs etc. can all adopt an animal.

How long does my animal adoption last?

Zoo Parent animal adoption last for 12 months. After 12 months we will write and ask you whether you want to continue your adoption as a Zoo Parent.

Can I change my animal?

Animal adoption lasts for 12 months – after this period you can adopt the same animal or change to one of our other available animals.

Is my Zoo Parent adoption tax deductible?

Yes, Zoo Parent is 100% tax deductible. Occasionally Zoo Parent may offer non-tax deductible adoptions – where this happens this will be clearly stated.

Do I get a free ticket to come and visit my animal?

No, this is not included in your adoption. However, your animals would love a visit - discounted tickets are available via Taronga's website.

Can I adopt an individual animal?

Zoo Parents support a species of animal, rather than an individual animal.

Does my money go directly to the animal I am adopting?

Your animal adoption supports all animals across our Zoos, including your adopted animal. It's challenging and expensive to administer support for your chosen animal alone, and this way you also  get to support the animals that do not receive as much adoption support!

What is the money used for?

Funds raised through the Zoo Parent program are used to provide support for all the animals at Taronga and Taronga Western Plains Zoos. As well as providing the best possible home for animals in our Zoos, Taronga also contributes to international research and education programs on endangered species around the world, as well as assisting with the conservation, breeding and preservation of wildlife and habitats.

Can I adopt more than one animal?

You can adopt as many animals as you like. 

I am moving house where can I update my details?

Please email zooparent@zoo.nsw.gov.au with your full name and current address as well as your new address. Alternatively you can call us on 1300 369 116.

I have not received my Zoo Parent pack.

If you have not received your Zoo Parent pack after 10 business days (two business days for E-dopt), please email us at zooparent@zoo.nsw.gov.au or call on 1300 369 116. If you have ordered an E-doption please also check your junk mail folder.

Can I cancel my adoption?

Zoo Parent animal adoption is for 12 months and can be stopped after this time. The funds from Zoo Parent are a donation to the work of Taronga. Your contribution is tax deductible and unfortunately no refunds can be given.

Can I use my adoption for promotional purposes?

Zoo parent adoptions and the aligned set of benefits are for personal use only and not to be used for corporate marketing or promotional purposes. If you are interested in becoming a corporate partner please contact the Taronga Foundation on tarongafoundation@zoo.nsw.gov.au

Any other questions?

If you have a question which is not covered above please email our Zoo Parent office on zooparent@zoo.nsw.gov.au and we will respond as soon as we can. The Zoo Parent office is open 9:00am – 5:00pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays). 

We proudly Acknowledge the Cammeraigal (Taronga Zoo, Sydney) and Wiradjuri (Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo) people, their Country, spirit and traditions as customary owners of the lands upon which our Zoos stand.