Taronga Zoo, SydneyCredit: Destination NSW
Cuddly koala resting in its tree at Taronga Zoo, Sydney.
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Lions, tigers and elephants were the undisputed screen stars of last year’s lockdown at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo. Their daily antics kept both school kids and adults entertained via Taronga TV, stacking up an impressive three million views online. So, when NSW was again plunged into lockdown in June 2021, Taronga TV returned, gaining another one million views and inspiring a spin-off educational program, Virtual Zoo Lockdown Lessons.
While Taronga TV is a sneak peek into the daily life of zoo animals via live cameras and keeper talks, Lockdown Lessons is a more structured virtual learning platform developed in collaboration with the Department of Education and specifically designed for students. So far, the lessons have been viewed more than 150,000 times with 39,000 online registrations, not to mention an additional 700,000 views via the zoo’s social channels.
“People are really engaging with it. I think they are looking for something to inspire them,” says Taronga Zoo chief executive Cameron Kerr.
The project was conceived as a way for Taronga Zoo to continue its role of inspiring the community to nurture a love for wildlife and to live more sustainably, even while guests can’t physically visit the zoo.
Aiming to provide some relief to parents and teachers navigating the struggles of home schooling, the lessons consist of four 30-minute videos each week, covering a range of topics from ‘zoo poo’ to ‘marine mammals’.
Taronga Zoo, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Curious giraffes peering over their enclosure at Taronga Zoo, Sydney.
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Taronga Zoo, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Curious giraffes peering over their enclosure at Taronga Zoo, Sydney.
“When the lockdown occurred this year, we asked ourselves: what are we going to do to make sure we’re still delivering the important conservation messaging that’s required for the wildlife we care for? That’s what’s led us to Lockdown Lessons,” Kerr explains.
Of course, Taronga TV continues to be as popular as ever. “We were amazed at the level of interest,” says Kerr of the initial project. Due to demand, Taronga TV has evolved from just three live cams to five, now featuring highly social meerkats, curious capybaras, penguins, otters and African savannah animals.
While the number of views for both Taronga TV and Lockdown Lessons are testament to the quality of the content, Kerr says he believes the lessons have found a sweet spot between information that is both entertaining and educational, with the added bonus of allowing parents and teachers half an hour to tend to their own work.
As well as these new ways to spread the message of conservation, the pandemic has also brought about other technological endeavours for the Zoo, necessitated by a desire to continue working with colleagues across the world. Although field work, which is often based on relationships with overseas local communities, has been tricky to maintain, Kerr says other Taronga teams have had the opportunity to delve into animal welfare programs using technology. “Our research and breeding teams have been able to focus a lot of energy on that work and we’ve had some successful projects going ahead with wonderful support from philanthropists,” he says.
One of these projects includes a partnership with IBM and other organisations to map future habitats for sea turtles as they change with the warming climate to ensure those areas will be protected. Kerr adds that embracing technology will also help projects to move more quickly and keep cross-cultural connections live. “When it’s not so easy to travel, the use of new technology is fantastic within the conservation field,” he says.
taronga.org.au/sydney-zoo
Facebook: facebook.com/tarongazoo
Instagram: instagram.com/tarongazoo
YouTube: youtube.com/user/TarongaSydney
Twitter: twitter.com/tarongazoo
For more information on things to see and do in Sydney go to www.sydney.com
Share your favourite holidays in Sydney and NSW on social media using @sydney #ilovesydney @visitnsw #lovensw.
The NSW Government via Destination NSW is sharing a series of NSW Success Stories – businesses of all types that have adapted their offerings to face the current environment and continue serving their community with a fresh approach and shining success. These innovative initiatives are nothing short of inspiring.
Taronga Zoo, Mosman Credit: Destination NSW
Family enjoying the seal show at Taronga Zoo, Mosman.
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Taronga Zoo, Mosman Credit: Destination NSW
Family enjoying the seal show at Taronga Zoo, Mosman.
More Inspirational Stories
Murray Rose Pool, Double BayCredit: Destination NSW
Harbour views from Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay in Sydney's eastern suburbs.
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Connect with the true essence of Sydney by mingling with the friendly locals and discovering the vibrant energy that defines the city. Beyond its stunning landmarks, Sydney invites you to experience its warmth and charm.
Showstopping At Royal Randwick
Dress to Impress at Royal Randwick Racecourse for a Saturday at the races during the Sydney Everest Carnival. Don’t miss the fresh new destination, the Peacock Lounge in the Winx Stand at Royal Randwick. For five exclusive days only, the Peacock Lounge will be the place to be to elevate your race day
Don't miss the fresh new destination, the Peacock Lounge in the Winx Stand at Royal Randwick. For five exclusive days only, the Peacock Lounge will be the place to be this Carnival to elevate your raceday.
Check out the open air Theatre Of The Horse to watch the racehorses' parade with their jockeys in vibrant racing silks before the competition .Then hit the rose garden for further festivities, this time it’s all about preening and social media.
For post-race shenanigans, join racegoers at one of Paddington’s watering holes including the rooftop at The Light Brigade, The Royal Hotel at Fiveways or The Paddington, which boasts some excellent dining options. Alternatively, saddle up for a pasta blowout at fashionable Paddington institution, 10 William Street.
