The Zoo has over 100 volunteers who play an important role fulfilling a wide variety of functions from guiding the early morning walk experience through to observing animal behaviour and creating enrichment items for animals, to testing water quality, tree planting and guest services roles.

Taronga Western Plains Zoo is holding a volunteer information session on Saturday February 16 starting with an Early Morning Walk at 6.15am followed by an information session at 9.30am at the zoo Friends building.

“The information session is a great opportunity to learn about the different volunteering opportunities at the Zoo and what is involved in becoming a volunteer,” director Steve Hinks said.

“If you have been interested in volunteering at the Zoo, I would encourage you to come along and learn more about the volunteering program as a starting point,” Mr Hinks said.

For more information about the information sessions or to confirm your attendance, please RSVP to Jo Fitzgerald at jfitzgerald@zoo.nsw.gov.au.

Volunteers are a valuable asset to Taronga Western Plains Zoo through their ongoing support, dedication and commitment to conservation and the environment.

“Their contribution is enormous, we couldn’t do the great things we do here at the Zoo without them and we are always welcoming new volunteers each year,” Mr Hinks said.

“Volunteers have been a part of the Zoo team for over three decades, we are so thankful for the contribution they make to the Zoo and their local community,” he said.

Volunteers must be over the age of 18. No previous experience is necessary as formal and informal training courses will be provided in March 2019. Online applications for the 2019 intake of volunteers closes Friday 22 February 2019.

For more information visit www.taronga.org.au/volunteer.

Christmas came early for Taronga Western Plains Zoom, Dubbo in the form of two Takhi foals born on December 17 and 19. The foals born were one male and one female, bringing the number of new arrivals born at the Wild Herds exhibit in 2018 to six.

Takhi, also known as Przewalski’s Horses, are classified as endangered but were once extinct in the wild. Their numbers dwindled as a result of human interference, such as poaching and capture. Today their main threats are habitat loss and low genetic diversity.

The two newest foals are currently staying close by their mother’s sides.