Giraffes have two short horns, which lie down flat at birth. Males (bulls) grow extra bony lumps on their large heads which they use to fight other bulls. They swing their necks to hit each other. This is called 'necking'.
Media Releases
Luk Chai Learns to Swim for Summer (5/11/2009)
Taronga’s elephant calf, Luk Chai, has decided to get a head start on swimming for summer.
Luk Chai Burst His New Ball (2/11/2009)
Over the weekend we gave Luk Chai another new ball to roll about with. This time we chose a yellow fitness ball filled with air because he loves to squash things with his belly.
Wicked cast has a wild time at Taronga (29/10/2009)
Taronga’s famous animals today got some special support from the cast of the Broadway musical, Wicked who put down their magic wands, rolled up their sleeves and helped the Zoo’s dedicated keepers. The Zoo’s majestic animals cast a spell over Lucy Durack who plays ‘Glinda’ the Good Witch, Amanda Harrison, the Wicked Witch of the West and ‘Fiyero’, played by Rob Mills, who turned their talents to zoo keeping by assisting Taronga staff with a range of duties.
$7.1 million renovation for chimpanzee home at Taronga Zoo (23/10/2009)
Taronga Zoo’s world renowned Chimpanzee exhibit will receive a $7.1 million makeover . The refurbishment would include the construction of a new aviary like structure to enable Taronga Zoo keepers to introduce new Chimpanzees to the group more safely.
Devils' Dad to Be Determined (22/10/2009)
Four feisty Tasmanian Devil joeys will have a general health check and paternity tests today at Taronga Zoo to determine the sire of the litter.
Zoo's oldest Giraffe celebrates a birthday (19/10/2009)
Keepers at Taronga Western Plains Zoo are celebrating a special birthday today, as its oldest Giraffe turns 24.
Zoo Welcomes Spring With Zebra Foal (2/10/2009)
Keepers at Taronga Western Plains Zoo are celebrating the arrival of a Zebra foal, which was born in the early hours of Saturday 26 September 2009. After starting their usual rounds on Saturday, keepers discovered the foal and mother on exhibit, just hours after the foal had been born.
Take a Power Walk on the Wild Side These School Holidays (29/9/2009)
EnergyAustralia will be hosting an interactive activity trail promoting energy efficiency at Taronga Zoo these October school holidays.
Orana Contractor to Build Zoo's Biggest Project Ever (23/9/2009)
Taronga Western Plains Zoo is excited to announce local company, David Payne Constructions, has been awarded the contract for the redevelopment of the Zoo’s front entrance and visitor plaza, the largest single project undertaken in the Zoo’s 32 year history.
Statement on Blackbuck Review (22/9/2009)
Taronga Western Plains Zoo responsibly manages its antelope herds to avoid inbreeding by periodically introducing new bloodlines and re-homing animals that have already bred.
Dentist treats Taronga tiger's sore tooth (11/9/2009)
During a previous examination, veterinarians discovered that ‘Satu’, Taronga Zoo’s four year old Sumatran Tiger had broken a tooth which needed further attention.
TARONGA’S BINTURONG BABY SMELLS LIKE POPCORN (1/9/2009)
At nine weeks of age the large, kitten-sized cub, which is yet to be named, can be spotted in the trees and visitors will not have any problems finding its home within the Wild Asia exhibit as the unusual Asian carnivore smells a bit like burnt popcorn.
Zoo Statement (31/8/2009)
Taronga Western Plains Zoo Manager Matt Fuller said today: "The zoo is at its heart dedicated to animal welfare. There is no history of mistreatment of animals that have been transferred from its care."
Zoo increases Tasmanian Devil breeding capacity: Media Statement from Deputy Premier Carmel Tebbutt (28/8/2009)
Acting Premier and Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, Carmel Tebbutt, today officially opened Taronga Western Plains Zoo’s new Tasmanian Devil breeding unit – a key part of the national effort to save the endangered marsupial.
Wildlife Facination Helps Make Taronga Favourite (27/8/2009)
Taronga Zoo is delighted to have been chosen as Sydney’s Favourite Attraction in a Sydney Chamber of Commerce survey.
