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Taronga Conservation Society Australia has opened the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga, a new overnight nature-based retreat within the boundaries of Taronga Zoo on the edge of Sydney Harbour.

Offering guests the opportunity to have a sleepover with the Zoo's colleciton  wildlife while supporting Taronga’s important conservation and research projects in Australia and around the globe, the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga features 62 rooms in five environmentally sensitive and sustainably designed lodges and ‘The Sanctuary’, a thoughtfully designed habitat, created especially for guests of the Retreat.

‘The Sanctuary’ is home to an array of native wildlife including wallabies, bettongs, short-beaked echidnas and koalas, and can be enjoyed either on a guided tour or viewed from the comfort of guests’ rooms.

Cameron Kerr, Chief Executive of Taronga Conservation Society Australia, which owns and operates the Retreat, said this week that the development is an important step forward for Taronga Zoo in securing a shared future for wildlife and people.

Kerr advised "we are so very proud to unveil our new Wildlife Retreat at Taronga and in doing so provide a new way for our guests to develop meaningful connections with amazing Australian wildlife. We have taken great care in the development of the Retreat to ensure it has a strong focus on environmental sustainable design and that it’s respectful and in keeping with the natural landscape. We are delighted with the result and we look forward to welcoming guests from across the country and around the globe."

Guests of the Wildlife Retreat will wake up to the sounds of native wildlife and stunning views of the harbour and surrounding bushland. Throughout their stay, they can choose to join guided tours with passionate keepers and guides, or to simply connect with the wildlife and its habitat in their own time, reassured by the knowledge that their stay has made a meaningful difference to the not-for-profit, conservation zoo organisation.

The Wildlife Retreat at Taronga builds on the success of Taronga’s existing overnight experiences, including Taronga Zoo Sydney’s Roar & Snore and the Zoofari Lodge, Billabong Camp and Savannah Cabins at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo which are enjoyed by more than 40,000 people each year.

Kerr added "we know that our overnight experiences are a great way to inspire our guests to towards conservation-minded behaviours and that they will leave with a significantly increased intention to make a conscious effort to do things to help conserve the environment.

“In creating the Retreat, we hope that our guests will leave not only rejuvenated, but also with a sense of empowerment to make a difference, and with the knowledge that their stay has made a meaningful difference to wildlife and its conservation."

Taronga worked closely with Cammeraigal Traditional Custodian, Professor Dennis Foley, and Gurindji Woolwonga woman, Susan Moylan-Coombs to embed dulture within the retreat experience, providing guests with an opportunity to reflect on the past, present and future as they walk on Cammeraigal country.

For more information a go to taronga.org.au/retreat

Wildlife Retreat at Taronga images courtesy of Taronga Conservation Society Australia.

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