Taronga Zoo reveals plans for $16 million Sumatran Tiger exhibit

Sydney’s Taronga Zoo has revealed plans to build a new state-of-the-art Sumatran Tiger exhibit at its Sydney harbourside site in Mosman.

Plans for what will be one of the biggest developments at Taronga Zoo in a decade are now on public exhibition, with Zoo seeking NSW Government approval and funding the $16 million project.

The Taronga Zoo Sumatran Tiger Adventure will be a highly engaging exhibit reminiscent of an Indonesian village and rainforest, according to the environmental impact statement prepared for the development.

Taronga Zoo Director Cameron Kerr told local newspaper the Mosman Daily the development will assist efforts to save the Sumatran Tiger, stating “Taronga (Zoo) prides itself on being a leader in the presentation, conservation and research of wildlife and this redevelopment is the natural expansion of our efforts to help save the critically endangered Sumatran .

“The Sumatran Tiger Adventure will deliver significant improvements to the way we care for our Sumatran Tigers and manage our successful conservation breeding program for this species, and offer unparalleled visitor opportunities to engage with wildlife.

“It will also present our Sumatran Tigers in a way that respectfully brings them close to visitors, inspiring engagement and support of Taronga’s breeding programs, in situ conservation work in Sumatra and the use of sustainable palm oil to protect tiger habitats.

“Visitors will have an opportunity learn more about the threats facing tigers in the wild, and how their everyday decisions and purchases can have an positive impact on tigers in Sumatra’s jungles.”

Image shows the plan of the Taronga Zoo Sumatran Tiger Adventure.

The proposed development, which will see the existing carnivore exhibit demolished, comes as the zoo gears up mark its centenary.

Kerr added “as the Zoo prepares to celebrate its centenary in 2016, this redevelopment is the perfect way to mark Taronga’s next century of effort to create a shared future for wildlife and people.”

Following his re-election in March this year, NSW Premier Mike Baird pledged to invest $57.4 million as part of a major $115 million upgrade to Taronga Zoo to include new precincts showcasing endangered Australian wildlife, an expanded home for the zoo’s gorillas and a new a new Savanah for lions, giraffes, zebras and meerkats.

Comments on the plans for the Taronga Zoo Sumatran Tiger Adventure, which are on public exhibition, can be made until 27th July.

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