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.
“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
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
