Taronga shines a light on threatened species during Vivid Sydney

Taronga shines a light on threatened species during Vivid Sydney

#Taronga Zoo Sydney

Posted on 27th May 2016 by Media Relations

An illuminated trail of giant animal lanterns will light up Taronga Zoo tonight, as the Zoo joins in the spectacle of Vivid Sydney, the world’s largest festival of light, music and ideas, for the first time as part of its Centenary celebrations.


A six-metre-long Platypus, a Marine Turtle with moving fins, a growling Sumatran Tiger and a bright blue Asian Elephant will be just four of the stars of the festival’s wildest precinct from 27 May to 18 June.


Created by Ample Projects, the collection of multimedia light sculptures is among the largest and most technologically advanced lanterns ever featured in Vivid Sydney.


“These amazing sculptures represent 10 critical species from Australia and Sumatra that Taronga is committed to protecting, from the majestic Asian Elephant to the tiny Corroboree Frog,” said Taronga’s Director, Cameron Kerr.


“We hope these captivating creatures will leave visitors feeling empowered to take positive action for wildlife conservation.”


After the animals have retired to their night quarters for the evening, the lights of Vivid Sydney at Taronga Zoo will take centre stage.


Visitors will be welcomed by a grand projection onto the façade of the Zoo’s historic Main Entrance that will set the scene for the colourful journey to follow.


The 10 giant lanterns will be augmented by a supporting cast of creatures, including an echidna, chameleon, crocodile, cicadas and even a funnel-web spider, along with smaller lanterns made by NSW primary school students as part of Taronga’s Centenary education program.


“More than 3,400 students have helped build 1700 mini-lanterns for display. These students are also becoming champions for the wild, studying the threats facing these species and developing ways to support wildlife in their own schools and community,” said Cameron.


Tickets to Vivid Sydney at Taronga Zoo are on sale now, with every purchase helping to support Taronga’s wildlife conservation efforts.


Thanks to Taronga’s Centenary Presenting Partner ANZ, the first 1000 tickets sold each night will include the exclusive ANZ Blue Pass featuring a round trip on the Sky Safari, giving visitors a bird’s eye view of the light walk and illuminated city skyline. 


Vivid Sydney is now in its eighth year and is owned, managed and produced by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.


Vivid Sydney at Taronga Zoo is open every night from Friday 27 May to Saturday 18 June 2016, between 5.30pm – 9.30pm. For more information visit: taronga.org.au/vivid 


 


About Vivid Sydney at Taronga Zoo:


Vivid Sydney at Taronga Zoo is a collaboration between Taronga and the award-winning artists, designers and animators at Ample Projects. TDC – Technical Direction Company, working in collaboration with Ample Projects, is delivering the technology and projection mapping that will illuminate the façade of Taronga’s Main Entrance. Mandylights is working with Taronga to provide innovative creative lighting design for the entire site. Several thousand lighting fixtures have been installed on site, ranging from tiny strobe lights through to searchlights and a number of unique effects, lanterns and lasers.


Vivid Sydney at Taronga Zoo is sourcing 100% Green Power, accredited renewable energy for all lighting installations and projections that will form part of the light show.  Sourcing 100% Green Power is part of Taronga’s commitment to sustainability and will help work towards Taronga’s 2020 Carbon Reduction Target. 


Vivid Sydney at Taronga Zoo is just one part of an exciting Centenary Program, presented by long-term supporter ANZ, which will celebrate Taronga’s first 100 years and launch a legacy for the future of wildlife conservation.


 


About Vivid Sydney:


Vivid Sydney is the world’s largest festival of light, music and ideas, which for 23 days - from 27 May to 18 June 2016 - transforms the Harbour City with its colourful creative canvas.  In 2015 Vivid Sydney attracted a record 1.7 million attendees. Now in its eighth year, Vivid Sydney is owned, managed and produced by Destination NSW, the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency. Vivid Sydney features large scale light installations and projections (Vivid Light); music performances and collaborations (Vivid Music including Vivid LIVE at the Sydney Opera House); and creative ideas, discussion and debate (Vivid Ideas), all celebrating Sydney as the creative hub of the Asia-Pacific. For more information visit: www.vividsydney.com