Taronga Zoo will close its doors from 5pm on Wednesday, joining the Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo in becoming the latest NSW institutions to temporarily shut down to stem the spread of COVID-19.

In a statement on its website, Taronga said the "extremely difficult decision" was in response to guidance by state and federal health authorities, particularly social distancing measures that have forced the closure of non-essential services throughout the state.

Taronga Zoo will close from 5pm on Wednesday to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Credit:Rick Stevens

The decision follows a raft of recent measures implemented to stop coronavirus transmission, including postponing events, closing indoor exhibits, going cashless and reducing the daily guest capacity for both zoos.

Face-to-face and community engagement programs have also been put on hold while the zoos work out what services can be delivered via digital platforms.