The NSW Zoological Society was formed in 1879 and the Zoological Gardens in Moore Park opened in 1884, Sydney’s first public zoo. It was built on 7 acres of land in Moore Park known as the ‘Billygoat Swamp.’ This was increased to 12.5 acres as the zoo expanded.
The zoo often flooded and was temporarily closed due to disease. For example, it was closed for 6 weeks during the bubonic plague in 1902.
From 1910 the Zoological Society was petitioning for more land to expand the zoo. Ideas were floated from as early as 1911 to use the land for a school.
The zoo was moved to Taronga Park at Bradley’s Head in 1916. The Moore Park site was developed for use as Sydney Girls High (1921) and Sydney Boys High (1928).