Salute the Dawn at Bronte Beach
The 440 Run Club is a free Saturday morning running club that is open to everyone at any fitness level. Meet in the park in front of Bronte Beach in the dark, and join a crew of all ages and backgrounds to run, jog or even walk up and down a hill in a continuous loop. Sunrise over this beautiful beach never looked so good.
Afterwards go cafe hopping at the beachside strip and nabone of the outdoor tables for pinch yourself views. The Bogey Hole Cafe is a great place to start.
If you’re still full of beans, do the stunning Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk Follow the scenic pathway back to Bondi or go further afield to another action-packed beach suburb, Coogee. This is also where you’ll find one of Sydney’s Insta-famous restaurants, Mimi’s.
The Championship Races, Royal Randwick Credit: Destination NSW
The Championship Races, Royal Randwick 2014..
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The Championship Races, Royal Randwick Credit: Destination NSW
The Championship Races, Royal Randwick 2014..
Bronte Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Surfer heading out to catch a wave at Bronte Beach, Sydney.
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Bronte Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Surfer heading out to catch a wave at Bronte Beach, Sydney.
Go Boho In Bondi
Sydney’s famous Bondi has plenty of trophy hang outs including Icebergs Dining Room and the Promenade ,but it also has a Boho beating heart. At North Bondi (which is where the locals swim), refill at heritage cafe, Speedos or drop into the laid back Bondi RSL filled with interesting characters and extraordinary views of the beach.
Explore the shopping thoroughfare of Gould Street with signature store, Tuchuzy and keep walking all the way to the Bondi Farmer’s Market
Other boho outposts include Gertrude & Alice bookstore and cafe on Hall Street, Up South on Bondi Road, Bondi Tony’s for Aussie Burgers in Glenayr Avenue, and Shop & Wine Bar in Curlewis Street Bondi.
Heritage, Art and Harbourside Delights
Sydney’s Parliament House, steeped in colonial history, is open to the public every Monday and Friday. The Legislative Assembly chamber (also known as the bear pit) is the place where laws are made with vigorous debate. Afterwards take a stroll across the Domain, spread out in front of you like a green carpet to the Art Gallery Of NSW. Head to the newly opened and architecturally amazing North Wing - Naala Badu - for lunch at MOD. Dining by Clayton Wells.
Then cool down and at the nearby spectacular, enclosed Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool, set into the harbour where you can swim while taking in the yachts and ferries on the other side of the glass.
Finish your day with some soothing drinks at the Library of NSW rooftop bar or head across the road to the Intercontinental Hotel’s scenic Aster Bar for cocktails accompanied by stunning views right down the harbour.
Bondi Icebergs, Bondi Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial view of Bondi Icebergs and surrounds, Bondi
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Bondi Icebergs, Bondi Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial view of Bondi Icebergs and surrounds, Bondi
Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying a visit the the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney.
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Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying a visit the the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney.
Pining for Manly
Board the Manly Ferry for the 30-minute voyage to Manly - the beachside suburb, ringed with ancient Norfolk Pine trees where it always seems to be holiday time.
Check into the newly revamped Manly Pacific Hotel with its opulent appointments but fairly modest rates. You could also consider Pepper’s Manly Beach, which also just across the road from this prime surf spot. The Corso runs from the Harbour side to the beachside and offers interesting eateries including Butter Boy for their famous cookies baked on the spot. Next door is Norma’s Deli for excellent sandwiches, cakes, and traditional Greek spreads.
Go for a stroll to Shelly Beach where you may encounter some harmless Eastern Water Dragons sun baking on the rocks along the way and ready for their close up. Dip into the water at the beach or the ocean pool then head to The Boathouse where you order at the bar and find your own table. Dine on everything from pizza and salads to fish and chips to get a real taste of Manly.
Spa It Up In Double Bay
Double Bay is Sydney’s most luxe village. It boasts plenty of hair salons along with decadent day spas, excellent shopping and five-star restaurants and bars.Head to All Saint Clinic founded by one of Australia’s best aesthetic skin doctors for pure indulgence where the treatment menu includes the Fire & Ice facial.
Next visit the famous Joh Bailey Salon for a blow out or head to La Boutique in Transvaal Avenue, where owner Belinda Jeffries is the blonde whisperer.
Celebrate the newly refreshed you with a lunch at Margaret Double Bay, owned by prestigious Icon Awards winner, Neil Perry. Take an outdoor table to make your own contribution to Double Bay’s street life, then duck downstairs to the newly opened cocktail bar, Bobbie’s.
You could also have a drink on the deck at a popular locals’ hang out, the 18 Footers Bar Restaurant & Cafe, which is right next to the Double Bay Ferry Wharf. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sun setting over the harbour and then hop on a ferry back to Circular Quay.
Manly Pacific Credit: Manly Pacific
Coastal Suites at Manly Pacific Bedroom
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Manly Pacific Credit: Manly Pacific
Coastal Suites at Manly Pacific Bedroom
Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a walk by Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay.
#feelnewsydney
Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a walk by Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay.