Taronga Zoo Archives - Mosman Today

Cyclist Killed in Bus Collision Outside Taronga Zoo in Mosman

Photo Credit: GT World Challenge Australia

A cyclist has died following a collision with a bus outside Taronga Zoo in Mosman, with the man identified as a prominent motorsport businessman.

Incident and Emergency Response

A fatal collision occurred outside Taronga Zoo on Bradley’s Head Road in Mosman around 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, 6 June. Emergency services responded to the scene where a cyclist, later identified as Tim Miles, was declared dead. The bus driver involved was uninjured and underwent mandatory hospital testing. No passengers on board the bus were harmed.

Police erected a visual barrier at the site while conducting a forensic investigation, prompting access restrictions for zoo visitors and vehicle owners in the area.

Tim Miles accident — *Photo Credit: Tim Miles/Facebook*

Background in Motorsport and Business

Tim Miles, 58, was a businessman originally from Ashburton, New Zealand. He was well known in Australian and New Zealand motorsport, having co-founded Miles Advisory Partners in 2002. His career spanned over three decades and included leadership roles in corporate advisory and motor racing teams. He co-owned Triple Eight Race Engineering and played a role in the sale of Supercars to Archer Capital in 2011 and again in 2021 to RACE.

Mr Miles previously led Tasman Motorsport, managing its entry into the Supercars Championship in the early 2000s. Under his leadership, the team achieved multiple podiums, including second-place finishes at the Bathurst 1000 in 2005 and 2008.

Recent Racing Activity

Earlier this year, Mr Miles competed in the Mustang Challenge Invitational during the Le Mans 24 Hours in France. He also partnered with fellow New Zealander Brendon Leitch in the GT World Challenge Australia, with the duo securing a race win at Phillip Island. In January, he also raced in the Taupo Historic GP.

Community and Industry Response

Family members described Mr Miles as a dedicated father and husband with a strong presence in motorsport and business. Tributes from the racing community noted his long-term involvement, from mentoring young drivers to competing and managing teams. Supercars and other organisations recognised his contributions as both a competitor and advisor, highlighting the influence he had on the sport’s development.

Taronga Zoo issued a statement confirming changes to site access following the incident. While the zoo remained open to visitors, buses from Mosman Junction and Taronga Wharf were not operating. Access was maintained through the zoo’s lower entrance, with ferries continuing to run as scheduled.

Investigation Ongoing

NSW Police continue to investigate the circumstances of the crash. The collision is being examined by the crash investigation unit. Authorities have asked for any dashcam or mobile footage from the public. Traffic diversions remain in place, and motorists have been urged to avoid the area.

Published 8-July-2025

Taronga Zoo Cable Car Upgrade Faces Mixed Community Response

Photo Credit: SSD-46807958

Plans to revitalise the Sky Safari cable car at Taronga Zoo in Mosman have been revised and placed on public exhibition until 10 June following a period of community consultation.

Background and Context

Taronga Zoo’s Sky Safari cable car, which operated from 1987 until its closure in 2023, is set for a proposed $77 million upgrade. The project, submitted as a State Significant Development application (SSD-46807958), seeks to modernise the aerial transport system between Taronga Zoo Wharf and the main entrance on Bradleys Head Road. It forms part of the zoo’s 2021–2025 Strategic Plan and was revised after feedback gathered during 2024.

Updated Design and Accessibility Features

The planned 1.5-kilometre route will retain the alignment of the former cable car while reducing the number of pylons from nine to six. It will introduce around 25 larger gondolas with a ten-passenger capacity, offering improved accessibility for prams and wheelchairs. Upgraded stations at both ends will feature covered queuing areas up to 100 metres long, alongside new landscaping, seating, and paths.

Taronga Zoo has stated the Sky Safari will incorporate interpretive elements themed around “Saltwater to Sky” to support its conservation and education efforts. The zoo also expects the improved ferry and public transport connectivity will reduce private vehicle use and assist in achieving its Net Zero by 2030 target.

Concerns Over Visual Impact and Construction Disruption

Several Mosman residents and local stakeholders raised objections over the revised plan. Key concerns focused on the increased height of some pylons—specifically towers 3, 4 and 5—which are estimated to reach up to 35 metres, exceeding Mosman’s height limits for foreshore areas under the Local Environmental Plan 2012. Critics argue the structures would interrupt bushland views and impact the headland’s scenic profile.

Community members also highlighted the removal of vegetation, referencing a history of tree loss within Taronga Zoo grounds. Prior developments reportedly involved the removal of at least 65 Category A trees and potentially over 100 additional uncategorised trees. Temporary closure of the Bondi to Manly coastal path and changes to the 238 bus route due to construction activity at Athol Wharf Road were also raised.

