Taronga Zoo's Sky Safari set for retirement after 35 years
An iconic attraction at Sydney's famous Taronga Zoo is set to close after being in operation for 35 years.
The Sky Safari offered visitors to the zoo a scenic route to the entrance, offering speculator views of harbour, as well as glimpses into the animal enclosures below.
"After 35 wonderful years, our current Sky Safari is set for retirement and will take its last ride on January 31, 2023," the zoo shared.
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After 35 years, the Taronga Zoo Sky Safari is set for retirement. Supplied
"Over its lifetime, it has transported more than 20 million passengers, including a royal or two, and even carried the Olympic torch.
"The current Sky Safari is an ageing asset, and has sadly reached the end of its workable life with significant upgrades needed for it to continue to operate."
It was first installed to its iconic position in 1987 and then upgraded in 2000, but its retirement, the zoo says, "paves the way for a proposed upgrade".
The Sky Safari is set to be "transformed into an unforgettable and fully accessible family experience".
The Sky Safari was first installed to its iconic position in 1987 and then upgraded in 2000. Supplied
Pending planning approval, the upgraded Sky Safari is scheduled to open in 2025.
Until then, guests can enter the zoo through the iconic heritage gates at the top of the zoo, or the Lower Zoo Entrance which is a short, walk from the Taronga Zoo ferry wharf.
Buses also connect the ferry wharf and Lower Zoo Entrance with the top entrance.
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The zoo also shared the news on Facebook, prompting visitors to express their sadness at the closure of the attraction.
"What a shame... I loved that ride and it made planning a trip around the zoo so much easier," one person commented. "This is so sad!"
"This is terrible news, and why would a replacement take this long?" another questioned.
"It's so disappointing that this is being announced with less than two weeks' notice. As someone with limited mobility, this was the only way I could visit the zoo with my young child," said another.
A mum and daughter enjoy a ride on Tarango Zoo's Sky Safari. Facebook
Others were excited for the upgraded version.
One enthusiastic visitor wrote: "Great times have been had on this and the view is epic, honestly can't wait to see what the upgraded ones look like being fully accessible will be great for people in wheelchairs.
"Two years is a long wait, but I'm sure it will be very worth it!"
