Not-for-profit organisation
Mosman / NSW
Green Travel Leader
Taronga Conservation Society Australia (Taronga) is more than just a zoo. For the past 100 years, Taronga has transformed into a conservation and education hub to help secure a shared future for wildlife and people.
Operating Taronga Zoo in Sydney and Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, Taronga Conservation Society Australia is a leader in the fields of conservation, research, education and environmental sustainability, working across NSW, Australia and the globe.
In 2024, Taronga Conservation Society celebrated 20 years of ECO Certification by Ecotourism Australia and achieved Hall of Fame status – a testament to their continuous commitment to sustainability.
Ecotourism Australia asked Taronga Conservation Society some questions about their Certification and sustainability initiatives. Here are their responses:
How has achieving Certification impacted Taronga Conservation Society’s daily operations and overall strategic planning so far?
Achieving certification perfectly aligns with Taronga’s vision to create a shared future for wildlife and people and has provided them with a robust framework to continuously improve their operations and strategic planning.
In today’s world, claiming to be sustainable is no longer enough – businesses must demonstrate their commitment through action. For Taronga Conservation Society, the certification serves as a trusted benchmark to show that they are not just talking about sustainability, but actively embedding it into various aspects of the organisation.
What are some of Taronga Conservation Society’s initiatives that demonstrate their commitment to sustainable tourism?
Taronga Conservation Society recently opened its Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Centre (ARC), providing guests with the opportunity to encounter over 42 remarkable species of amphibians and reptiles from across Australia and around the globe. Designed with education and engagement as the key focus, ARC introduces five interactive characters known as the Climate Heroes, who guide guests through a climate-focused journey, highlighting how individual actions can make a significant impact on our environment and climate change.
To improve accessibility within Taronga Zoo, an electric train will be introduced soon to help guests navigate the zoo’s steepest areas. This initiative aligns with Taronga’s broader plan of transitioning to a fully electric fleet in the near future, reinforcing its commitment to be a diverse and inclusive site that is able to offer an amazing experience to all of its guests.
At the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga, a new range of eco-friendly dry amenities has been introduced to reduce their footprint. This includes the use of bioplastic (made from cornstarch) for items such as shower caps and sanitary bags and partnering with Supply Nation Certified operators like Binjang Tea which specialises in Indigenous Australian native teas, crafted with native ingredients and First Nations wisdom.
How do you envision the role of Taronga Conservation Society in sustainable tourism evolving in the coming years?
As environmental awareness grows, Taronga Conservation Society will continue to lead by example. It will continue to expand its efforts to educate visitors about sustainability, transforming each visit into an opportunity to inspire positive change. By offering more immersive experiences that foster meaningful connections between people and wildlife, Taronga aims to help visitors better understand their impact on the environment.
Recognising the need for zoos to continually evolve, Taronga embraces its role as a global leader in conservation and education. Their advocacy for wildlife extends beyond the zoo grounds, reaching communities across Australia and around the globe, solidifying Taronga’s status as a key player in global conservation.
Check out Taronga’s Strategic Plan 2021–2025 here.
To discover more about Taronga Conservation Society Australia, you can find them on the Green Travel Guide.