Concerns were also expressed about operational impacts, including the possibility of special event programming at sunrise and sunset, which some felt would extend noise and visual disruption beyond regular hours. These aspects prompted comparisons to entertainment precincts such as Luna Park, with questions raised about the effect on residents and animal welfare.

Cultural representation was also criticised by some submissions, questioning the use of Indigenous references such as the “Saltwater to Sky” narrative, which some described as loosely interpreted.

cable car — *Photo Credit: SSD-46807958*

Competition Concerns from Sydney Zoo

Sydney Zoo, located in Western Sydney, has formally objected to the project, citing concerns over the use of public funding. Its management argued the project may breach competitive neutrality guidelines by giving Taronga Zoo a market advantage. Sydney Zoo warned of potential impacts on visitor numbers, employment, and regional outreach programs.

The objection also pointed to confusion among the public over the zoo’s identity—an issue dating back to 2019 when Sydney Zoo first opened. At that time, Taronga Zoo raised concerns that the name “Sydney Zoo” could lead to public misunderstanding. The competitive tension resurfaced during high-profile visits from international celebrities, sparking renewed public debate.

Sydney Zoo questioned the conservation value of the redevelopment, contrasting it with its own privately funded attractions. It expressed concern that Taronga Zoo’s upgrade prioritises commercial tourism outcomes under the guise of conservation messaging.

Support for the Project

Some stakeholders, including Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer Steve Cox, supported the redevelopment. His submission cited improvements to accessibility, enhanced visitor experience, and stronger engagement with conservation messaging as key benefits. The integration of the upgraded Sky Safari with the existing ferry wharf was viewed as a strategic move to reduce local traffic and encourage sustainable transport.

Next Steps

The revised proposal for Taronga Zoo’s Sky Safari is on public exhibition until 10 June 2025. The NSW Department of Planning will assess all feedback before issuing a determination. Taronga Zoo anticipates construction could proceed if approval is granted.

Published 9-June-2025

Wildlife Teaching Hospital Underway in Mosman

Photo Credit: SSD-33211326

Construction has commenced in Mosman on Australia’s first wildlife specialist teaching hospital, located at Taronga Zoo.

Wildlife Care Expansion in Mosman

Taronga Zoo’s existing wildlife hospital, active since the 1970s, is being replaced by a new $80 million facility (SSD-33211326) aimed at advancing veterinary treatment, research and education. The hospital will expand on decades of wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, and will offer specialised surgical, recovery and care facilities for hundreds of native animals each year.

Response to Natural Disasters

The 2019–2020 Black Summer bushfires, which had a severe impact on billions of animals, prompted the development of the hospital. Taronga’s veterinary team played a key role in treating species such as koalas, wallabies, platypus, and amphibians during the crisis. The incident highlighted the need for modernised care infrastructure to meet the rising demand caused by more frequent natural disasters.

Features and Facilities

The new facility at Mosman will include:

Surgical theatres and recovery spaces for marine turtles, reptiles and amphibians
Expanded quarantine zones for wildlife rescued from illegal trade or transferred under conservation breeding programs
A pathology lab for onsite analysis
A Zoo Nutrition Centre to manage animal diets
Public viewing galleries for zoo visitors to observe veterinary procedures

The facility also aims to strengthen wildlife education through designated training spaces for students, vets, and volunteer carers.

wildlife teaching hospital — *Photo Credit: SSD-33211326*

Support and Funding

Funding includes $40.7 million from the NSW Government, with the remaining costs being raised through philanthropic donations. The project aims to improve state capacity for wildlife first aid by sharing critical care knowledge with trained carers and volunteers across New South Wales.

Outlook for Wildlife Health in Mosman

When finished, the Mosman facility will take over the current veterinary, quarantine and nutrition roles at the zoo. It will also boost capabilities for treating both resident and wild animals, while supporting future generations of wildlife veterinarians and conservationists.

Published 3-May-2025

Taronga Zoo in Mosman to Revitalise Cable Car, Sydney Zoo Claims Unfair Competition

Taronga Zoo in Mosman has submitted a $77 million proposal to replace its former Sky Safari cable car system. However, Sydney Zoo has strongly opposed this plan, arguing that the upgrade could harm its business by diverting patrons away from the Western Sydney location.

Taronga Zoo’s new cable car design would span 1.5 km from the Mosman ferry terminal to the main zoo entrance, offering enhanced views of Sydney Harbour and the zoo grounds. The proposed upgrade, part of the Strategic Plan for 2021 to 2025, would feature larger gondolas with improved accessibility, including capacity for wheelchairs and prams, addressing limitations in the previous model retired in early 2023.

If approved under SSD-46807958, Taronga Zoo expects this cable car revitalisation to be completed by 2025.

