Zoo Resources
A long-term power purchasing agreement utilising the 174 MW Wellington Solar Farm will deliver enough clean energy to allow the assets and facilities of two of Australia’s largest zoos to be powered by 100% renewable electricity seven years ahead of schedule.
Guests at Taronga Western Plains Zoo will be able to see first-hand how Taronga cares for injured and sick animals at a brand new Wildlife Hospital in Dubbo.
Taronga Western Plains Zoo has announced plans for a $30 million expansion. The new 55 hectare Serengeti Exhibit will feature a range of African animals and other attractions. The exhibit will feature restaurants, a pool, a playground and a convention centre.
Dubbo Zoo announced best in NSW!
By Mandy Turner: Updated 4/11/2021
Taronga Western Plains Zoo is the toast of NSW having been announced the winner of the Major Tourist Attraction category and awarded silver in the Unique Accommodation category at the NSW Tourism Awards last night.
“We are so excited by the announcement and being crowned best major attraction in NSW,” said Taronga Western Plains Zoo Director, Steve Hinks.
“We have had so many challenges over the past years like so of our tourism industry colleagues, so to win this award is a real testament to our team and their resilience and dedication throughout drought, bushfires, a mouse plague and a pandemic.”
“A trip to Taronga Western Plains Zoo or an overnight stay at Zoofari Lodge are very special experiences that provide lasting holiday memories for families, so we are thrilled to be recognised as NSW’s best major attraction and to also receive a silver award for Unique Accommodation.”
The last financial year was a record breaking one for the Zoo’s visitation, thanks to a regional tourism boom on the back of last year’s lockdown period.
During the qualifying period for the NSW Tourism Awards, the Zoo opened its new Waterhole precinct and completed the redevelopment of its African Wild Dog precinct. The Zoo welcomed numerous new animal arrivals, which saw guests flocking to the popular family destination following the first Covid-19 lockdown period.
Zoofari Lodge saw its occupancy level climb to over 97% during the last financial year, and with strong forward bookings in 2022 it remains the must-do overnight experience at Taronga Western Plains Zoo.
Zoofari Lodge has an award-winning history having previously won numerous tourism awards including Best Unique Accommodation at the Australian Tourism Awards. So achieving a silver award for Unique Accommodation is another accolade for this popular overnight experience.
“We are really looking forward to the year ahead and continuing to welcome guests exploring regional NSW. Our state has so many great family destinations on offer and we really encourage everyone to get out and explore your backyard this year,” said Steve.
In 2022 the Zoo continues to develop and progress further with plans to open its newest precinct the Wildlife Hospital in mid-2022, plus more new arrivals are on the way.
The construction of the main building for the $14 million Taronga Western Plains Zoo’s new Wildlife Hospital is now well underway with Taronga Western Plains Zoo Director, Steve Hinks advising “the construction has really progressed well despite the challenging COVID-19 situation and the ongoing wet weather experienced in Dubbo."
Taronga Zoo upgraded its enterprise resource planning (ERP) system to SAP S/4HANA Cloud as part of a digital-first approach for its business operations. By deploying SAP ERP on cloud, the organisation has successfully streamlined and automated its underlying management processes
Taronga will build a new refuge facility for platypus at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, in regional NSW.
The $8.8 million facility, funded by the NSW government and set to be completed in 2022, will allow conservationists to rescue, house and reintroduce platypus to the wild.
Taronga Western Plains Zoo guest numbers took a hit in the July school holidays as both the Greater Sydney COVID-19 lockdown and cold and wet weather had an effect, the organisation's boss says.
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Make 2021 the year you give back by volunteering at Taronga Western Plains Zoo. If you have an interest in animals, conservation and the environment and can spare a few hours each fortnight, then why not become a guest experience volunteer at the zoo?
Dubbo will introduce tougher water restrictions next week after threats from the Berejiklian government and with severe drought conditions expected to worsen. The Dubbo Regional Council's move comes after the government warned in a letter that it would enforce water restrictions on the city if the local authorities did not take action themselves.
Find out more about the operations of Taronga Zoo by viewing the current and previous Annual Reports.
The cafe at the midway point of Taronga Western Plains Zoo is about to get a $10.2 million facelift.
The 150-seat Waterhole Cafe will replace the Midway Kiosk near the former lion exhibit. It will provide panoramic views, have an over-water deck and be situated next to new meerkat and star tortoise exhibits.
Taronga Western Plains Zoo director Steve Hinks said there would also be a water play area, designed to look like an African waterhole.
Experience the ultimate zoofari at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo! Whether you walk, drive or ride around the Zoo's five kilometre circuit on hired bikes or carts, there's so much to see and do. The Zoo is home to hundreds of rare and endangered animals including giraffes, rhinos, elephants and big cats. Daily keeper activities (included in zoo entry) and special tours deliver magical experiences you will never forget. Tickets are valid for two consecutive days, giving you ample time to experience all that is on offer. The Zoo's free access Savannah Visitor Plaza includes shop, playground and cafe overlooking Savannah Lake and Primate Island, home to Black-handed Spider Monkeys and Ring-tailed Lemurs. For the ultimate zoofari, experience African style Zoofari Lodge, self-contained Savannah Cabins, or go camping at Billabong Camp.
Tourism Research Australia provides quarterly summaries of domestic and international travel data and tourism statistics for the Dubbo Region.
Taronga Western Plains Zoo is securing itself as the threatened species conservation powerhouse of Australia with four successful programs and a fifth starting in the next 12 months.
Dubbo Zoo announced best in NSW!
By Mandy Turner: Updated 4/11/2021
Taronga Western Plains Zoo is the toast of NSW having been announced the winner of the Major Tourist Attraction category and awarded silver in the Unique Accommodation category at the NSW Tourism Awards last night.
“We are so excited by the announcement and being crowned best major attraction in NSW,” said Taronga Western Plains Zoo Director, Steve Hinks.
“We have had so many challenges over the past years like so of our tourism industry colleagues, so to win this award is a real testament to our team and their resilience and dedication throughout drought, bushfires, a mouse plague and a pandemic.”
“A trip to Taronga Western Plains Zoo or an overnight stay at Zoofari Lodge are very special experiences that provide lasting holiday memories for families, so we are thrilled to be recognised as NSW’s best major attraction and to also receive a silver award for Unique Accommodation.”
The last financial year was a record breaking one for the Zoo’s visitation, thanks to a regional tourism boom on the back of last year’s lockdown period.
During the qualifying period for the NSW Tourism Awards, the Zoo opened its new Waterhole precinct and completed the redevelopment of its African Wild Dog precinct. The Zoo welcomed numerous new animal arrivals, which saw guests flocking to the popular family destination following the first Covid-19 lockdown period.
Zoofari Lodge saw its occupancy level climb to over 97% during the last financial year, and with strong forward bookings in 2022 it remains the must-do overnight experience at Taronga Western Plains Zoo.
Zoofari Lodge has an award-winning history having previously won numerous tourism awards including Best Unique Accommodation at the Australian Tourism Awards. So achieving a silver award for Unique Accommodation is another accolade for this popular overnight experience.
“We are really looking forward to the year ahead and continuing to welcome guests exploring regional NSW. Our state has so many great family destinations on offer and we really encourage everyone to get out and explore your backyard this year,” said Steve.
In 2022 the Zoo continues to develop and progress further with plans to open its newest precinct the Wildlife Hospital in mid-2022, plus more new arrivals are on the way.