Podróże, Świat, Życie i społeczeństwo

Taronga Western Plains Zoo reopens

Raki baby by Sasha Brook. Photo supplied by Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo

Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo reopened its gates on 18 October 2021. The Zoo initially closed on 11 August 2021 to ensure the safety of guests, staff and animals as the Dubbo region went into lockdown. 

Taronga Western Plains Zoo will reopen in a controlled and responsible way, in line with the current NSW public health orders. Daily visitor numbers will be capped to ensure safe distancing throughout the Zoo and all guests will once again be required to pre-purchase tickets online for a specific date.

“We are looking forward to once again welcoming guests into the Zoo and continuing to provide families with vital connections to animals and nature,” said Taronga Western Plains Zoo Director, Steve Hinks.

“Our region has been hard hit by the recent Covid19 outbreak, so it is great to be at a point where we can safely reopen again and provide some much-needed respite to families for the purpose of recreation and spending time outdoors.”

“Whilst we have been temporarily closed to the public, our dedicated staff have continued to take care of the animals at the Zoo and undertake maintenance work throughout the site to ensure the Zoo is ready for reopening.”

Meerkat pups. Photo supplied by Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo

The Zoo’s foremost priorities on reopening are for guests to enjoy their visit, whilst at the same time keeping them, Zoo staff and animals, safe and healthy.

As such, Taronga Western Plains Zoo has put the following measures in place:

  • Daily visitor numbers will be limited to remove any risk of overcrowding;
  • All guests will be required to pre-purchase tickets online for a specific date;
  • Zoo Friends members and complimentary ticket holders will also be required to register their visit online before attending the Zoo;
  • In line with the NSW Public Health Order, the Zoo will be open to:
    • People aged 16 years and over who are fully vaccinated;
    • People aged 16 years and over who are medically exempt from vaccination; and
    • All young people aged under 16.
  • Masks must be worn in indoor spaces, indoor exhibits and viewing areas, with capacity limits in these areas;
  • Keeper Talks, Animal Encounters and Tours will not resume at this time, however guests will be able to view virtual Keeper Talks on their hand held devices whilst in Zoo grounds;
  • Taronga Western Plains Zoo will continue to carefully follow all safe distancing guidelines;
  • Additional cleaning will be undertaken, particularly around bathrooms, food service areas and hard surfaces in frequently visited areas;
  • The Zoo’s overnight experiences will have a staggered reopening timeframe, Zoofari Lodge will reopen on 18 October while Billabong Camp will reopen 23 October and Savannah Cabins from 1 November.
  • Signage encouraging safe distancing and hygiene measures has been installed throughout the Zoo, along with sanitisation stations.

Guests visiting Taronga Western Plains Zoo following the reopening will be treated to something extra special with three Meerkat pups born in late August now visible at The Waterhole, and eight Ring-tailed Lemur babies born across spring. There are also more babies on the way over the coming months, so it is the perfect time to plan a visit to the Zoo.

“We have really missed our guests and being able to share our wonderful location and wildlife with them,” said Steve.

“It is exciting to be able to welcome guests back to the Zoo from today and to enjoy a day visit, short break or holiday to see the amazing wildlife in our care and even stay the night.”

For more information about ticket sales and the safety measures in place, please visit our website: taronga.org.au/dubbo.