Description of the attraction
Taronga Zoo is Sydney's oldest zoo and one of the most famous in Australia. Translated from the language of the local aborigines, its name means "beautiful view", which is quite true - the suburb of Sydney Mosman, where the zoo is located, is very picturesque.
The first zoo in New South Wales appeared back in 1884 in Moore Park, but it was very small and could not meet the needs of the townspeople. In 1908, the state government had the idea of creating a new zoo, much larger, for which 17 hectares of land were reserved north of Sydney Harbor. 8 years later, in 1916, another 3, 6 hectares were added to the zoo - this year is considered the year of foundation of "Taronga".
In 1915, the Aqueduct Bridge was opened at the zoo, which became the first feature of the local landscape. On this bridge, reminiscent of medieval Italian grottoes, visitors crossed the large ravine that divided the road to the zoo.
In the late 1960s, the zoo underwent major changes, which led to the intensification of scientific work and improved conditions for keeping animals. In particular, an open-air enclosure for tropical birds, a House of nocturnal animals, ponds for waterfowl and a quarantine center were built. Many educational programs have been developed and implemented in practice, introducing visitors to the life of animals.
In the mid-1980s, a cable car was built at the zoo, from which you can explore not only the Taronga territory, but also Sydney Harbor.
Today, over 2600 animals live here on an area of 21 hectares, which makes Tarongu one of the largest zoos in the world. All of the zoo's inhabitants are located in eight different themed zones. For example, in the "House of the Platypus" you can see not only the platypus itself, but also wombats and a kangaroo rat. The Australian Wetlands exhibit features numerous birds: stork, Australian crane, pelican, king spoonbill, Pacific black duck. In Walking Australia you can meet kangaroos, wallabies, emus, koalas and other typical inhabitants of the “green” continent. Finally, the most interesting exposition "The Great South Seas", opened in 2008, introduces leopard seals, California sea lions, little penguins and other inhabitants of the ocean depths.
