Taronga Zoo History

  • First public zoo in NSW opened in Moore park

  • NSW government granted 43 acres of land North of the harbour

  • In all, 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.

  • Management of the zoo passed to a Trust named the New Zoological Gardens Trust which became the Taronga Zoological Park Trust.

  • Taronga Zoo was officially opened

  • New emphasis on scientific research, conservation and education began

  • New Zoological Parks Board Act of NSW was enacted replacing the Trust with the Zoological Parks Board of NSW.

  • Twilight at Taronga introduction

  • Australian Government announced its support for a 10 yr redevelopment program for Taronga

  • Three Sumatran tiger cubs and eight Little Penguin chicks were born within the zoo

  • Started their animal live streams – freely accessible to all at any time of day.