Spring Brings Koala Joey Out Of The Pouch (26/8/2009)
Lincoln, a six month old koala joey, has just started venturing out from his mother Maggie's pouch, giving visitors to Taronga Zoo a unique chance to catch a glimpse. Maggie is one of the friendliest koalas at the zoo, and her keeper Lisa Cavanagh has said: "To see the emergence of a joey koala is very rare, and we are just lucky that Maggie is very comfortable with people and has given us the opportunity to watch as Lincoln starts to explore the world outside the pouch."
Zoo's African Lions Turn 10! (20/8/2009)
Taronga Western Plains Zoo is celebrating three big birthdays, with the Zoo’s African Lions all turning 10. Sisters Njeri and Shinyanga turn 10 today while male Lion Jasiri hit double figures late last month.
Luk Chai the Elephant gets traditional blessing (15/8/2009)
The young Asian Elephant calf, Luk Chai, received blessings for good health and success at Taronga Zoo today.
African Wild Dog Pups Born At The Zoo (14/8/2009)
Taronga Western Plains Zoo is celebrating the arrival of four rare African Wild Dog pups, which were born to the Zoo’s breeding program in early May.
National Tree Day at the Zoo (31/7/2009)
Students from Dubbo Public School’s Special Education Unit have been busy planting trees and shrubs at Taronga Western Plains Zoo as part of Schools Tree Day.
They're Calling On You! (29/7/2009)
Taronga Western Plains Zoo is calling on you to recycle your old mobile phone and help save one of our closest living relatives.
Premier announces baby elephant's name (27/7/2009)
The first elephant calf born in Australia has been officially named today, with Premier Nathan Rees revealing the young Asian elephant would be called ‘Luk Chai’.
Zoo's New Safari Children's Playground Now Open (23/7/2009)
Taronga Western Plains Zoo is excited to announce the all new Safari Park Children’s Playground is now open for visitors to enjoy.
SUSIE MARONEY VISITS TARONGA’S PROJECT PENGUIN EXPO DAY (9/7/2009)
After many weeks of hard work, finalists across 10 Northern Beaches schools will showcase their masterpieces to special guest Susie Maroney, the famous marathon swimmer and the wider community, sharing the knowledge and skills they have learnt over the past two months.
Taronga's New Elephant Weighs In At 96 Kilos (6/7/2009)
Taronga's new male elephant was weighed this morning tipping the scales at 96 kilos.
New director of TCSA (6/7/2009)
The Deputy Premier and Minister for the Environment and Climate Change, Carmel Tebbutt, today announced that that Cameron Kerr would be appointed as the new Director and CEO of Taronga and Taronga Western Plains Zoos.
Calf Takes First Steps Outside Barn (5/7/2009)
Taronga's new male elephant calf today took a short walk with its mother, Thong Dee, and aunt, Tang Mo, in the warm sun at the Zoo's Wild Asia Exhibit.
Injured endangered parrot makes a swift recovery (2/7/2009)
An injured Swift Parrot that has just flown over 1000 kilometres from Tasmania will be hitching a ride for the last 300 kilometres following a collision with power lines that left him stunned and concussed.
TARONGA ZOO KEEPERS HIT THE ROAD FOR ORANG-UTANS (2/7/2009)
Primate keepers, Louise Grossfeldt and Mandy McLellan, coordinated a 40 km walk for Zoo staff from Palm Beach to Taronga Zoo last weekend to help Orang-utans. The pair took time off from their busy schedules at the Zoo where they care for the Taronga’s orang-utans, gorillas, chimpanzees and other primates, to help raise awareness and funds to save Orang-utans which are under terrible pressure in Asia from jungle clearance. In total they raised $7000 for the BOS program.
Zoo Welcomes Przewalski's Horse Foal (29/5/2009)
Keepers at Taronga Western Plains Zoo are delighted by the arrival of a Przewalski's Horse foal which was born on Tuesday, 12 May 2009 in the early hours of the morning.
Gorilla's birthday links mobile phone recycling to habitat protection (25/5/2009)
The Deputy Premier and Minister for the Environment and Climate Change, Carmel Tebbutt, today's attended the birthday celebrations for Taronga's silverback gorilla, Kibabu, to promote a mobile phone recycling plan which helps save gorilla habitat in Africa.
