Zoo Friends

Zoo Friends

Keep up with all the latest from the Zoo.

Stay up to date with all the latest news from Taronga and important information for our Zoo Friends members.

Access our online membership system to renew or register a visit. Or, if you haven’t yet accessed this system, you’ll need to create an account.

Koala Joey Gracie meets Echidna Puggle at Taronga's Wildlife Hospital. Credit: Justin Lloyd/The Daily Telegraph
Koala Joey Gracie meets Echidna Puggle at Taronga's Wildlife Hospital. Credit: Justin Lloyd/The Daily Telegraph

Taronga's Wildlife Hospital Nurtures Australian Icons

At Taronga's Wildlife Hospital, two beloved Australian animals, a puggle and a koala joey, are receiving exceptional care and attention. Lovingly named Gracie and Milly by their dedicated carers, Vet Nurse Annii and Vet Nurse Deb, these precious creatures sought assistance upon arrival at the at the Taronga Wildlife Hospital late last year.

Upon arriving Gracie, the koala joey weighed mere 175g. Under Annii's expert care, she now thrives at 1.29kg, receiving three daily feeds and slowly transitioning to eucalyptus leaves as she gradually weans off milk.

Once Gracie reaches the appropriate weight and completes her weaning process, she will return to Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. Meanwhile, Deb tends to an echidna puggle found at Cumberland State Forest. Despite making personal sacrifices, particularly over the Christmas period, Annii and Deb have remained steadfast in their dedication to the animals' well-being.

These heartwarming accounts exemplify the team's unwavering commitment to securing a brighter future for both wildlife and people.

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Koala Joey Gracie meets Echidna Puggle at Taronga's Wildlife Hospital. Credit: Justin Lloyd/The Daily Telegraph

What's on

Roar and Snore: Wine Safari - Wine Not?!

Embark on a wild wine journey with award-winning sommelier, Louella Mathews and experience intimate animal encounters, keeper talks, roving wine tasting and canapes plus an overnight stay in safari-style tents. 

Featuring seasonal unique wines these special events are limited with dates throughout the year. Zoo Friends receive a 10% discount, so book your spot now for an unforgettable night out that redefines Sydney experiences. *Over 18s only.

Book an event with the best view in Sydney

Book your event with EVENTS AT TARONGA and experience one of the most enviable locations in Sydney. There are three dedicated rooms available, each with their unique view overlooking Sydney Harbour. Plus, if your event is held with us before 30 June 2024 you have the chance to WIN an exclusive dinner with Danielle Alvarez, the renowned Culinary Director for events at the Sydney Opera House, and Louella Matthews, acclaimed sommelier. 

Enjoy this gastronomic delight with seven of your friends in the exquisite Yallamundi Rooms at Sydney Opera House. Add booking code TWG COCKTAIL when completing your enquiry form, and we will contact you to start creating the perfect event for you.

Taronga: Who’s Who at the Zoo returns for season 4!

Who's Who in the Zoo is back for a fourth incredible season! Airing every Wednesday at 7.30pm this season will deliver unparalleled glimpse into the day-to-day operations of two of Australia’s most prestigious zoos – Taronga Zoo in Sydney and Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo.

Your donation can make a difference

The illegal wildlife trade causes horrific suffering on an almost unimaginable scale. It is the second greatest contributor to global species loss, and it’s pushing endangered Australian wildlife to the brink of extinction. Donate today to help detect the smuggled wildlife and provide critical medical care to rescued wildlife. You can put an end to the illegal wildlife trade.

Member benefits

Save when you stay with us

Check out our award winning accommodation offerings in Sydney and Dubbo

Discounts on special events

Access ticket discounts to our most popular events like Twilight, Christmas Concert, New Year’s Eve and many more

View your member benefits

As a Zoo Friend, you get access to a range of exclusive activities, news and events, along with 365 days unlimited Zoo access. Find out more about ALL the benefits you can access.

Echidna close-up
Echidna close-up

Animal Corner

Short-beaked Echinda

  • Short-beaked echidnas are good swimmers. They paddle about with only their snout and a few spines visible. 
  • During very hot weather these echidnas will look for shade, as they do not sweat or pant.
  • A Short-beaked echidna is on Australia’s 5-cent piece.
  • Echidnas and platypuses are both “monotremes” or mammals that lay eggs.
  • The spines of the Short-beaked echidna have tiny bundles of muscle connected to the bottom of each spine, enabling the echidna to control the spine's direction and movement.
  • Female echidnas secrete milk via two areola patches: small, hairy areas connected to their milk glands. Echidna babies suckle milk straight from their mother’s skin.
  • Echidnas are very strong animals, able to lift a load double its weight.
  • Echidnas are very clever, almost as smart as a domestic cat.
Echidna close-up
Echidna Colouring-in
Echidna Colouring-in

Kids Corner

Have a great time with this month’s colouring in download!

This month we continue our 2024 colouring adventures with Short-beaked Echinda! Colour in at home and get creative.

Download
Echidna Colouring-in

Member hub

Manage all elements of your membership online with the Zoo Friends Membership hub. 

You'll be able to:

  • View the details of your membership group
  • Quickly register a visit to Taronga Zoo Sydney or Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo
  • Renew your membership in just a few clicks
  • PLUS, have first access to exclusive member-only Taronga Experiences - coming soon!

First time accessing the membership hub?

If you are a current or lapsed member, but have not yet accessed this system, you’ll first need to create your account to manage your membership. This can only be done by the primary member, which is the person who receives email communications about your membership. They’ll need their member number (which can be found on your membership card, or in the top right corner of emails), and the email address you provided on signup.

For more information on how to create your account, visit out webpage. 

Zoo Friends. A membership that Saves Wildlife.