Taronga Conservation Society Australia

A breakthrough for coral conservation! 🌊 🪸 Taronga’s reproductive biologists, in partnership with the Australian Institute of Marine Science, have successfully fertilised coral eggs using cryopreserved coral sperm—a game-changer for preserving the Great Barrier Reef and reefs worldwide. Listen to Taronga's Manager of Conservation Science, Justine O'Brien, discuss this incredible achievement in her recent interview with ABC Radio Sydney 👇

Double your donation and save Koalas 🐨🐨 Koalas have called Australia home for more than 20 million years. It’s difficult to imagine the land down under without Koalas, however this much-loved species is facing an uncertain future if we don’t make a change.  Habitat loss remains the greatest threat to these beautiful marsupials. With suitable environments shrinking, and forests only able to support finite number of Koalas, populations are being fragmented, making it harder for Koalas to find food and breed. Disease and climate change events such as drought and bushfires have also had a devastating impact. But we are doing something about it! Visa, our Principal Partners, have played an incredible role in supporting our conservation programs for this threatened species. It’s with further vital funding that our field monitors and research of this critical five-year conservation work can continue to ensure a safe future for this precious and iconic species. We are delighted to have Visa on board for a dollar match for our Christmas Appeal. To find out more information and to donate, head to https://lnkd.in/guzNRtUv

A major win for native wildlife 📢   We are proud of Taronga’s forensic team who has been given an honourable mention by EarthRanger in their 2024 Conservation Technology Award 💥   Now in its fourth year, the Conservation Technology Award recognises organisations across the globe who are advancing the field of conservation through technology-driven solutions and changing the ways we protect and coexist with wildlife 🌏   Taronga’s dedicated forensic team, led by Wildlife Conservation Officer Dr Phoebe Meagher, has been instrumental in developing cutting-edge technology to identify illegally trafficked native wildlife 🔬   Illegal wildlife trade is one of the top contributors to biodiversity loss globally and in Australia. Reptiles, birds and other native species are smuggled through the post in the illicit wildlife trade industry. When detected by Rapiscan Systems scanners at Australia’s borders, seized parcels are brought to the Taronga Wildlife Hospital by Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) Environmental Crime Investigators for unboxing where the team has cared for more than 100 seized reptiles. Together with our UNSW partners, the development of the ground-breaking pXRF scanner which utilises elemental signatures in keratinous tissues (quills, hair, scales, scutes and fur), has been a huge step forward in helping to identify if native reptiles have been bred in private setting or taken from the wild, and contribute to arrests and convictions.   At Taronga, we believe that we all have the Power to Protect wildlife. Learn more about Taronga’s conservation work here: https://lnkd.in/gUeRuDVK   #ForTheWild #ConservationTechAward🌱

A look back at #WAZA2024 ✨   We recently had the immense honour of hosting the 79th Annual World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) conference at Taronga Zoo Sydney, on Cammeraigal Country.   250 of the world’s leading conservation experts gathered to explore the theme of ‘Transforming Zoos and Aquariums for 2050’.   Taronga’s leadership in conservation, education, sustainability, and animal welfare provided the perfect backdrop for this important event. During the conference, Taronga’s specialised experts engaged in impactful discussions with global colleagues on vital topics such as habitat destruction, biosecurity, species conservation, and the role of zoos in supporting biodiversity and addressing environmental challenges. Speakers including Nardi Simpson, Adam Spencer, Nesha Ichida, Tegan Taylor and many more inspired us all with their insights and vision for the future 🌏   At Taronga, securing a shared future for wildlife and people is at the core of everything we do. The dedication and passion displayed by everyone at WAZA reaffirmed that through collaboration, we can work towards a brighter future for our planet 🤝   A special thank you to WAZA President Karen Fifield MNZM MInstD for the opportunity to host this remarkable gathering and foster meaningful conversations that will drive positive change for our shared future 💚   #ForTheWild 🌱

Today is International Volunteer Day, a day to highlight the vital role volunteers play in addressing the world’s challenges ✨ 🎊 This year, Taronga celebrated 50 years of volunteers. For half a century, volunteers have played an integral role at Taronga, through supporting our teams to improve animal welfare, to engaging with and educating students and guests, creating positive and lasting memories that they pass on to their families and friends, and ultimately sharing Taronga's conservation, science and education initiatives and projects which are all for the wild. Volunteers have the power to strengthen communities and create positive change, and across our two sites at Dubbo and Sydney, we see this happening every day. Today and every day, we share our gratitude for our volunteers. With their valuable contribution, we are able to continue working towards our vision for a Shared Future for Wildlife and People 💚 #ForTheWild 🌱

