On Saturday March 6th a selection of Taronga’s rainbow flock had the privilege of participating in the 43rd Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival held at the SCG. This captivating event was an iconic and historic moment for more reasons than one. Being the largest arts and cultural event in the world since the COVID-19 pandemic there was literally all eyes on the event and event participants, including us! The pressure was on, the nerves and sheer excitement were at an all-time high!

After countless afternoon rehearsals, copious hours of vigorous arts and crafts, and a whole lot of biodegradable glitter Taronga’s rainbow flock was ready to join the 5000 plus participants for an electrifying performance at renowned SCG in Moore Park. 

Debuting her first ever Mardi Gras was the gorgeous Miss Seafood Paella who wore an incredibly sheik sequin sapphire dressed, accompanied by the most exquisite electric blue wings, kindly donated by the one and only Costume Box, who also donated a range of dynamic and captivating costume items, from fake eyelashes to feather bowers – you name it!

Paying tribute to the overall Mardi Gras theme of ‘Rise’ Taronga along with many other organizations and individuals experienced a significantly difficult year to the COVID-19. For the first time in 100 years Taronga Zoo sadly closed its doors, but like a flock of birds we were able to come together to not only welcome our guests back but deliver some incredible new initiatives like Taronga TV and continue to deliver the important message of conservation, diversity and inclusion.

An event like this year’s Mardi Gras played such a crucial role in bringing not only Taronga’s community together, but also the Sydney City. I don’t recall what I find more liberating, the fact that Taronga is an organisation encourages diversity and inclusiveness or that there were over 30,000 people cheering us on.