Sydney's First New Major Zoo in 100 Years Will Open Its Doors Next Week
Sydney Zoo will be home to 2000 animals, an aquarium and the country's largest reptile and nocturnal house.
First the first time in 100 years, Sydney is getting a major new zoo — and it's opening its doors next week. First announced back in 2015, Sydney Zoo, which is located in the city's west in Bungarribee, near the Great Western Highway, will finally launch on Saturday, December 7.
With more than 2000 animals, Sydney Zoo is home to lions, cheetahs, African painted dogs, hyenas, spider monkeys, tigers, zebras, 11 chimpanzees and 13 baboons (almost every Lion King star), as well as Aussie wombats, echidnas, dingos, emus, koalas, Tasmanian devils and kangaroos. You'll be able to check out all these animals from pram and wheelchair-friendly raised boardwalks, too.
Etana and Enzi the hyenas
It doesn't stop there either, with the zoo also home to the country's largest reptile and nocturnal house — with 60 different species, including the world's most venomous snakes, ghost bats and giant grasshoppers — and an aquarium with fish and penguins.
As most zoos do, Sydney Zoo will also have a focus on conservation, participating in education and breedings programs for endangered animals. It'll also be working with the local Darug people to offer Bungarribee Dreaming experiences, where you'll be able to learn about local Aboriginal history.
Reptile and Nocturnal House
You can also experience the zoo a little differently by signing up for RunWest — a 12-kilometre fun run that goes through Sydney Zoo. But, if running is not your thing, keep your eyes peeled for the zoo's upcoming program of events.
Tickets to the Sydney Zoo are $39.99 for adults (and $99 for a family of four). You can also sign up for annual memberships, which get you unlimited zoo access, discounts on food and free parking.
Find Sydney Zoo at 700 Great Western Highway, Bungarribee from Saturday, December 7.
