Parramatta Zoo (Parramatta Park, NSW)

• The original

  Parramatta Zoo

  (formally known as the Parramatta Zoological Gardens) operated in the south-eastern corner of Parramatta Park from 1934 to 1951. 

  Parramatta History and Heritage

  History of the Zoo

  • Origins (Early 1800s – 1900s): Before the formal zoo, Elizabeth Macquarie (wife of Governor Macquarie) established a small menagerie and a Deer Park in the grounds of Old Government House in the early 1800s.

  • Formal Opening (1934): After years of lobbying by local groups, the Parramatta Park Trust secured a permit from the Quarantine Authority to open a recognized zoological garden in 1934.

  • Peak Years (1937 – 1940s): From 1937, the zoo was managed by the Wyles family, who lived in the nearby George Street Gatehouse. They operated a small café and gift shop, making the zoo a popular destination for local families.

  • Closure (1951): Interest and funding declined over the following decades. In 1951, the remaining animals were transferred to Taronga Zoo. The empty enclosures stood until 1958, when they were demolished to make way for the Parramatta RSL club building. 

    
    

  Animals Kept at Parramatta Zoo 

  The zoo featured a mix of donated pets, native Australian wildlife, and exotic species transferred from other institutions: 

  Parramatta History and Heritage 

  • Exotic Animals:

    • Monkeys

      : Including a notably "lonely"

      monkey

      who lived in the park before the formal zoo opened.

    • Antelopes

      : Transferred from Taronga Zoo.

    • Deer

      : A long-standing feature of the park's "Deer Park" area.

  • Native Australian Wildlife:

    • Emus

      : Considered the most famous residents; they were often seen interacting with the public.

    • Kangaroos and Wallabies

      : Enclosed within the zoo grounds.

  • Birds

    • An aviary featuring colourful

      parrots

      .

    • Swans and Ducks

      donated by local Parramatta residents.