Visitors to Sydney’s Taronga Zoo will be inspired to become the state’s next generation of conservation champions with the opening of the Taronga Centenary Theatre, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Environment Minister Gabrielle Upton said today.
Ms Berejiklian and Ms Upton joined a group of children for a sneak preview of the theatre, which will open in time for the Easter school holidays.
“The Taronga Centenary Theatre is a wonderful addition to Taronga, one of the state’s most loved and visited tourist attractions,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“It is designed to give visitors an insight into Taronga’s behind-the-scenes conservation and field work protecting wildlife.”
The theatre includes a cutting-edge 270-degree curved screen that wraps around the audience.
The theatre will feature an eight-minute conservation film, aimed at 5-12 year old children, to send the message that everyone can help make a difference for endangered animals.
“This will help visitors understand that while Taronga provides a spectacular family day out, the zoo is also a world leader in conservation science,” Ms Upton said.
It is one of two major new Taronga facilities scheduled to open in 2017, with the $16 million Sumatran Tiger exhibit on track to open later this year.
The exhibit will take visitors through an Indonesian village and rainforest to help people understand the effects unsustainable palm oil plantations have on the natural environment, including critical habitat for tigers.
Up to eight tigers will live in the exhibit, which includes a purpose-built maternity den.
Taronga’s tiger family, including mother Jumilah and her offspring Kembali, Sakti and Kartika, have moved temporarily to Taronga Western Plains Zoo during the construction. The tigers will return upon completion of the Sumatran Tiger exhibit.
