Sydney Zoo facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Sydney Zoo

An artist's impression of Sydney Zoo, from 2018
Date opened	7 December 2019 (2019-12-07)
Location	Bungarribee, Western Sydney Parklands, Sydney. New South Wales, Australia
Land area	16.5 hectares (41 acres)
Coordinates	33°47′28″S 150°52′1″E / 33.79111°S 150.86694°E / -33.79111; 150.86694
No. of species	110
Annual visitors	800,000 (forecasted estimate)
Memberships	ZAA

Sydney Zoo is a fantastic zoo located in Bungarribee, which is part of the Western Sydney Parklands in Sydney, Australia. It's about 38 kilometers west of the main city area. The zoo covers a big area, about 16.5 hectares (that's like 30 football fields!). Sydney Zoo is also part of a group called the Zoos and Aquariums Association, which helps zoos in Australia and New Zealand work together.

About Sydney Zoo

Sydney Zoo started in 2015 with a cool goal. They wanted to create amazing experiences for everyone, both local and from other countries. Their aim is to introduce people to many different animal species from all over the world. They also teach visitors about how to care for animals and why it's important to protect them.

Working with Universities

Sydney Zoo works closely with Western Sydney University and TAFE NSW. This partnership helps them with research and education. It also ensures they have expert staff who know a lot about animals.

Animal Care and Safety

The zoo has a team of experts who help decide which animals to bring in. These experts include people who used to lead or currently lead important animal care groups. This means the animals at Sydney Zoo are in good hands.

Government groups like the Animal Welfare Unit of the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) also watch over the zoo. The Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA) makes sure the zoo follows all the best rules for animal care.

Education and Community

Sydney Zoo also has special programs for schools. They teach kids about animals and nature. They also help people from Aboriginal communities find jobs at the zoo.

The zoo has special buildings to help with these programs. These include places for animal vets, areas to keep new animals safe, and big kitchens to prepare animal food. There's also a special outdoor classroom and easy access for people with disabilities. The zoo officially opened its doors on December 7, 2019.

Animal Exhibits

Sydney Zoo has about 30 different exhibits. These exhibits are much larger than what the government requires. This gives the animals plenty of space to live and play. You can see many different kinds of animals here, both from Australia and from other parts of the world.

African Animals

Step into the African exhibit and meet some amazing creatures!

Asian Animals

Discover animals from Asia, including some big cats and gentle giants.

American Animals

Explore animals that call the Americas home.

Primates

Meet some of our closest relatives in the primate section.

Australian Animals

See iconic animals that are native to Australia.

Aquarium Life

Dive into the aquarium to see amazing creatures that live in water.

Reptiles

Get up close with some incredible reptiles.

Insects

Discover the fascinating world of insects.

Nocturnal Animals

Visit the nocturnal exhibit to see animals that are active at night.

Images for kids

• 

  Sumatran tiger's living cell in Sydney Zoo

• 

  Grass snake cell in Sydney Zoo

• 

  Internal view of Sydney Zoo

• 

  Sumatran tiger's living cell in Sydney Zoo

• 

  Two camels in Sydney Zoo

• 

  Lions taking rest under the shade, Sydney Zoo 2020