FAQs
First, here are some quick facts about the program:
- There is no limit to the number of people who can sponsor each animal.
- Zoo Parents are supporting a species of animal, rather than an individual animal.
- Zoo Parents may change their choice of animal from year to year.
- The money raised by Zoo Parent animal sponsorship is pooled for all the animals. We do not separate the money raised for each of the species. This is not only difficult and expensive to administer but is also unfair for those animals that do not receive as much sponsorship support, such as the reptiles.
Q. What benefits will I receive?
- All sponsorship levels are 100% tax deductible.
- Personalised Sponsorship Certificate; quarterly Zoonooz colour magazine; regular Eeenooz email updates; information on the animal you sponsor.
- Top-up donations are welcomed!
- Horizon, River and Jungle level sponsors also receive acknowledgement on the Online Gallery and a photo of your sponsored animal.
- River and Jungle level sponsors are also acknowledged on the Zoo Parent Honour Roll in the Zoo grounds.
- Jungle level sponsors receive a Behind-the-Scenes Experience.
Q. What is the money used for?
A. Funds raised through the Zoo Parent program are used to provide support for all the animals at Taronga and Western Plains Zoos. As well as providing the best possible home for animals in our Zoos, The Taronga Foundation (of which Zoo Parent is a part) also contributes to international research and education programs on endangered species around the world, as well as assisting with the conservation, breeding and preservation of wildlife and their habitats.
Q. Which animals are the most popular?
A. The most popular animals include elephants, tigers, giraffes, meerkats, gorillas and chimpanzees. Becoming a Zoo Parent is a great way to get to know an animal, so why not choose one you know little or nothing about?
Q. Which animals tend to attract less sponsorship?
A. The least sponsored animals include the reptiles, birds and other, rather unusual, animals that many people have not heard of before visiting our Zoos. We welcome sponsorship for these less popular animal residents. Contact us for more information - we will be happy to tell you more about our least sponsored animals!
Q. It costs more to look after a tiger than a pelican. What happens with the money left over after food and vet care?
A. All Zoo Parent funds are pooled. If you choose to sponsor a tiger you will receive information on the tiger as your sponsored animal, but you will be helping all the wild and wonderful animals at both Taronga and Western Plains Zoos.
Q. What are the most difficult animals to look after?
A. All our animals are unique and have different dietary, habitat and enrichment requirements.
Q. Which animals cost the most to care for and need the most time and attention?
A. This is a difficult one to answer, given the unique requirements of all our animals. For example, it may cost the same amount to feed a gorilla for three months as it would to feed a giraffe for three weeks; however, the gorilla may require more time and energy in terms of enrichment programs and additional expense in terms of habitat.