About Zoo Friends

Zoo Friends is not just about unlimited Zoo entry, wild benefits, educational activities or even volunteer opportunities. We are a Not For Profit organisation raising over two million dollars last year in support of the Zoos and its conservation strategies.

We encourage you to find out how your membership supports conservation and makes a real difference.

We've taken on such conservation projects as, new medical equipment, a renovation for the lions exhibit and support for the critically endangered silvery gibbon.

Want to find out more about how we help reptiles, koalas, kangaroos, tigers, elephants, marsupials and many other animals, big and small; native and exotic? Please read on.

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The Whole Story

We are very proud to be a major supporter of Taronga and Taronga Western Plains Zoos, particularly in relation to its conservation and education efforts.

Our total membership is now over 61,000, including over 460 volunteers.

We started in 1983 with the goal to provide financial and volunteer help to both Taronga and Taronga Western Plains Zoos. We are a non-profit organization. We have a governing body comprising of elected and appointed members. Elections are held annually, and all adult financial members are eligible to vote and to run for office.

Our funds are raised by membership subscriptions and educational activities. By purchasing a Zoo Friends membership subscription, you can feel proud that you are actively contributing to major zoological conservation and education projects

Our main aim is to promote interest in and provide financial support for the zoos and their activities. We also provide volunteer staff to assist in their conservation, research and education programs.

Fifty per cent of your membership subscription goes automatically to Taronga and Taronga Western Plains Zoo. This has amounted to over $1.3 millionlast year.

In addition to this fifty percent, $10.00 of every subscription also goes directly to the Taronga Foundation in support of the Zoological Parks Board's master plan. Last year we contributed over $367,991.

The remainder of your subscription, after our operating expenses are met, is returned straight back to the zoos in the form of grants. Our grants are vital for the Zoos' conservation and educational projects. They can vary from funding for new animal enclosures, animal enrichment equipment and projects to Zoo Friends' fellowships.

As you can see, through your membership, we give considerable financial support to the zoos each year. From humble beginnings, we have donated over $13 million since we began.

Become a member or renew today and help support wildlife conservation. Your membership makes a great difference not only now but for the next generation.

Become A Volunteer

Zoo Friends has over 460 volunteers at both Taronga and Taronga Western Plains Zoos. They give over 60,000 hours of dedicated service each year. This represents an estimated yearly contribution of $1.8 million based on average employment costs.

Our volunteers help the zoos in a wide variety of areas, continuing to play an invaluable role as service providers and educational facilitators. Their presence greatly enhances the zoo experience for both visitors and staff. Become a volunteer and make a difference today.

About

Taronga and Taronga Western Plains Zoos

		Taronga and Taronga Western Plains Zoos are governed by a single body, the Zoological Parks Board of New South Wales. As a committed partner in conservation, the Zoological Parks Board works cooperatively with all DoraHead regional members of the Australasian Regional Association of Zoological Parks and Aquaria (ARAZPA) and global partnerships in conservation are also developed with conservation organisations from around the world. You can visit the Zoo web site at zoo.nsw.gov.au.