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Swamp in Moore Park, operated by the Zoological Society of NSW which was founded in March 1879.
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The first public zoo in New South Wales (NSW) officially opened in Sydney in 1884 on a site known as Billy Goat
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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.
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On April 24th, 1912 the NSW Government granted 43 acres of land north of the harbour which were part of Ashton Park. Another 9 acres were granted in April 1916.
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In 1913, Management of the zoo passed to a Trust named the New Zoological Gardens Trust which became the Taronga Zoological Park Trust.
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Taronga Zoo was officially opened on October 7th, 1916.
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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).
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In June 1973 a new Zoological Parks Board Act of NSW was enacted replacing the Trust with the Zoological Parks Board of NSW.
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In 2020, they started their animal live streams – freely accessible to all at any time of day.
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In 2008 they introduced their ‘Twilight at Taronga’ program which is now held annually. This is a music program with a range of well-known acts performing near the homes of Australian animal exhibits. All proceeds go towards the Taronga Conservation Society Australia (a not-for-profit wildlife conservation, scientific research environ sustainability org).
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In 2015, the Australian Government announced its support for a 10 yr redevelopment program for Taronga. This re-design is aimed at inspiring positive connections between people and wildlife and to encourage greater contribution to conservation and habitat protection.
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