African safari experience now available in Regional NSW

Nature-lovers can have an African safari-style experience without leaving NSW with the official opening of the Savannah Safari at Taronga Western Plains Zoo today.

The Savannah Safari experience features two purpose-built safari trucks that carry visitors through the zoo’s African Savannah exhibit, featuring giraffes, two species of antelopes and ostriches.

NSW Environment Minister Mark Speakman opened the exhibit and joined zoo staff and supporters on the first truck ride.

Welcoming the new attraction, Minister Speakman stated “the Savannah Safari project is an excellent addition to Taronga Western Plains Zoo. It will help to educate and inspire visitors about conservation and wildlife, while also enhancing the zoo’s overall visitor experience.”

The $1.4 million project, jointly funded by the NSW Government and the Taronga Foundation, also includes a new elevated platform, from which visitors can view the animals in the Savannah exhibit, and extensive redevelopment of the exhibit and public areas, with new seating, landscaping and walking paths.

Taronga Western Plains Zoo was recently recognised as the state’s top tourist attraction at the NSW Tourism Awards and is a major drawcard for visitors to the region.

Taronga Western Plains Zoo Director Matthew Fuller said the Savannah Safari offered unique opportunities to see some African species up close, adding “in addition to the animals currently on exhibit, in the coming year we will be introducing white rhino and zebras to add to the safari experience.”

10th June 2016 - FIRST AUSTRALIAN BRED ONE-HORNED RHINOCEROS MAKES PUBLIC DEBUT

17th April 2016 - DESIGNS REVEALED FOR NEW TARONGA WILDLIFE RETREAT

11th April 2016 - RARE RHINOCEROS TO BE RELOCATED FROM AFRICA TO AUSTRALIA IN A WORLD-FIRST CONSERVATION MOVE

30th November 2015 - TARONGA ZOO AND TARONGA WESTERN PLAINS ZOO RECOGNISED AT NSW TOURISM AWARDS

12th December 2014 - TARONGA WESTERN PLAINS ZOO WELCOMES NEW ELEPHANT FACILITY