Taronga Zoo in Mosman — *Photo Credit: Taronga Zoo*

Funding Concerns and Economic Impact

Sydney Zoo’s managing director, Jake Burgess, has urged blocking Taronga’s development, arguing that the project relies heavily on public funding, which could give Taronga Zoo an unfair advantage over private competitors.

He suggested that Taronga’s plan violates the NSW competition policy guidelines on “competitive neutrality,” which require publicly funded entities not to compete with private businesses harmfully.

Mr Burgess warned that if the Sky Safari upgrade proceeds, Sydney Zoo could lose visitation numbers and revenue, potentially leading to job cuts and reduced community programs. He emphasised that while Sydney Zoo prioritises conservation programs and mobile education, Taronga’s upgrade aims to enhance its appeal to tourists.

Sydney Zoo also highlighted concerns about Taronga’s prioritisation of non-conservation attractions, such as themed events, which they believe could detract from conservation. Supporters of Sydney Zoo point out that, unlike Taronga’s $77 million gondola project, Sydney Zoo’s Ferris wheel and other temporary attractions were privately funded and only temporarily in operation.

Conservation and Community Engagement

Taronga Zoo has defended its Sky Safari upgrade to be consistent with its conservation and educational mission. According to Taronga representatives, the modernised cable car experience will integrate conservation-focused audio content within each gondola to educate visitors about wildlife protection.

Taronga officials noted that the zoo, established in 1916 as a not-for-profit organisation, allocates all its revenue toward conservation and animal welfare projects.

The NSW Government allocated funding for Taronga Zoo improvements as part of its 2022 state budget, covering the Sky Safari project and other developments such as a wildlife hospital and animal habitats. Taronga has highlighted that improved accessibility features will allow more visitors, including those with mobility challenges, to explore the zoo.

Taronga maintains that the Sky Safari, which first opened in 1987 and transported over 20 million visitors until its closure in early 2023, is a vital part of its infrastructure. They argue the upgrade aligns with their goal of creating an engaging and educational experience for all guests while reinforcing their commitment to conservation.

A History of Rivalry

The clash between Sydney Zoo and Taronga is the latest in a history of rivalry, dating back to 2019, when Sydney Zoo first opened in Eastern Creek. Initial confusion over the name “Sydney Zoo” prompted Taronga to seek clarification, fearing the public might mistake the new facility for Taronga’s iconic Mosman location.

This rivalry was further highlighted when high-profile visitors like Taylor Swift and Harry Styles visited Sydney Zoo, sparking fan debates about the artist’s choice of zoo. For many, the longstanding Taronga Zoo remains symbolic of Sydney’s heritage, having drawn 1.7 million visitors annually before the pandemic.

Beyond the immediate tourist appeal, the ongoing competition raises questions about funding and conservation, as both zoos strive to balance visitor engagement with wildlife protection. Sydney Zoo’s push to halt Taronga’s new project reflects broader concerns within the zoo industry over equitable competition and the role of public funding.

The Path Forward

As of now, Taronga Zoo’s Sky Safari proposal remains under review by the NSW Department of Planning. Taronga representatives remain optimistic, asserting that the project is designed to secure the zoo’s financial stability and support conservation initiatives.

Meanwhile, Sydney Zoo continues to challenge the cable car project, urging NSW authorities to consider the potential economic impact on Western Sydney communities and the private sector before approving.

Published 30-Oct-2024

Critically Endangered Species Find New Home At Mosman’s Taronga Zoo

A purpose-built amphibian and reptile conservation centre is being set up at the Taronga Zoo in Mosman to serve as home to some of Australia’s unique and critically endangered species, such as the Bellinger River Snapping Turtle and the Corroboree Frog. It is expected to be fully operational within 2022.

Read: Conservation Society in Mosman to Build World’s First Platypus Sanctuary

This comes after the NSW Government approved of the facility, which will replace the existing Reptile World exhibit.

The exhibit, quite popular among locals, will be demolished to make way for a new on-site Wildlife Hospital.

The Taronga Conservation Society said it will be an educational and multi-layered experience for guests that showcases the beauty and diversity of some of the most misunderstood and most imperilled creatures on the planet under threat, from climate change, disease and habitat modification.

wildlife hospital taronga — Artist’s impression of Wildlife Hospital (Photo credit: https://taronga.org.au)

“Taronga is a leader in reptile and amphibian conservation in Australia. We have brought back seven reptile and amphibian species from the brink of extinction,” the group stated.

This includes the Bellinger River Snapping Turtle, a short-necked freshwater turtle often found in the deeper pools of rivers. They are considered critically endangered or are facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.

Minister for Planning and Homes, Anthony Roberts expects that the new conservation centre at the Taronga Zoo will be a drawcard for tourists and locals.

corroboree frog — Corroboree Frog (Photo credit: https://taronga.org.au)

“Taronga is such an important part of Sydney, not only in its role of providing care for more than 4,000 animals but also in being an amazing place for the public to explore and learn about the natural world,” Mr Roberts said.