Mana the Hippo moves to a new home (22/5/2009)
Staff at Taronga Western Plains Zoo have completed the enormous task of moving one of the Zoo’s Hippopotamus’ from the main Hippo exhibit to the African Savannah exhibit.
Northern Beaches schools join Taronga to help Penguins (19/5/2009)
Over 800 students from Northern Beaches schools started training at Taronga Zoo on Sunday to assist the local Little Penguin colonies.
Young Conservationist Meets Taronga Devils With A Swan (15/5/2009)
‘Nature Nic’ and Sydney Swans’ player Jared Crouch visited Taronga Zoo today to raise awareness for the plight of the Tasmanian Devil as part of “Black and White Day”.
Harley Owners Group Marks 20 Years Of Zoo Sponsorship (5/5/2009)
About 30 motorcyclists from the Harley Owners’ Group presented a cheque for $1123.00 to the Taronga Foundation continuing their 20 year Wedgetail Eagle sponsorship
Taronga Announces Third Elephant Pregnancy (4/5/2009)
Taronga Zoo today announced confirmation of its third elephant pregnancy. Pak Boon fell pregnant naturally to Taronga’s resident Bull elephant, Gung, with the calf due early 2011.
Mums Visit Taronga Free On Mothers Day (4/5/2009)
Taronga Zoo has invited mothers to visit the Zoo for free this Mothers Day, May 10.
Giraffe Pair Take A Road Trip To Victoria (1/5/2009)
Two juvenile Giraffes at Taronga Western Plains Zoo will take a road trip to their new home in Victoria at Werribee Zoo today, Friday 1 May 2009. The pair, both males, will travel from Taronga Western Plains Zoo to Werribee in two specially designed transport crates, onboard a low loader over 850km south to their final destination.
Taronga Celebrates Yellow-Bellied Glider Births (23/4/2009)
Taronga Zoo is celebrating the breeding success with the arrival of two Yellow-bellied Glider joeys, the largest of Australia’s unique gliding possums.
Zoo Hosts Nuns' Fun Run/Walk (21/4/2009)
Taronga Western Plains Zoo will host a fun run/walk on Sunday 24 May 2009 to launch the Garvan Institute's Nuns' Run.
Sea-Lion Pup (7/4/2009)
Taronga Zoo has celebrated another conservation breeding success with the arrival of an Australian Sea-lion pup, the first to be born at the Zoo in seven years
Taronga Farewells Last Flamingo (7/4/2009)
Taronga's last Chilean Flamingo passed away on April 3.
Taronga's Asian Elephant Gung comes of age (3/4/2009)
Taronga's male Asian Elephant Gung moved to his new custom built barn complex yesterday.
TARONGA CELEBRATES YELLOW-BELLIED GLIDER BIRTHS (1) (3/4/2009)
Taronga Zoo is celebrating the breeding success with the arrival of two Yellow-bellied Glider joeys, the largest of Australia’s unique gliding possums. The Zoo’s Australian Mammals keepers found the twin Yellow-bellied Gliders nestled safely in their parent’s nesting hollow.
Francois Langur Surprise for Taronga (24/3/2009)
Keepers' hopes that the Zoo's critically endangered Francois Langur female was pregnant were confirmed last Thursday when a bright orange female infant was found in the exhibit.
Litlle Penguins Return To Open Ocean (20/3/2009)
Two of Sydney's resident Little Penguins will today be released back into the open ocean after rest and care at Taronga’s Wildlife Hospital.
Construction Commences on New Playground (19/3/2009)
Taronga Western Plains Zoo is excited to announce the commencement of construction on a new children's playground that will see the current area transformed into a wild safari adventure playground over the coming months.
Taronga Celebrates Red Panda Breeding Success (4/3/2009)
Taronga Zoo has celebrated another conservation breeding success with the arrival of the 44th Red Panda cub in the Zoo’s breeding program.
Zoo Welcomes Sumatran Tiger Pair (24/2/2009)
Zoo keepers have welcomed the arrival of two Sumatran Tigers who travelled from Victoria late last year to take up residency in Dubbo at Taronga Western Plains Zoo.
Meerkat Pups Make An Appearance At Taronga (20/2/2009)
Taronga Zoo is celebrating the birth of two Meerkat pups, the first to be born at the Zoo in nine years.
