"Taronga" by Victor Kelleher Trivia Quiz

Answer: A zoo

Taronga Zoo is a landmark in Sydney, Australia. Within sight of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House, it is on the north side of Sydney Harbour. Taronga Zoo was officially opened October 7th, 1916.

The name Taronga means "beautiful view" in the local Aboriginal language. The view from Taronga Zoo is truly beautiful and not to be missed if you are visiting Sydney.

Answer: He has telepathic abilities.

Ben is a young teenager who has discovered he has telepathic abilities, and can communicate with animals. He calls this talent the Call. Ben hates using this power, as it can put animals in danger. He vows not to use the Call, however he quickly breaks that vow when he is in danger.

Answer: The reader is never told

The "Last Days" happened before the novel begins, however it plays a big part in the story. Whether it was a war or disease, it destroys much of the population of the planet. As society has collapsed, the children and teenagers in the story are caring for themselves in a hostile environment. They must create a new future.

Answer: About two years after the "Last Days"

There is no definite date, but readers are told it is about two years after "Last Days", and apparently Australia has suffered less damage than the rest of the planet. Much of the action happens in what remains of Taronga Zoo, in the middle of Sydney.

The zoo has become a citadel against bands of robbers and gangs, who roam the streets. It has walls that can be defended and animals that can defend themselves and the people living there.

Answer: Greg

Greg hunts animals for food. He uses Ben's telepathic ability, the Call, to draw animals to him. Ben hates doing this, but he knows he will be beaten by Greg if he refuses. He runs away and decides to go to Sydney, where he once lived with his deceased parents. As Ben nears Sydney, he hears a Call from an animal in Taronga Zoo and decides to go in that direction.

Answer: To look after and control the big cats

Ellie saves Ben from the big cats, that she can control, when he enters Taronga Zoo. Ellie takes Ben to the community leader, Molly. Molly is only interested in what Ben can do for the community living at the zoo. If he has nothing to offer, he will be sent away from the zoo, out into a dangerous world. Ben must show his power to control the two tigers.

Answer: Raja and Ranee

Ben must prove he can control these tigers, otherwise he will not be allowed in the comparative safety of Taronga Zoo. He uses the Call. Raja resents Ben's ability to control him and fights the commands Ben sends from his mind. Raja hates that Ben can restrict his physical freedom. It is a constant battle between the two.

Answer: Burn the buildings and all the animals

Molly is a ruthless and selfish leader. She does not care for the animals like Ellie and Ben do. Her idea of destroying Taronga Zoo horrifies both Ben and Ellie. They know they must save the animals at any cost. They come up with a plan to save the animals.

Answer: Release all the animals

While they fear some animals will die, many will live. If the animals are left in the zoo they will be burnt to death. Ellie and Ben plan to let another gang into the zoo and then, during the fighting, release all the animals. This plan works very well, and the animals are released.

Answer: To never to use the Call again

Even when Ben is cornered by the tiger, Raja, he will not use the Call. He knows he could die, but this time he keeps his promise. Raja senses that Ben is trying to help all the animals, so he does not kill him. After a playful swipe at Ben, Raja and Ranee head towards the Blue Mountains outside of Sydney. Ben and Ellie go in that direction as well.