On October 7, 1916, Taronga (an Aboriginal word meaning "water view") Zoo was declared officially open and the first visitors passed through the impressive domed entrance. Despite the fact that Australia was engaged in World War I at the time, the Zoo was an instant success, attracting over 420,000 people in its initial year, well over half of Sydney's population at that time.

Even in those days Taronga Zoo was seen as a leader in "modern" zoo display. Iron bars had been dispensed with and fences were made inconspicuous. Enclosures for the large cats, bears and monkeys were seen as revolutionary, using moats to separate them from the public. The native features of the zoo site were preserved as far as possible with the zoo being "well covered with native trees".

Modern zoo philosophy has changed significantly since Taronga's inception in 1916. Where once the goal was to exhibit as many different species as possible regardless of the sometimes cramped conditions, modern zoo management takes a different view. Quality is now seen to be more important than quantity.

Taronga's aim is to provide animals with comfortable conditions in an environment that is as close to their natural habitat as possible. This involves detailed planning of the animal's need while providing the best possible viewing for Zoo visitors. Authentic landscaping using the expertise of Zoo horticulturalists has also become an important part of exhibit design.

Plant species which are as close as possible to those found in the animal's wild habitat are included in the careful landscaping of exhibits such as the McDonalds Orang-utan Rainforest.

Zoos offer most people their only opportunity to observe exotic species, and many rarely seen Australian animals. As it is easier to understand and empathise with animals we have experienced, zoos play a unique role in arousing a concern for wildlife.

Education is most effective when it's stimulating and fun. Taronga's popular Seal Show is designed to show visitors the natural behaviours and fascinating adaptations of these intelligent marine mammals. Discovery Theatre is a similar presentation involving native and domestic animals with a message about the influence of introduced species on Australia's natural environment.

During feeding times, when the animals are most active, the zoo-keepers give special talks about the animals in their care - their characteristics and habits, and about the need for conservation. Taronga Zoo has been providing educational services for students since the Opening of its Education Centre in 1976.

Close to 100,000 students now visit the zoo each year, many taking advantage of the specially equipped centre for face-to-face lessons, as well as the special programs and project sheets to use within the giant, open-air classroom that is the zoo.

Taronga, along with most modern zoos throughout the world, also takes very seriously its role in the conservation and preservation of wildlife, particularly that of Australia and its closest neighbours. Zoos play an important role as 'arks' in the cause of animal preservation.

Taronga and the Western Plains Zoo at Dubbo are strongly involved in breeding endangered species as part of the world conservation initiatives. In this type of work, national and international zoos readily exchange, lend or donate rare or endangered animals for breeding purposes to take the best advantage of available resources and increase the "gene pool". This provides a reservoir of animals for reintroduction to the wild where and when it is appropriate.

Taronga and Western Plains Zoos also contribute to native fauna preservation by treating more than 1,000 distressed indigenous animals brought to them annually for care and , where possible, return them to the wild.

Research is an equally important part of Taronga's activities. In 1989, Taronga established Australia's first Conservation Research Centre to coordinate and increase the Zoo's research projects, using expertise within the Zoo and cooperating with many other wildlife agencies and scientific institutions.

A major research program underway at Taronga Zoo involves one of Australia's most unique creatures - and Taronga Zoo's symbol - the Platypus. At present very little is known about this elusive animal. Through the research program staff are finding out more about this mammal's biology. Sponsors such as SC Johnson and Son Pty Ltd, who are along term sponsor of the Platypus Research Program, play an important role in assisting the Zoo in wildlife conservation.

Modern zoos like Taronga accept a much wider responsibility than simply display of wild animals. They are still places for relaxation and enjoyment, but in response to changes in public expectations and scientific views, zoos have become more. There is now a strong emphasis on education, research and the conservation and preservation of wildlife.

TARONGA ZOO
Bradleys Head Road
Mosman
NSW 2088

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