Hugh Mitchell

Review of Australian Marine Mammal Resea...

Taronga Zoo has changed a lot over the last few ye...

Taronga Zoo has changed a lot over the last few years, but it still feels familiar with its incredible backdrop and wonderful variety of wildlife.

I have had a wonderful time taking my younger siblings there over the last fortnight. The Seal Show is a hit with everyone, but I especially love the Bird Show. The birds used in the show likely rotate - one morning we were treated to an Andean Condor in flight, whereas the following week (in the afternoon) there was no Condor and some of the other birds were different. Obviously the Condor was a real treat, but the rest of the show is still incredible. For the bird show you can generally turn up close to the start time and get a seat, though the best seats go early. For the seal show you need to arrive about half an hour early if you want to be near the front!

Plenty of snacks available, though the hot food selections are fairly average (if filling). There are also a lot of water stations where you can fill up your water bottles (recommended!).

The Zoo emphasises conservation over entertainment, so you generally can't cuddle the Koalas etc, which is fair enough. Staff are lovely and helpful, including the Zoo's amazing volunteers.