AGY-1652 | Taronga Zoological Park Trust [I]

Full description

Background
In 1879 a Society for Acclimatisation was formed. The initial purpose of this Society was the "introduction and acclimatisation of song birds and game" (1). For the purpose of establishing this, the City Council granted a site on the place then known as Billy Goat Swamp Reserve, Moore Park. It was immediately clear that a Zoological Gardens was desirable, and in 1884 a small zoo was opened to the public on this site (2).

In 1909 a Royal Charter was granted and the name became The Zoological Society of New South Wales. An appeal was made to the Government for a new site. A number of sites were offered to the Society. A site near Bradley's Head, known as Ashton Park, was accepted (3).

Under the Constitution of the Society it was forbade the trust transferring to a new site because it was not a registered or corporate body. A new Trust was formed, composed of two Government representatives and five members of the Society (4). The Trustees were appointed i27 March 1912 under the Public Parks Act, No.40, 1902 (5). The Trustees of Taronga Zoological Park assume responsibility for the planning and construction of the new zoo which was to be named Taronga (6).
Once the grounds were completed, all the animals with plant and fixtures were transferred to the Trust, and thus the Trust took over the whole care of the Zoological Gardens (7).
Taronga Zoo was officially opened in 1916.

FOOTNOTES:
(1) Proceedings of the Royal Zoological Society of NSW, 1945-46 p.6
(2) ibid
(3) ibid
(4) ibid
(5) NSW Gov. Gazette 1912, Vol.1 p.1974
(6) Proceedings of the Zoological Society of NSW, 1945-46 p.6
(7) ibid