Darwinism Leads to Wild Sex (13/2/2009)
During Darwin's Anniversary month and just in time for Valentine's Day, Taronga visitors can get in the mood for some animal attraction with a fascinating web lecture on the elaborate and sometimes deadly liaisons wildlife use to reproduce.
Zoo Director Plans Retirement (12/2/2009)
Guy Cooper, Director and Chief Executive of the Taronga Conservation Society Australia, has announced his intention to retire in August 2009.
Tarongas floral clock gets a new 80th birthday face (9/2/2009)
Taronga Zoo’s Floral Clock is celebrating its 80th birthday with a special planting during its Anniversary year.
Tarongas Bear Celebrates Milestone Birthday (19/1/2009)
Taronga’s giant Kodiak Bear ‘Bethyl’ is celebrating her 32nd birthday, making her one of the oldest of her species in the world.
Zoo Gives Echidna Puggle A Helping Hand (15/1/2009)
One of Taronga Western Plains Zoo Veterinary Nurse's has taken on the role of mother, hand raising a tiny Echidna puggle after her and her mother were brought into the Zoo's Wildlife Clinic
Taronga Joins 2009's Global Zoo Efforts For Gorillas (1/1/2009)
As the world welcomes 2009, Taronga Zoo staff will welcome the chance to raise awareness of the plight of Gorillas in the wild.
Tarongas New WedgeTailed Eagle Soars Free (16/12/2008)
Taronga Zoo’s new Wedge-tailed Eagle, ‘Nonami’ will take to the air today to fly outside for the first time with her new trainers at Georges Heights Oval.
Bogul Gives The Black Rat The Boot (4/12/2008)
Taronga Zoo has begun the trial of a ground-breaking plan to drive the introduced Black Rat out of the north shore's leafy harbourside using a native bush rat called the Bogul.
Trans-Tasman Giraffe (26/11/2008)
Reminiscent of a modern day Noah's Ark, a young female giraffe ‘Ntombi' and male ‘Forrest' arrived in Sydney from Auckland Zoo after making the ocean voyage aboard ANL ship Yarrunga on their way to Taronga Western Plains Zoo.
Pygmy Hippo Baby (7/11/2008)
Taronga Zoo is celebrating its first Pygmy Hippopotamus calf birth in 23 years. The youngster named ‘Monifa', meaning ‘I am lucky' in Nigerian weighed just 3.8 kilograms when it was born in the early hours of October 15 to first-time mother, ‘Petre' and father ‘Timmy'. However after a difficult breach birth, the Zoo's dedicated keepers made the decision to intervene and hand-raise the precious female calf.
Baby Goes Batty Over Bottle At Taronga Zoo (7/11/2008)
An orphaned Grey-headed Flying Fox named ‘Hugo' is being bottle fed by dedicated Taronga keepers after its mother passed away from severe leg injuries.
Zoo Welcomes A Female Bison Calf (7/11/2008)
Keepers at Taronga Western Plains Zoo are delighted by the arrival of a female Bison calf that was born in the early hours of the morning on Thursday 30 October 2008
Devil Breeding Success Gets National Fundraising Boost (17/10/2008)
With 34 joeys already born in the national insurance population of Tasmanian Devils, an Australia-wide fundraising campaign to expand the program was announced at Taronga Zoo today.
Chimpanzees' Champion Dr Jane Goodall Visits Taronga (11/10/2008)
Internationally renowned Chimpanzee researcher, Dr Jane Goodall, visited Taronga's Chimpanzees today during her national tour to inspire Australians to protect wildlife.
Zoo Hand-Raises Cheetah Cubs (8/10/2008)
Keepers at Taronga Western Plains Zoo have been working around-the-clock to hand-raise a pair of male Cheetah cubs born in early August into the Zoo's breeding program for this critically endangered species.
Bongo Calf Latest Addition To Zoo (2/10/2008)
Keepers at Taronga Western Plains Zoo are beaming with pride after the birth of a bouncing female Bongo calf named Djembe after a type of African drum.
Zoos Fodder For Thought Project Brings The Classroom Outdoors (26/9/2008)
Taronga Western Plains Zoo is creating an outdoor learning environment at five schools in Dubbo as part of the Fodder for Thought project, which will see extensive planting of fodder trees on school agricultural land.