Today is officially #WildlifeConservationDay - although, in our books, that's everyday 🌏 This world calendar day raises awareness around wildlife extinction, endangerment, global wildlife trafficking and poaching. Across both our sites in Sydney and Dubbo, Taronga plays a vital role in global conservation, leading vital programs that help restore ecosystems around the world, and protect wildlife and the planet’s most endangered species. Through our conservation efforts, education programs, and community engagement, we're working hard to ensure a Shared Future for Wildlife and People and it's at the heart of everything that we do. We have and continue to; 💚 Commit to the conservation of 11 critical 'Legacy Species', including Regent Honeyeaters, Greater Bilbies, Southern Corroboree Frogs, Platypuses, and Marine Turtles 🔬 Collaborated on developing technology to assist with identifying illegally trafficked wildlife 🌳 Share expertise in wildlife and recovery habitat programs for species including Chuditch, Bellinger River Turtles, Plains Wanderers and much more 🌊 Using cryopreservation technology to protect the Great Barrier Reef 🩺 Building a new Wildlife Hospital that will allow our veterinary team to better meet the increasing demand to respond to wildlife crises and allow us to share knowledge and ensure future generations of wildlife carers We're not-for-profit, so every dollar spent at Taronga goes back into support our wildlife conservation work Learn more about Taronga's conservation commitments here: https://lnkd.in/gZZ_qq_i #ForTheWild 🌱

Meet Caitlin Trindall, proud Gomeroi woman, mother, creator of Mirii Art and the artist behind the unique Twilight at Taronga 2025 artwork 🐠💛 Caitlin’s remarkable illustration weaves together her connection to Country and her heritage. A celebration of the passion she holds for art and Culture. “This artwork honours and respects our connection to Country, encompassing the land, sea, skies, and everything within. The beautiful sea creatures in the artwork deserve to be admired and nurtured, living healthy lives in a litter free ocean. I feel a great connection to turtles, as the very first painting I created was for my Grandfather, showcasing four turtles to represent him, my Mum, my Brother, and me. It holds a special place in my heart, and I once again felt connected to him while designing this piece.” Learn more about Caitlin and her artwork for the Twilight at Taronga 2025 Concert Series ✨

A Collaborative Path to Reef Restoration 🌊   At Taronga Conservation Society, we recognize the vital role collaboration plays in protecting our natural world. A recently published Conservation Article highlights an extraordinary partnership between Traditional Custodians and scientists working together on coral IVF projects to restore Australia’s reefs.   By combining cutting-edge technology with millennia of cultural wisdom, this initiative not only supports reef recovery but also underscores the importance of respecting and integrating Indigenous knowledge systems into modern conservation practices. Such partnerships exemplify the future of conservation—uniting innovation and tradition to tackle today’s environmental challenges.   Conservation requires collaboration, a big thank you to our valuable partners at Australian Institute of Marine Science, Great Barrier Reef Foundation & Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program Read the full story here below 👇 #Conservation #IndigenousKnowledge #ScienceInAction #CoralReefRestoration  

Huge success for Taronga at the Banksia Foundation’s #NSWSustainabilityAwards last Friday 🎉 We are excited to share that Taronga was named winner of both the Net Zero Climate Action and Sustainable Tourism awards  We’d like to extend a warm thank you to the Banksia Foundation for the acknowledgement of our continued work and congratulations to all our esteemed fellow finalists 👏  At Taronga, we know firsthand the impact that humans can have on our wildlife and environment.  Each year, our wildlife hospitals treat over 1,500 native wildlife cases, from Marine Turtles to Platypuses, many of whom have been impacted by plastics or through human action. While some animals can be rehabilitated and released back into the wild, not all the animals are so lucky. Our team is driven by our vision to secure a shared future for wildlife and people. In addition to our conservation work, we also lead two of the busiest tourism experiences in NSW. Seeing firsthand how people can impact our wildlife, Taronga takes a proactive approach to reducing operational waste and plastic use across both Zoo sites. We believe we all have a role to play to actively protect our environment and reduce waste 🌱 At Taronga, we’re always on the lookout for the next bright idea to protect our environment. If you have an idea for how you can help our planet and its wildlife, applications for Taronga’s 2025 HATCH Accelerator Program are open – apply before Monday 27 January 2025 at https://lnkd.in/gtd8VP73  #ForTheWild In the meantime, you can learn more about our sustainability here: https://lnkd.in/gAXk52tJ Andrew Elphinstone, Jon Shaw, Louise Repcik, Bruno Da Silva, Nick Boyle, Laura Minns, Jessica Johnstone, Suzy Scheiblin