There may have been many firsts achieved by Taronga Western Plains Zoo in the past 40 years, but director Matt Fuller said there were many more accomplishments to come.
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Tuesday marked 40 years since Dubbo zoo first opened its gates to the public on February 28, 1977. It was opened by NSW Governor Roden Cutler and cost $2.8 million to establish.
“The zoo's certainly grown up and matured in that time but I think as much as that past has been terribly exciting and a really great legacy for the community, it's really exciting what's ahead. We're very excited about the next 40 years,” Mr Fuller said.
The zoo was ever-changing, Mr Fuller said, and focused on continual improvement.
When it was first opened, Mr Fuller said the then-director spent time looking at open range zoo’s overseas to formulate a plan for Taronga’s sister zoo.
“They were really drawing inspiration on what else was happening out there across the globe, really thinking well ahead of their time. It was the first open range zoo in the country and it’s the first in so many ways to have marked so many milestones,” Mr Fuller said.
“I think they had some insight and very cleverly established what was to become an amazing property that we’ve been able to develop and capitalise on in so many ways.”
Mr Fuller said he believed the success of the zoo came from “a combination of everything”, including a determined strategy engaged by the zoo five years ago to ensure it was performing well as a whole.
“We needed to ensure we had such a good, financially robust operation so we could support the conservation endeavours, our life science endeavours, expand programs like we've done with our Asian elephant, and create new experiences to ensure people are attracted here to Taronga Western Plains and western NSW,” he said.
And Mr Fuller said there had been a shift in the way visitors engaged with the zoo. Not only was the zoo’s conservation changing, but more of the visitors were becoming mindful of conservation as well, he said.
Staff are the zoo’s ‘heroes’
Ten million visitors and 40 years later, Taronga Western Plains Zoo director Matt Fuller said there were close to 350 employees.
“I've said it many times to people, the team contribute such an amazing amount of effort to ensure we really are punching above our weight, I'm thoroughly convinced of that,” Mr Fuller said.
The oldest employee at Dubbo zoo is Wayne Freeman who has spent the past 35 years working behind-the-scenes as a labourer and leading hand.
"The heroes of the zoo are really the zookeepers, the tour guides, all the people who hosts those guests throughout the year. When you see the looks on the kids faces as they look up to those guys it's really truly amazing and mum and dad take a backseat when those guys are involved,” Mr Fuller said.
From the oldest staff to the newcomers, Mr Fuller said many started out as volunteers before moving into areas such as hospitality or zookeeping.
“We’ve got so many loyal people who participate in the keeping of the zoo. Our volunteers, 10,000 hours a year they’ve contributed, which is an incredible amount of time, energy and passion on those people’s behalf,” he said.
The zoo’s oldest animal
While Wayne Freeman may have 35 years under his belt, he doesn’t beat African elephant Cuddles who was at the zoo before it officially opened.
“She probably doesn’t look a day over 21, but she’s a very special member of the zoo family,” Mr Fuller said.
At more than 40-years-old Cuddles is the last African elephant in Australasia. She came to Dubbo from the United Kingdom.
While Cuddle may hold a special place in history, Mr Fuller said the zoo was turning its attention towards Asian elephants, which was where conservation efforts were needed.
“It’s about not only establishing an insurance program, but learning and understanding so many things about those special animals, and working directly with national parks in Thailand and Sumatra, participating holistically in programs right across the globe,” he said.
Zoo facts
-Taronga Western Plains Zoo was officially opened on 28 February 1977 by NSW Governor Sir Roden Cutler.
-The zoo is 300 hectares and the zoo circuit is six kilometres long
-The original cost of development was $2,800,500.
-The zoo site was formerly an army camp during World War II
-It was the first zoo in Australia to be constructed on the “open range” principle, with visitors separated from the animals by concealed moats and fences
-It’s the only zoo in Australia you can drive a car, ride a bike, hire a cart or walk around
-Zoofari Lodge was the first permanent zoo based accommodation established in Australia in 1995
-Taronga Western Plains Zoo has won three Australian Tourism Awards in the past four years, including last week’s for Best Unique Accommodation (second consecutive year).