Inaugural student conservationist graduations from University of Sydney and Taronga Alliance

May 17, 2022

A first-of-its-kind conservation degree from the University of Sydney, jointly taught by Taronga Conservation Society Australia has this month seen the inaugural graduation of student conservationists.

The four-year degree course – the Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Taronga Wildlife Conservation) – gives students an unrivalled opportunity to study conservation science hands-on, while being taught by experts in the field.

Cameron Kerr, Chief Executive Taronga Conservation Society Australia notes “over the past few years since this course was first launched, we have seen some devastating and real reminders of the state of our planet, the threats facing wildlife and the growing need for an army of conservationists to enable action.

"At Taronga, we understand that while our work in the field and in the lab is critically important, that alone it is not enough. To tackle climate change and extinctions head on, we need to take a 360-degree approach to wildlife conservation that focuses on educating a new generation of conservationists and embedding the skills of conservation science with a passion for wildlife.

“Education is not new to the fabric of Taronga, in fact we’ve been running education programs for more than 40 years, but to see the first of many skilled and insightful students graduate from this course gives me great hope for the future of our planet.”

Throughout the course, the students were immersed in the environment of working science and conservation management, spending time at Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo and at the University of Sydney. The course also included time in the field at The Sanctuary – a 110-hectare conservation breeding engine room in Dubbo home to critically endangered Greater Bilbies - where they were able to witness conservation in action.

Dr Emma Thompson, University of Sydney Affiliate and University Program Manager and Lecturer at the Taronga Institute of Science and Learning said the course was a unique collaboration between two trusted organisations, with a real-world impact.

“Taronga and the University of Sydney are iconic Institutions and world-leaders in science and conservation, conducting incredible research and work not only here in Australia but around the World.

“This partnership – the first of its kind in the southern hemisphere – is the representative of the kind of collaborations we need to see to give our planet the best future we can. The course gives students the opportunity to be surrounded by the very best experts from the Taronga and the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Science and School of Life and Environmental Sciences,” said Dr Thompson.

Inaugural graduating student Jessica Lu said her time in the course provided her with crucial skills and experience to begin her career in conservation and shared “The effects of climate change and the impact of pollutants are very real, and we are feeling it as our weather patterns are drastically changing. Extreme weather events such as the recent devastating floods and the Black Summer bushfires are clear evidence that environmental conditions are becoming increasingly dangerous.

“Learning about topics such as Indigenous land management strategies, the Sustainable Development Goals and threatened species conservation has definitely opened my eyes to the challenges caused by human-induced climate change and how we can help to mitigate these effects for generations to come.”

The Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Taronga Wildlife Conservation) is a joint education alliance between the University of Sydney and Taronga Conservation Society of Australia. There are currently 190 students enrolled in the course, with 174 from Australia and a further 16 from overseas.

Taronga provides educational opportunities from pre-school-aged children to PHD candidates, engaging and educating close to 100,000 students each year. Taronga's educational programs encompass school excursions, overnight experiences, day courses, Zoomobile incursions, curriculum-linked virtual lessons, and courses delivered by Taronga’s Registered Training Organisation, the Taronga Training Institute.

21st March 2022 - Taronga Zoo asks public to maintain a lookout for injured animals

8th February 2022 - Construction progresses on Taronga Western Plains Zoo’s new Wildlife Hospital

27th September 2021 - Taronga Conservation Society develops module for bushfire affected wildlife

13th September 2021 - Taronga Western Plains Zoo secures its position as conservation powerhouse

10th March 2021 - Taronga Western Plains Zoo celebrates birth of critically endangered Black Rhino calf

17th February 2021 - Taronga Zoo scientists playing key role in protecting Great Barrier Reef

16th February 2021 - University students participate in conservation initiatives at Taronga Zoo

23rd January 2021 - NSW Government approves plan for new Australian animal precinct at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo

9th November 2020 - Taronga Zoo plans for new Wildlife Hospital and upgraded Reptile Centre with government and private funding

1st September 2020 - Taronga Conservation Society appoints new marketing director

10th January 2020 - Taronga Western Plains Zoo reflects on highlights from previous decade

2nd June 2019 - Taronga Zoo helps educate students on protection of endangered species

6th May 2019 - Taronga Zoo celebrates record school holiday visitation numbers

30th January 2019 - Taronga Zoo Director recognised for commitment to wildlife conservation

7th October 2016 - Taronga Zoo marks 100 years of conservation

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