On a balmy night in December, Taronga Zoo welcomed some special visitors after hours. Children and adults with disability and chronic illness were allowed to roam the Zoo to see the evening capers of the animals, with plenty of larger than life characters out and about too. Star Wars Stormtroopers, Disney Princesses and even a few Police horses were on hand to brighten up the lives of those who often encounter hardship living with disability or chronic illness. Nearly 3,000 attended, invited by 26 charities including Camp Quality, who helps families with children going through cancer treatment.
On hand to entertain the children were snakes and lizards keen for a pat, with a revamped Bird Show a big hit with the crowd. The seals were on form, doing their best shark impressions and gaining applause for their ability to leap high in the air for a trick. Camp Quality mum Harriet said her son Harry, 5, was excited about a night out with his family. “After Harry was diagnosed with leukaemia, family time was so rare to come by. Now that we’re on the other side of it, it is so nice that we can come out here and have experiences like this.”