Taronga Zoo Sydney and Taronga Western Plains Zoo to offer two-for-one entry pass on for vaccinations

March 19, 2022

Next weekend will see Taronga Zoo Sydney and Taronga Western Plains Zoo offer a two-for-one entry pass to anyone who gets a COVID-19 vaccine at walk-in clinics onsite.

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard, NSW Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor and NSW Minister for Environment James Griffin today collectively advised that families can use the entry pass immediately or any day up until 31st July at either Zoo.

Minister Hazzard stated “we know parents are time poor and if they’ve had to delay a booster shot or their kids’ jabs, this is a great way to get both done and be rewarded.

“Hopefully the excitement of visiting the animals will overcome any needle fears and the initiative helps families get their COVID jabs up to date ahead of school holidays.”

Almost half (48.6%) of all children aged five to 11 in NSW have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and 57.8% of those aged 16 and over have had their booster.

The clinic at Taronga Zoo Sydney will be at the main gates, operating from 9am to 3pm. Taronga Western Plains Zoo’s clinic will run from 9am to midday in the Giraffe room near the main entrance. Both clinics will offer adult and paediatric Pfizer jabs.

With more than 95% of the community in Dubbo double vaccinated, it is important to now get the booster to protect against the harmful effects of COVID-19, Minister Taylor noted “we know there are a number of people waiting to receive their third dose and this is particularly important for older people and those who have chronic health conditions

“For example, if you are aged 70 to 79 and have not had a booster dose you are twice as likely as someone who has received it to end up in hospital or to die if you get COVID-19.”

Minister Griffin said bookings are not necessary; people can step off a bus or ferry to Taronga Zoo Sydney, or park for free at Taronga Western Plains Zoo, walk into the pop-up clinics and get vaccinated.

He added “Taronga has been helping to save and protect vulnerable wildlife for 105 years and now it’s helping us to protect those vulnerable in our community.

“The NSW Government has always looked at different ways to support the vaccination rollout and this is another example. You couldn’t ask for better locations to distract both big kids and small from getting a jab, than to visit two of the most beautiful zoos in the world and have a totally immersive wildlife experience.”

Taronga Conservation Society Australia Chief Executive, Cameron Kerr said all staff are vaccinated and keen to welcome back visitors to a safe setting where they can connect with wildlife.

The walk-in COVID-19 vaccination clinics will operate onsite at Taronga Zoo Sydney and Taronga Western Plains Zoo on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th March.

Lower image: Taronga Zoo Sydney’s Lion Cubs.

4th March 2022 - Community invited to participate in Taronga Rubbish Run event to help save wildlife

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

7th February 2022 - Australia to open its international border to fully vaccinated on 21st February

21st January 2022 - Melbourne Formula 1 Grand Prix to proceed for vaccinated participants

20th January 2022 - ‘Almost impossible’ for surfing legend Kelly Slater to enter Australia if not vaccinated

22nd November 2021 - Australian borders to open for fully vaccinated international students from 1st December

20th November 2021 - Vaccinated crowds to return for 2022 Australian Open but unvaccinated players will be barred

19th November 2021 - Zoos SA makes considered decision to mandate COVID vaccinations

19th November 2021 - Victorian Government to ease COVID-19 restrictions as vaccination rates nears 90%

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

2nd July 2021 - Travel company fined $5000 for taking busloads of tourists to Taronga Western Plains Zoo

24th June 2021 - Taronga’s Zoofari Lodge experiences record visitation levels

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

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

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