Zoo brings African plains into focus

to socialise or withdraw depending on their choice of activity.”

This effort to provide improved habitat conditions is an important part of ensuring positive animal welfare for these endangered VIP residents, as Australian zoos continue to shift gear towards conservation and away from mere entertainment and spectacle.

Taronga’s focus on welfare, conservation and breeding has delivered multiple and ongoing improvements to animal enclosures within the African Savannah and elsewhere in the zoo. While these enhancements undoubtedly make for a happier home for the animals animals, they also vastly improve the visitor experience. Taronga today feels like a place of real sanctuary.

Indeed, NSW Environment Minister Matt Kean said the new African Savannah was a timely midyear morale boost for locals, and would be for interstate visitors when permitted to travel.

“The new state-of-the-art precinct (is) a treat for the community, (showcasing) one of the best views in Australia while promoting vital conservation messages about the future of some iconic African species,” he said.

“The zoo has always had an ability to t lift our community’s spirits and I encourage everyone to plan a visit to the new African Savannah.”

Aspiring young Kids News correspondents (pictured) Atticus Jenkins, 5, and Iggy Jenkins, 9, were th thrilled to return to Taronga with this writer for the first time since restrictions lifted. Family membership in Taronga’s Zoo Friends program u usually guarantees frequent visits, but lo lockdown kept the animals in is isolation too. Both boys gave the A African Savannah a rousing review.

“I really liked the lions,” Iggy said. ““They’re just so cool. And the baby g giraffe – I’ve never seen a giraffe sit d down before.”

Dad Llewellyn Jenkins said while the giraffes remained his personal favourite, he also enjoyed watching meerkats playing in their new enclosure.

“I also really like the idea that these animals actually live together,” he said. “We’re used to only ever seeing these creatures in separate enclosures or on nature programs where they’re eating each other, but it’s great to see them together.”

Asked to nominate his favourite part of the day, five-year-old Atticus had one word that summed it all up:

“Everything,” he said.