Taronga Zoo

By chl_ee

  • First Public Zoo

    The first public zoo in New South Wales (NSW) officially opened in Sydney known as Billy Goat Swamp in Moore Park, operated by the Zoological Society of NSW which was founded in March 1879.

  • A new site for the zoo

    After a visit to Germany in 1908 the elected Secretary of the zoo, Albert Sherbourne Le Souef, returned with a vision for a new Sydney zoo, based on the bar-less exhibits of Hamburg Zoo. The site at Moore Park had become too small and was not suited to the vision. A new site for the zoo was sought.

  • 43 acres of land

    The NSW Government granted 43 acres of land north of the harbor which were part of Ashton Park. Another 9 acres were granted in April 1916.

  • New Zoological Gardens Trust

    In 1913, Management of the zoo passed to a Trust named the New Zoological Gardens Trust which became the Taronga Zoological Park Trust.

  • Taronga Zoo Opened

    Taronga Zoo was officially opened on October 7th, 1916.

  • New exhibits and facilities

    New exhibits and facilities were developed over time. The Giraffe House was completed in 1923, the Aquarium in 1927, Floral Clock in 1928, Tahr Mountain in 1932 and the Tiger Pits in 1939. In the 1940's - 1960's several new exhibits were built including those for larger cats, koalas, apes and gorillas.

  • A new era

    After a critical review in 1967, a new era in the style and philosophy for the operation of Taronga began which reflected the new emphasis on scientific research, conservation and education. Many new exhibits were built starting with the Platypus and Nocturnal Houses, waterfowl ponds and walkthrough Rainforest Aviary. A Veterinary Quarantine Centre was built as was an Education Centre (funded by the Department of Education).

  • new Zoological Parks

    In June 1973 a new Zoological Parks Board Act of NSW was enacted replacing the Trust with the Zoological Parks Board of NSW.