-
March 1879
Zoological Society of NSW which was founded -
1884
The first public zoo in NSW officially opened in Sydney in 1884 on a site known as Billy Goat Swamp in Moore Park, operated by the Zoological Society of NSW -
1908
After a visit to Germany, Albert Sherbourne Le Souef wanted a bar less exhibtion. However the site was to small for this, so a knew site was made. -
April 24th 1912
The NSW Government granted 43 acres of land north of the harbour which were part of Ashton Park. -
1913
Management of the zoo was passed to a Trust named the New Zoological Gardens Trust . This then bcame the
Taronga Zoological Park Trust. -
1916
SW Government granted 52 acres of land north of the harbour which were part of Ashton Park. 228 mammals, 552 birds and 64 reptiles were moved from Moore Park to Taronga. Many, including the elephants, crossed the harbour on board a flat top barge. -
April 1916
Another 9 acres were granted -
October 7th 1916
Taronga Zoo officially opened -
1923
The Giraffe House was completed -
1927
The Aquarium was completed. -
1928
The Floral Clock was completed. -
1932
The Tahr Mountain was completed -
1939
The Tiger Pits were completed. -
Period: to
1940-1960
Several new exhibits were built including those for larger cats, koalas, apes and gorillas. -
1967
Taronga began a 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). -
1973
A new Zoological Parks Board Act of NSW was enacted replacing the Trust with the Zoological Parks Board of NSW. -
2008
Introduced the ‘Twilight at Taronga’ program which is a music program with a range of well-known acts performing near the homes of Australian animal exhibits. -
Period: to
2008-2009
The Board was renamed the Taronga Conservation Society Australia to better reflect the range of national and global initiatives in its make-up. -
2009
The first Asian elephant was born at Taronga Zoo -
2015
Australian Government announced its support for a 10 yr redevelopment program for Taronga. -
2017
The Tiger Trek opened, which is an immersive experience, providing an opportunity for people to get up-close to critically endangered Sumatran Tigers. -
2019
Three Sumatran tiger cubs and eight Little Penguin chicks were born within the zoo. -
2020
Animal live streams (acessible from anywhere)