Spring Fever for released Regent Honeyeaters (25/9/2008)
At least one pair of zoo-bred Regent Honeyeaters are incubating eggs, with at least four other nests being built by other pairs just four months since they were released at Chiltern in Victoria.
Zoo Veterinarians Create Master Mammals Medicine Book (19/9/2008)
The world-first book ‘Medicine of Australian Mammals’ will be officially launched today at Taronga Zoo helping to improve the health, welfare and conservation of Australia’s native mammals.
Local School Students Get Active At The Zoo (18/9/2008)
Taronga Western Plains Zoo is working with the Australian Sports Commission's Active After-school Communities Program to help engage primary-school aged children in physical activity that is fun and enjoyable.
Big Cats A Highlight These School Holidays! (15/9/2008)
Taronga Western Plains Zoo is working with the Australian Sports Commission's Active After-school Communities Program to help engage primary-school aged children in physical activity that is fun and enjoyable.
Zoo Unveils Redevelopment Plans (12/9/2008)
Taronga Western Plains Zoo is excited to announce the next phase of the Zoo's 12 year master plan which will see approximately $21.5m spent redeveloping a number of areas of the site over the coming four years.
Taronga Breeding Successes for Endangered Elephants and Gorillas (28/8/2008)
An infant male Western Lowland Gorilla made his public debut at Taronga today as the Zoo also announced its first-ever artificial insemination (AI) of an Asian Elephant.
Dignity and Respect in the Workplace Charter Signed at Taronga Zoo (21/8/2008)
The Taronga Conservation Society Australia (TCSA) and the Public Service Association (PSA) signed the Dignity and Respect in the Workplace Charter on August 21, 2008
New Taronga Seal Show Debuts For Conservation (24/7/2008)
The Parliamentary Secretary for Mining And Energy, the Hon. Penny Sharpe MLC, today called on the Zoo's seals and seal-lions to debut the conservation messages of the new Seal Show at the official opening of EnergyAustralia ‘s Great Southern Oceans (GSO).
Zoo's Orphaned Oryx Learns From Goat Companion (18/7/2008)
Vet nurses at Taronga Western Plains Zoo have been playing mother to an orphaned male Scimitar Horned Oryx whose mother died during labour leaving Zoo staff no alternative but to hand raise the calf.
Zoo Successful With First Tasmanian Devil Breeding Season (17/7/2008)
Taronga Western Plains Zoo today confirmed that at least five joeys have been born from the 12 wild-caught Tasmanian Devils brought into the Zoo in late 2007.
Jantan's 21st Brings Focus To Wild Orangs' Plight (11/7/2008)
Although this is a milestone for Jantan, it brings focus to the plight of his species due to the massive clearing of forests for palm oil plantations. Orang-utans are clinging to survival in lowland and mountainous tropical rainforests of Northern Sumatra and most of lowland Borneo. These forests are rapidly being cut down to plant palm oil plantations due to the rapidly increasing demand for the oil.
Taronga Releases Rescued Little Penguin At North Curl Curl (10/7/2008)
One of Sydney's resident Little Penguins will today be released back into her home waters after some much needed care at Taronga Zoo.
Taronga Foundation Mission For Critically Endangered Iguana (21/6/2008)
The critically endangered Fijian Crested Iguana will be one of eight species given a helping hand through the inaugural Taronga Foundation Conservation Field Grants program announced today at the Zoo. It is one of eight wildlife programs to receive vital support with a total $40,000 committed by The Taronga Foundation to assist animals in their natural habitats from Aceh and Botswana to Vietnam and the Daintree.
Zoo's Research Delivers World's First IVF Black Rhino Embryo (6/6/2008)
Taronga Western Plains Zoo staff and international reproductive experts from Berlin's Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research have achieved a world first by successfully fertilising a Black Rhinoceros egg.
Taronga Takes Next Step In Elephant Breeding Program (29/5/2008)
International elephant reproduction specialists have praised Taronga's planning and preparation in the zoo's first attempt at Asian Elephant artificial insemination (AI), Zoo Director and Chief Executive, Guy Cooper, said today.
