By becoming a Zoo Friend you make a huge difference to the work that Taronga does, both in caring for the animals in our Zoos and in supporting and caring for wildlife in its natural habitat.

Zoo Friends began because of a group of committed supporters and their desire to contribute to Taronga's conservation efforts. Since 1983 Zoo Friend membership has contributed more than $14 million to Taronga’s work, here are just a few of the projects that have been supported and those that will be made possible next year:

Helping build a better Zoo

Children's Playground, Taronga Western Plains Zoo

This year Zoo Friends have helped support the refurbishment of the Safari Lodge (just above the Taronga Food Market) to create a parents’ room equipped with feeding and changing facilities, which opened in September 2010. Zoo Friends have also made a major contribution to the new children’s play area at Taronga Western Plains Zoo and helped fund the new Tasmanian Devil Breeding Centreat Taronga Zoo.

Australian Walkthrough at Taronga Zoo

Zoo Friends have supported too many projects to list, but a significant example is a major contribution to the Rainforest Aviary and the renovation of the Australian Walkthrough at Taronga Zoo. At Taronga Western Plains Zoo members have helped provide new homes for the Lemurs, Siamangs and Bongos as well as helping fund vital veterinary equipment at both Zoos.
 

Chimpanzee at Taronga Zoo

Looking ahead, Zoo Friends members are supporting a range of exciting projects at both of our Zoos this year, including the refurbishment of the Chimpanzee exhibit at Taronga Zoo and the fabulous new main entrance at Taronga Western Plains Zoo.