We've visited a few zoos in our time, and while the Monarto Safari Park near Adelaide was impressive, we have to say that Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, New South Wales, is in a league of its own. It's not just the breadth of animals they house, but the way they're presented.
The open range enclosures give a genuine sense of being on safari, a far cry from the cramped cages of some older zoos. The zebras, for instance, appear to roam quite freely, their stripes almost shimmering under the harsh Dubbo sun.
We allocated a full day to exploring the zoo, and it still felt like we could have used more time. The sheer size of the place is deceiving, and the variety of animals is staggering. One minute we were observing the elegant gait of a cheetah
, the next we were captivated by a hippo wallowing lazily in the water.
The hippo seemed completely unbothered by our presence, a true testament to the zoo's success in creating a comfortable environment for its residents.
There was even a rhino chewing on some branches.
A truly remarkable animal. You can see how healthy the rhino is.
What really sets Taronga Western Plains Zoo apart, in our opinion, is the way it blends conservation with education and entertainment. It's clear that the well-being of the animals is paramount, and that efforts are being made to educate visitors about the importance of wildlife conservation. We also had the pleasure of viewing an Ape on the ropes.
It was entertaining and educational! It is a place where one can learn as well as be amazed at nature. We spent the entire day there on October 24, 2024, and would recommend that anyone visiting the Dubbo area do the same. You won't be disappointed.
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