Taronga Zoo is one place you are sure of a welcome 9.00 to 5.00 pm all year round since it is open on all public holidays, including Christmas Day. Located on Bradley’s Head Road, Mosman, you can get there either by bus, or by ferry across the bay from Circular Quay in Sydney every 30 minutes, quarter to and quarter past the hour.
Arriving by ferry is possibly the most fun way, since you will be whisked up into the zoo on an amazing “Sky Safari” cable car ride that gives you an aerial view of the zoological garden. Once you are in the park, you can use the cable car as much as you like as it is included in your admission fee.
Special Attractionsat Taronga Zoo
The day at Taronga Zoo is punctuated by shows that are staged in the different zones of the park. For example, between 11.00 and 2.45 one can be photographed with the Koala Bears. At 1.00 there is a talk by the elephant keepers and at 2.00 there is an exciting Seal show. At 3.00 pm there is a Free Flight Bird Show. It is good to arm yourself with a timetable and map of the zoo and to plan your visit so you don't miss out on any of your favourite animals.
Taronga's Stunning Exhibits Not to be Missed
There is much to see at Taronga Zoo. Many of the indigenous species are on view including the famed Duck Tailed Platypus, the Koala, the Ostrich, the Kangaroo and it’s cuddly tree-dwelling cousin, the Tree-Kangaroo.
There is also a free-flight aviary where you can walk amongst the exotic bird species and see the fruit bats hanging upside-down from the "roof" (they are nocturnal). There is a spectacular new elephant enclosure which includes a waterfall and pool. The newest attraction is the "Great Southern Oceans" exhibit that enables the visitor to feel as if they are right in amongst the seals and penguins.
Taronga's Big on Conservation
Taronga Zoo has a great zeal for conservation of endangered species. International scientists confirmed recently that in May 2008, the Zoo's Asian Elephant matriarch, Porntip, conceived using sperm from Melbourne Zoo's bull ‘Bong Su' at the first attempt through Artificial Insemination. In 2008 two male cheetah cubs were hand reared by Taronga zoo staff and the zoo also celebrated the first pygmy hippo birth in 23 years. Both of these species are on the endangered list.
Representing another endangered species, one of the stars of Taronga Zoo, is their 21 year old male Orang Utan. Jantan is a great performer who loves to play to an audience. He seems to enjoy showing off his climbing abilities to his visitors.
Concessions & Internet Booking For Taronga Zoo Tickets
The entrance fees (in Australian Dollars) are from 1st April 2009 $40 for an adult, children 4-15 years $20 and children under 4 are free. Save money if you are a family of 2 adults and 2 children by opting for the family ticket at $103.70. Concessionary tickets for seniors, pensioners and tertiary students are available at $28.
For those who aren’t eligible for concessions, it is worth knowing that you can still save 10% if you purchase your tickets on line with Ticketek. You can also download a helpful timetable and map.
