Located on beautiful Cammeraigal Country, ARC is an immersive, multi-level experience integrated into the iconic landscape of Taronga Zoo which offers breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour. Guests can adventure through six immersive zones, each reflecting unique habitats from icy sub-alpine regions to blazing deserts and lush tropical rainforests. ARC is home to 42 remarkable species that jump, slither and crawl, including the vibrant Eyelash Viper, the impressive Alligator Snapping Turtle and iconic natives species like the Frilled Lizard.
Taronga CEO Cameron Kerr AO said: "Taronga’s Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Centre represents a significant milestone in our mission to inspire and educate our guests about the critical role amphibians and reptiles play in our ecosystems.
“ARC offers an interactive and immersive experience through innovative storytelling and state-of-the-art habitats and crucially, underscores our commitment to conservation and dedication to protecting some of the world's most endangered species.
“With dedicated conservation rooms where guests can witness our team of passionate conservationists, keepers and scientists conducting work on vital recovery programs for Corroboree and Booroolong Frogs, we cannot wait to welcome everyone to experience ARC and showcase the wonders of these curious creatures,” said Kerr.
The ARC experience has been designed with education and engagement at its core. Through interactive stations and innovative storytelling, ARC introduces five interactive characters known as the Climate Heroes, who guide guests through a climate-focused journey, highlighting how individual actions can make a significant impact on our environment and climate change.
NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe highlighted the importance of the new centre: “Taronga is at the forefront of reptile and amphibian conservation in Australia, working to save seven species from the brink of extinction. The ARC experience is a testament to how education and engagement can inspire future generations to value and protect our natural world. Through ARC, we are not only preserving biodiversity but also creating a space where children and adults alike can connect with and learn about these fascinating species”.
Minister for Finance, Domestic Manufacturing, Government Procurement and Natural Resources Courtney Houssos, said: “Experiences like ARC are essential for educating future generations about conservation, introducing children to the wonders of these species and the challenges they face in the wild.
“The NSW Government is proud to work hand-in-hand with Taronga to deliver critical conservation programs for some of our most threatened reptiles and amphibians, while also providing critical funding to make experiences like ARC a reality.
The opening of the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Centre concludes the second phase in Taronga’s Wild Futures project and follows the opening of Taronga Western Plains Zoo’s veterinary speciality teaching hospital in December 2022. The final phase of Wild Futures will see construction begin on a new Wildlife Hospital in Sydney which will be built in the footprint of the former Reptile World. Wild Futures is jointly funded by the NSW Government and philanthropic donations.
Entry to ARC is complimentary with your Zoo entry. Whether you visit for a day or opt for an annual Zoo Friends pass offering 365 days of fun, your support directly impacts wildlife conservation. As a not-for-profit organization, every dollar spent at Taronga helps protect wildlife. Taronga Zoo is open every day of the year, and tickets can be purchased online or upon entry.
For more details or to plan your visit, please reach out to Taronga Zoo Sydney or visit our website at: www.taronga.org.au/
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