Narrabeen Students Join Taronga Against Climate Change (27/5/2008)
Over 200 students from Narrabeen schools will celebrate the launch of a new climate change initiative this Thursday from 10.45am, at the Coastal Environment Centre, Narrabeen. Taronga Zoo started the new education program, Peninsula Environmental Action for Community Education (PEACE), to raise awareness about the impact of climate change and promote positive action by local school students.
Brooke Farewelled (23/5/2008)
Taronga's much-loved Leopard Seal 'Brooke' passed away yesterday evening after a brief illness. 'Brooke' came to the zoo in 1999 after being found on Garie Beach in the Royal National Park drastically underweight, dehydrated and suffering from shark attack injuries.
Regent Honeyeater breeding program soars (8/5/2008)
With only an estimated 1500 Regent Honeyeaters left in the wild, the release of twenty eight birds from a successful regional breeding program is well timed. Taronga Zoo in partnership with wildlife agencies manages a vital breed-for-release program for this endangered species. The small black and yellow honeyeaters have been rapidly disappearing from their native habitat along the Box and Ironbark forests of the Great Dividing Range at an alarming rate.
Shy New Chimpanzee Arrival Makes Mother's Day Debut (8/5/2008)
Taronga's newest Chimpanzee mother, 'Sacha' today started Mother's Day celebrations early, by revealing her new baby boy which has been snuggling close to her belly since his arrival last month.
White Rhino Calf Born At Taronga Western Plains Zoo (1/5/2008)
Taronga Western Plains Zoo is proud to announce that a healthy, female Southern White Rhinoceros calf was born on Thursday 10 April 2008 - and is now ready to meet the public!
Zoo Utilises Thermal Imaging Technology (24/4/2008)
Veterinary staff at Taronga Western Plains Zoo are utilising infrared thermography technology as part of the special care program for our three Asian Elephants and two African elephants, all of which are in their twilight years.
Great Southern Oceans (3/4/2008)
Taronga Zoo's expansive Great Southern Oceans exhibit, opening to the public for today, provides an important and thrilling introduction to Australia's marine wildlife.
Taronga Zoo farewells Cynthia the Kodiak Bear (27/3/2008)
Taronga Zoo has bid a sad farewell to one of its longest-standing residents today, with Cynthia the Kodiak Bear passing peacefully away at the grand old age of 31. Cynthia and her sister Bethel have awed Taronga Zoo visitors since they arrived in Sydney in 1985.
Zoos Join Battle To Save Tasmanian Devils (27/3/2008)
A group of 12 Tasmanian Devils, sent from Tasmania to Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo as part of a national effort to save the species, are showing encouraging signs that they may be breeding in their first season at the Zoo.
Taronga's Fiordland Penguins Step Out (17/3/2008)
Taronga's keepers have discovered Fiordland Penguins like to walk. Zoo visitors have been enchanted to discover Mr Munro and female penguins, 'Chalky' and 'Milford' out for a stroll through the Zoo grounds as part of their exercise routine.
Arna And Gigi Get With The Program At Taronga Western Plains Zoo (11/3/2008)
Taronga Western Plains Zoo is home to three Asian Elephants and two African Elephants, all of who are in their twilight years. Because all the Elephants at Taronga Western Plains Zoo are in their later years, keepers have a number of special programs in place to assist in keeping the Elephants both mentally and physically active.
Zoos Announce Australasian Program To Save Frogs (10/3/2008)
Australasian Zoos have joined world Zoos in Year of the Frog 2008 to help avert the dramatic increase in frog extinctions. The coordinated regional conservation strategy will be announced during the Australasian Regional Association of Zoological Parks and Aquaria Conference at Taronga Zoo this week. The program addresses the steady decline of Australasia's frog populations with 47 species out of 220 endangered by habitat loss and disease.
Arna And Gigi Make Taronga Western Plains Zoo Their Permanent Home (22/2/2008)
Taronga Conservation Society Australia Director, Guy Cooper, has announced that ex-circus elephants Arna and Gigi will live together at Taronga Western Plains Zoo.
Taronga-Bred Booroolong Frogs Released In Bush (19/2/2008)
The first Booroolong Frogs to be bred in zoos will be released today, only a year after Taronga started a breeding program to save the tiny amphibian. The critically endangered native species has suffered unprecedented population declines recently, with fewer than 5000 individual Frogs remaining in the wild. The decline has been attributed to water pollution, loss of habitat and use of herbicides and pesticides, as well as chyrtid fungus and climate change.
