Vivid Sydney at Taronga Zoo shines light on conservation and wonders of wildlife

Vivid Sydney at Taronga Zoo is shining a light on conservation and the wonders of wildlife this year. More than 100 artists, animators, musicians, technicians, electrical engineers and lighting designers have worked together for over 3,376 hours to create a captivating, inspiring and educational interactive experience for all ages. This has culminated in a spectacular display of light sculptures throughout the grounds of Taronga Zoo Sydney that showcase some of the most stunning but endangered wildlife from ocean, bush and forest habitats.

Focussing on children, the next generation who hold the key to the future of wildlife, Taronga has invited young school students to design some of this year’s Vivid lanterns. These are emphasised by soundscapes throughout the zoo grounds recorded by children sharing their poignant thoughts and feelings about what nature is. Guests at Vivid Sydney at Taronga Zoo will marvel at the giant multimedia light sculptures including an epic Goanna, a hair curling Red Back Spider, a school of Blue Devil Fish, a giant Bilby, the majestic Sumatran Tiger, and many others. Taronga Zoo Sydney invites everyone to step inside a world of scientific discovery and become a Light For the Wild, as imagined by children.

“Taronga Zoo Sydney works to inspire wildlife champions from an early age and equip the next generation with knowledge and ideas for how to take action to save and protect wildlife,” said Taronga Conservation Society Australia Director and CEO, Cameron Kerr.

“The Vivid Sydney at Taronga Zoo precinct is unlike anything else, and I’m proud that we can help shine a light on the wild, bringing to life children’s vision of a shared future for wildlife and people through our lanterns which are both stunning and endearing,” Mr Kerr said.

To leave a lasting impact on guests commitment to saving wildlife, Taronga invites guests to take a pledge to wildlife conservation by tying a glowing ribbon from one of three amazing yet fragile habitats; the Ocean, Bush or Forest. In doing so, our guests will themselves transform Taronga Zoo Sydney into a Light for the Wild.

Created by Ample Projects, the collection of multimedia light sculptures is among the largest and most technologically advanced lanterns ever featured in Vivid Sydney.

NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall said Vivid Sydney at Taronga Zoo tells a story that is critical to raising awareness and support for conservation.

“After the permanent zoo residents have retired for the night, the giant light sculptures of endangered animals take centre stage along an illuminated trail of interactive animal lanterns.  These larger-than-life sculptures are truly awe inspiring and it’s fantastic to see Taronga Zoo working with young school students, tapping into their natural curiosity and sense of discovery to inspire the next generation of conservation champions,” Mr Marshall said.

Vivid Sydney at Taronga Zoo backed by American Express is a ticketed precinct, with tickets on sale now. Taronga is for the wild and as a not-for-profit organisation, Taronga has an absolute commitment to the conservation of wildlife and to securing a shared future for wildlife and people. All ticket proceeds go directly back to Taronga Zoo’s work in conservation and wildlife care.

Vivid Sydney at Taronga Zoo is open every night from Friday 25 May to Saturday 16 June 2018, between 5.30pm – 9.30pm. For more information visit:taronga.org.au/vivid