![Meerkat at Taronga Western Plains Zoo](/sites/default/files/2024-06/Meerkat_710x400.jpg)
World Meerkat Day
World Meerkat Day was founded right here at Taronga Western Plains Zoo on July 3, 2018, and is now celebrated across the globe!
Celebrate with us on Wednesday, July 3 with two extra special Keeper Talks!
- 10am at the Savannah Meerkat exhibit (map reference 17B, next to the Black Rhino exhibit). Giveaways and 4 lucky guests will win a free Meerkat encounter
- 12.40pm at The Waterhole (map reference 2R) with giveaways
![Giraffe feed at Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo.](/sites/default/files/2021-12/header-twpz-animal-encounters-mandy-1340.jpeg)
Animal encounters
Get up close and personal! Want to meet a meerkat, help bath an elephant or stand tall with a giraffe? Get up close and personal with a thrilling Animal Encounters experience.
![Savannah Safari at Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo.](/sites/default/files/2021-12/index-twpz-whats-on-tours-710.jpeg)
Tours
Book a behind-the-scenes experience, such as an Early Morning Walk with a Zoo volunteer, hop on the safari truck and venture amongst African species on the Savannah Safari, or venture into lion territory on board Lion Pride Lands Patrol.
![Black Rhino calf with mother.](/sites/default/files/2021-11/index-twpz-whats-on-keeper-talks710.jpg)
Keeper activities
Learn about the fascinating animals that call Taronga home from our expert Keepers with our Keeper Talks.
![Platypus HQ Sign](/sites/default/files/2024-02/Plat_710x400-.jpg)
Meet our newest Platypus resident, Mack!
The world’s largest purpose-built platypus conservation centre is officially open, with guests to Taronga Western Plains Zoo able to see this iconic species at the Zoo for the very first time. Meet Taronga's platypus, Mackenzie and learn about this cryptic and elusive species!
![Kids playing at the waterhole](/sites/default/files/2024-02/The_waterhole_710x400_0001_The-Waterhole-Water-Play_Credit-Rick-Stevens_1722.jpg)
Cool off at the Waterhole!
The kids can have fun in the African waterhole themed water play area featuring hippo and elephant sculptures. The waterhole is sure to be a popular stop during your Zoo adventure!
![Wildlife Hospital at Taronga Western Plains Zoo](/sites/default/files/2023-07/Wildlife_Hospital_710x400.jpg)
Explore Our New Wildlife Hospital
See our vets in action at the new Wildlife Hospital in Dubbo. During your visit, you can see firsthand how we care for an array of Zoo animals and sick and injured native wildlife, and learn about our critical conservation and research projects.
Plus, enjoy the Wildlife Hospital Aviary daily Keeper talk exclusive to the school holidays.
![Pedal Boats at Taronga Western Plains Zoo](/sites/default/files/2022-11/Grid_block_twpz_pedal_boats_710.jpg)
Explore the Zoo by boat
There’s now an exciting new way to experience the glistening Savannah Lake at the Zoo! See Spider Monkeys and Black and White Ruffed Lemurs like never before as you cruise by pedal boat around the Primate Islands in this family-fun experience.