Taronga Zoo’s 100th birthday parade lights up Sydney

TEN giant glowing zoo animals snaked their way through Sydney’s CBD tonight to mark Taronga Zoo’s 100th birthday.

Taronga Zoo's 100th Birthday parade went from Hyde Park to the Sydney Opera House. Picture: Dylan Robinson

TEN giant glowing zoo animals snaked their way through Sydney’s CBD tonight to mark Taronga Zoo’s 100th birthday.

Up to 1000 people — many dressed in bright animal onesies and carrying glow sticks — followed the spectacular light sculptures as they paraded down Macquarie St to Hyde Park about 8pm, finishing at the Sydney Opera House.

The sculptures, which included an Asian elephant, a platypus and a Sumatran tiger, represented the zoo’s commitment to preserving ten critically endangered species here and overseas over the next ten years.

Revellers enjoyed the animal parade, which began at Hyde Park. Picture: Dylan Robinson

The animal sculptures lit up the city during the parade. Picture: Dylan Robinson

Schoolchildren took part in the colourful parade. Picture: Dylan Robinson

The parade involved a cast of 700 schoolchildren and 300 Taronga Zoo staff and volunteers.

TV and Radio star Rove McManus hosted the celebrations on the steps of the Opera House after the parade came to an end.

The 700 schoolchildren then performed a choreographed dance on the steps of the Opera House, while six star performers sang iconic songs, including one written exclusively for Taronga Zoo.

The spectacle is the second time the zoo has staged a parade through the city centre, with the first held 100 years ago when Jessie the elephant led the Taronga Zoo march of live animals through the city centre on their way to their new home in Mosman.

Performers sing during the event. Picture: Dylan Robinson

The bright parade ended up on the steps of the Sydney Opera House. Picture: Dylan Robinson

Tonight’s show was designed by Ignatius Jones, who is also the creative director of Sydney’s iconic Vivid Festival.

Major roads were closed in the CBD for the parade, from 7pm to 9.30pm including Macquarie, College and Hunter streets.