“It will bring guests eye to eye with unbelievable animals, help spark a connection and inspire action for years to come.”

The new purpose-built facility is designed by DWP (Design Worldwide Partnership) with landscape architecture by Context Landscape Architecture.

Work on Major Upgrades for Taronga Zoo To Start Soon

Photo credit: Taronga Zoo Sydney/Google Maps

In a few months, construction will be underway for Taronga Zoo upgrades, to make the popular Mosman destination even more attractive to tourists.

Read: Conservation Society in Mosman to Build World’s First Platypus Sanctuary

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the $16 million upgrade works to the Australia Precinct would include:

a canopy walk from which to view koalas
extensions to the kangaroo and wallaby “walkthrough experience”
underwater viewing of platypus
improvements to the nocturnal exhibition

The centrepiece of the proposed Taronga Park revamp will be the new Wildlife Hospital and Nutrition Centre, which will offer visitors and tourists new educational and wildlife experiences. It’s going to be three storeys and will feature rehabilitation facilities including a marine rescue unit, intensive care hub for marine turtles, surgery rooms, pathology labs, and necropsy rooms.

The zoo revamp will create almost 800 construction jobs and once completed, the Taronga Zoo’s development is expected to contribute over $16 million into the State’s economy.

Plans for Taronga Zoo (Photo credit: planning.nsw.gov.au)

“Taronga Zoo is one of Australia’s most iconic tourist destinations and this revamp will place greater emphasis on some of our nation’s most iconic animals,” Mr Stokes said.

Member for North Shore Felicity Wilson said the zoo is one of the most popular public spaces in NSW and this funding is great news for the local community and visitors alike.

“Our community is so proud to have Taronga Zoo in our local area and a revitalised Australia Precinct means greater focus on giving visitors the opportunity to interact with animals that are unique to Australia,” Ms Wilson said.

The project is expected to be completed by 2023. To stay updated about Taronga Zoo’s upgrades, visit https://taronga.org.au/.

About Taronga Zoo

Water bird enclosure at Taronga Zoo when it opened in 1916 (Photo credit: State Library of New South Wales)

Taronga Zoo first opened its doors in 1916 by Mr Le Soeuf, the Director, based upon contemporary models set in Europe and America. The landscaping preserved the natural features of the landscape and the housing requirements of the animals were constructed, where possible, to the prevailing rock and tree formations.

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. Under the directorship of Edward Hallstrom in the 1940’s – 1960’s several new exhibits were built including those for larger cats, koalas, apes and gorillas.

Read: Taronga Zoo Sydney Welcomes First Baby Koala in a Year

The Most Exciting Summer Activities at Taronga Zoo in Mosman

Photo Credit: Neal Wellons/Flickr

Create memories with your kids with a trip to the Taronga Zoo at Bradleys Heard Road in Mosman during the summer holidays. With over 340 species of animals, there’s truly so much to see at this harbourside attraction.

Expectedly, summers are a busy time at the Taronga Zoo because it’s teeming with guests. But it’s also the best time to go since the zoo prepares lots of activities that will make your visit unforgettable.

Marvel at the Dinosaurs

The Taronga Zoo’s newest attraction is an animatronic display of life-sized dinosaurs. There are currently 10 figures to ogle at the Dino Trail with their realistic sound and movements.

Dinosaur keepers will guide guests during the walks scheduled twice daily. The keepers are also the best persons to ask for cool dinosaur facts, which should be a great learning experience for the children. The visit also includes a fossil dig, where guests may get closer to some dinosaur species for a special selfie.

Watch the Shows and Talks

Visitors of the Taronga Zoo may look forward to different shows and talks every day so be sure to daily timetable before you go. Some of these activities are paid and some are free, while some can be a completely customized guided tour for specific guests.

Among the shows and talks guests may expect include a:

Seal show
Free flight bird show
Bug show
Movie screenings
A talk from various keepers of the animals, such as the tiger keepers, giraffe keepers, koala keepers, meerkat keepers, among others

These events usually take inside The Centenary Theatre.

Encounter the Animals

A visit to the Taronga Zoo doesn’t just involve looking at the animals or taking their pictures from afar. Guests can actually have a face-to-face encounter with koalas, penguins, giraffes, meerkats, elephants, tortoise and birds.

Visitors may also encounter tigers while riding a cable car or look at the elephant herd from atop the Sky Safari. It’s a fully immersive experience that’s incomparable to other zoos.

Before heading to the zoo, buy your tickets online and get a discounted rate. If you’re planning to make this a regular visit, it’s best to get an annual membership at the zoo for more discounts and privileges.