First Elephant Pregnancy In Australasia (14/2/2008)
Minister for Climate Change, Environment and Water Phil Koperberg announced today that a baby elephant is expected to be delivered at Taronga Zoo's Wild Asia in mid 2009 - a first for the Australasian region.
Circus elephants settle into their new home (7/2/2008)
Stardust Circus elephants ‘Arna' and ‘Gigi' arrived at Taronga Western Plains Zoo on Monday 15 January 2008. The zoo is their temporary home while regional zoo elephant experts undertake behavioural and health assessments on the two animals.
Taronga Zoo building an improved car park (6/2/2008)
Taronga will upgrade car parking from February 2008 to improve visitor and community convenience and safety. When completed in early 2009, the new car park will reduce street parking by taking 400 cars off the streets. This will improve safety and traffic flows for visitors and contribute positively to the Zoo's environmental footprint.
Zoos Announce New Conservation Direction (21/1/2008)
Taronga and Western Plains Zoos are to be part of the new Taronga Conservation Society Australia formed as a comprehensive approach to the needs of wildlife. The Zoos' Director and Chief Executive, Guy Cooper, said: "With our many new activities in research, conservation and in situ wildlife projects like the recent Gorilla birth at Taronga and our role in national breeding efforts to save the Tasmanian Devil, we needed a name that better describes our wide ranging activities to our community."
Zoo Saddened by Passing of Grand Old Giraffe, Hope (17/12/2007)
Taronga Zoo keepers have been saddened by the passing of their oldest and much loved Giraffe ‘Hope' today. At 24 years of age, ‘Hope' was one of the oldest Giraffes in the Australasian region and a much loved resident of Taronga Zoo.
Taronga Welcomes Christmas Gorilla Baby (11/12/2007)
Taronga Zoo's wonderful Western Lowland Gorilla group welcomed a brand new addition to their family. The tiny infant male was born to proud mother Frala.
Baby Boom for Western Plains Zoo (10/12/2007)
Western Plains Zoo is experiencing a baby boom with the arrival of a Persian Onager foal, born in the stormy early hours of Thursday 6 December 2007. The foal has been named ‘Touran', after one of only two protected reserves in Iran where the species still remain. Touran is the offspring of mother Kashan and father Gobi.
Stripey Xmas Debut for Western Plains Zoo (10/12/2007)
Western Plains Zoo is belatedly celebrating the arrival of a gorgeous Zebra foal born on 21 October 2007 whilst the herd was off display as a precautionary measure against Equine Influenza (EI).
IT'S A BOY! (10/12/2007)
Western Plains Zoo is celebrating the birth of yet another baby at the zoo, this time a giraffe calf, which was born on exhibit on Thursday, 6 December 2007 to the delight of many onlookers.
Taronga's Elephants Enjoying Life In Sydney (13/11/2007)
Taronga's 12 month report to the Department of Environment and Water Resources (DEW) has confirmed its five Asian Elephants are happy, healthy and very active.
Loretta the Owl Rescued From Ravens (23/10/2007)
A beautiful and rare Powerful Owl chick is recovering at Taronga Zoo's Wildlife Hospital after being rescued from attacking ravens in the Lane Cove National Park.
From the monsters mouth: Lizard spits out new diabetes treatment at Taronga (12/9/2007)
Taronga's Gila Monster lizard today helped showcase the release of a new diabetes treatment in Australia that has been synthesized from the lizards venom.
Jimiyu The Giraffe Makes A Taronga Sea Change (22/8/2007)
Great Western Highway traffic today will also include a four metre tall male giraffe called Jimiyu on his way from Western Plains Zoo to join Taronga's giraffe herd.
Full Circle Of Life Played Out At Zoos (22/8/2007)
Taronga and Western Plains Zoos' animals hold a very special place in many people's minds. Numerous childhood memories focus on visiting our Zoos and being enriched by the animal residents, their individual personalities and character traits. This is why news of a death causes widespread sadness.
A Whisker Away From Understanding Climate Change (21/8/2007)
Whiskers are normally something men shave off and rinse down the drain every morning, but at Taronga Zoo, our seals' whiskers are being carefully measured and analysed as part of a research project about climate change.
