Over 200 guests gathered together Thursday night at the Ivy Ballroom to help make a difference for Taronga’s marine conservation efforts, raising $474,590.

 Taronga’s annual fundraising gala dinner raised vital funds to support the endangered Australian Sea-lion and marine conservation.  The dinner celebrated the birth of the young pup, ‘Maximus’, born in March. The Australian Sea-lion is one of the rarest in the world and a species that is facing serious declines.

 The event MC was the hilarious comedian Jean Kittson and guests included Justin Hemmes and Kate Fowler, Deputy Taronga Chair Steve Crane and Taronga Foundation chairman Maurice L Newman Ac who heard from Taronga keepers and scientists about these remarkable intelligent animals and their natural curiosity.  

 Taronga supports marine conservation in a number of ways, with the aim of better understanding marine animals and devising strategies that will ensure their survival in the wild. Taronga’s world class marine scientists and keepers work with Sea-lions and other marine animals. By studying the marine animals, Taronga have a better understanding of the wild populations and data gathered from the wild.

 Taronga also cares for sick and injured marine animals. After veterinary treatment and rehabilitation, they are released into their natural habitat, or if they are unable to be released into the wild they join the Taronga family. Taronga’s Australian Sea-Lions are engaging ambassadors for their species. They provide an opportunity to connect people to wildlife, inspiring and educating them to help protect all of our amazing marine animals, and the natural world which we share.

 Unique money can’t buy auction items went on offer including, Swim with the Seals, a Kangaroo Island luxury holiday, Taronga Western Plains Zoo Adventure with a special rhino encounter, staying at the award winning Zoofari lodge, the opportunity to name next Australian Sea-lion pup born at Taronga Zoo. Guests were also asked to pledge donations for things like a raiseable pool floor for the pups as they cannot swim until they are a few weeks old and providing the Sea-lions with their favourite treat, Blue Swimmer Crabs for a year.