Taronga Zoo
World leading guest experience on the agenda with RPS to deliver for Taronga Zoo
The RPS program management team have been engaged by the Taronga Conservation Society of Australia (Taronga) to deliver a cutting-edge capital works program to further cement Taronga’s role providing world-leading conservation Zoo'. The works will take place at Taronga Zoo in the heart of Sydney, and Taronga Western Plains Zoo, located in Dubbo, western NSW.
A future vision for a popular zoo
Home to more than 4,500 animals from over 350 species, and with its promise of engaging encounters with animals both big and small, Taronga Zoo is one of Australia’s most in-demand tourist destinations.
Together, with Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Taronga welcomes guests from across Australia and around the globe, creating lasting connections between people and wildlife.
To maintain its position as an award-winning attraction, Taronga has set out to construct new visitor facilities over a four-year period. Taronga required a partner that could deliver works within a live operating environment where animals are on site 24/7, and tourists are present 7 days a week.
In Sydney, Taronga needed additional project support given the sites challenging topography, and significant ‘in-ground’ services which lacked documentation.
Another important consideration was the Sydney site’s breathtaking backdrop of the iconic harbour; the visual impact of any new designs or concepts needed to be considered.
A tourism project set to reinvigorate Taronga
Planning for the new-look Taronga is already underway, with RPS managing 14 projects: 11 in Sydney and three in Dubbo. We have a team of 11 project managers delivering the capital works program to ensure Taronga remains the destination to visit.
Among the projects that are beginning to take shape in Sydney, is the new amphibian and reptile centre, which is due to open in mid-2024. There is also a new Wildlife Hospital to replace the existing outdated facilities which is being developed to look after the Zoo’s beloved animals; due to open in late 2025. Also in the pipeline is the revitalised Sky Safari, which will allow visitors to explore the site with a bird’s eye view via an aerial lift gondola.
In Dubbo, the RPS team are working on the delivery of a Serengeti Plains experience, which will be the home of the world’s tallest mammal, the giraffe. Along with this long-necked favourite, the site will also feature other animals originating from the African continent. The proposed new Serengeti Plains Visitor Experience includes 20 premium eco-cabins fronting an open range animal exhibit. It includes a new café/restaurant and function centre with adjoining pool and playground. It’s expected that this facility will be open to the public in 2025.
RPS are working closely with Taronga to find the best solutions to deliver the 14 projects within scope, on time, and within budget.
Banner photo credit: Rick Steven