Zoos Join Forces in Bid to Help 7,000 Bears (2/8/2007)
Zoos across Australia and New Zealand have launched a campaign seeking one million supporters to help rescue 7,000 bears and put an end to bear bile farming in China.
Taronga helps students discover conservation on Shelly Beach (31/7/2007)
Manly Village Public School students are on a quest to help Little Penguins return to Manly Beach. The Year Five and Six students have been working with Taronga Zoo's Education Department to create Penguin Rescue Diaries. On Monday 30 July, the students and Zoo staff walked down to Shelly Beach from the school to carry out an audit of the beach and to try to identify what needed to be done to make the existing habitat more suitable to the penguins' needs.
Zoo Confirms White Rhinoceros Is Pregnant (30/7/2007)
Keepers at Taronga Western Plains Zoo are delighted by the news that another Southern White Rhinoceros female is pregnant.
Steve Irwin Fellowship Winner Welcomed to Taronga Zoo (20/7/2007)
From coming home with a pet alligator found at a garage sale, to cloning coral for pet shops, Matt Basile has certainly proven his love for and commitment to wildlife and their conservation during his young life. The Chicago teenager has just completed a week-long work experience appointment at Taronga Zoo before heading to Australia Zoo.
Zoo Saddened By Passing of Grand Old Chimpanzee (19/7/2007)
Taronga Zoo keepers have been saddened by the peaceful passing of their oldest and much loved Chimpanzee ‘Fifi' today. Fifi had celebrated her 60th birthday in May, an impressive milestone which made her one of the oldest Chimpanzees in the world.
Buddhist Monks Check Their Blessings At (16/7/2007)
Taronga's wildlife received a special visit on July 9 from five monks from the Sakya Tharpa Ling Tibetan Buddhist Institute and Meditation Centre. Led by the 13 year-old Gyalsay Rinpoche, the monks were visiting the Zoo's Snow Leopards and Asian Elephants which they had previously blessed.
A tickle for Tiquie (16/7/2007)
Visitors today at Taronga Zoo were delighted to see Tiquie', the 10 year old Brazilian Tapir, relishing her grooming session with Senior Exotic Mammals Keeper Renae Zammit.
Keepers Look Out For Hope (9/7/2007)
Hope, Taronga Zoo's 23 year old female giraffe, swings her head around and seems to stare directly at her keeper Jimmy's face as he walks past rattling his keys.
Zoo Celebrates first Binturong Breeding in 50 Years (30/5/2007)
Taronga is celebrating the arrival of a baby Binturong, the secretive Asian ‘bear-cat', which is the first to be bred at the Zoo since they were first displayed in the 1950s.
Grand Old Chimpanzee Fifi Turns 60 (21/5/2007)
Taronga Zoo's Chimpanzee family will be celebrating a birthday milestone today with a special vegetable cake, watermelons and additional coconuts as their oldest member ‘Fifi' turns 60.
Brave Fiordland Crested Penguin Mr Munro meets his match (19/5/2007)
A rare penguin that braved a record-breaking 2,000km swim and washed up on a remote beach dying from starvation has not only been successfully nursed back to health, but was this morning introduced to two females of his species and is looking forward to moving into a custom-designed new home at Taronga Zoo.
Wallaby Joeys Get Helping Hand From Surrogate Dads (9/5/2007)
Taronga Zoo keepers, Darryl Lewry, and Geoff Harris are also doubling as surrogate dads hand-raising two Red-necked Wallaby joeys.
Young Snow Leopard Gets Clean Bill of Health (7/5/2007)
Taronga's veterinarians recently gave the Zoo's youngest female Snow Leopard, ‘Kamala', a complete physical examination at the Zoo's Veterinary and Quarantine Centre.
Red Pandamonium at Taronga (28/3/2007)
Taronga Zoo is seeing red after twin Red Panda cubs have started to emerge from of their warm nestbox to explore their outdoor exhibit with their mum.
Taronga and Western Plains Zoos win Wildlife Awards (23/3/2007)
Australia's peak zoo and aquaria organisation, ARAZPA, has recognised Taronga and Western Plains Zoos for the conservation work with Rhinoceroses and Corroboree Frogs.
