Monarto Safari Park

Monarto Safari Park is a non-government conservation charity, every visit, adoption, donation and ticket helps to save species from extinction.

Monarto Zoo Celebrates World Ranger Day

https://www.monartosafari.com.au/monarto-zoo-celebrates-world-ranger-day/

World Ranger Day commemorates wildlife rangers killed or injured in the line of duty, and celebrates the work rangers do to protect some of the world’s most endangered animals. Zoos South Australia (Zoos SA) in partnership with the Northern Rangelands…

Read More...

New Visitor Centre Update

https://www.monartosafari.com.au/new-visitor-center-update/

Despite restrictions, lockdowns and the wildest weather (yes, even for a Safari Park) Monarto’s new Visitor Centre is certainly taking shape with the team celebrating the completion of the internal roof and rammed earth walls. “Progress is being made at…

Read More...

It’s time to rethink the zoo

https://www.monartosafari.com.au/rethinking-the-zoo/

What do the Pygmy Blue-Tongue Lizard, Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby and Przewalski’s Horse all have in common? Well, for one thing they’ve all been on the brink of extinction; for another, they very likely wouldn’t be around today if not for the…

Read More...

Cheetah Experience

https://www.monartosafari.com.au/old-experiences/cheetah-experience/

Come and spend some time with our beautiful Cheetah, her keeper and learn first-hand about these incredible animals as well as the zoo’s breeding programs for these rare and endangered species. To make your walk safe and enjoyable, all participants…

Read More...

Meet the Chimps

https://www.monartosafari.com.au/old-experiences/meet-the-chimps/

Go behind the scenes and meet our dedicated Chimpanzee keepers as they tell you all about our closest living relatives. You’ll get a unique perspective of the individual personalities of our cheeky chimps, assist keepers in preparing enrichment items for…

Read More...

Conservation Uncovered – Zoos SA launches nearly-nude calendar

https://www.monartosafari.com.au/conservation-uncovered-calendar/

It’s time for Fire Fighters, Farmers, and Nuns Having Fun to move over. For the first time ever, Zoos SA’s team has ‘tastefully disrobed’ for a calendar in a bid to raise funds and to draw attention to the conservation…

Read More...

Lions and Wines

https://www.monartosafari.com.au/old-experiences/lions-and-wines/

The ultimate luxury South Australian wildlife, food and wine experience!  Travel in luxury with private helicopter flights from Adelaide over the stunning Adelaide Hills before arriving at one of the largest open range zoos in the world. Be personally greeted…

Read More...

Southern White Rhinoceros

https://www.monartosafari.com.au/animals/southern-white-rhinoceros/

Meet the remarkable rhinos! Monarto Safari Park is home to a rhino crash of six Southern White Rhinoceros: two mature bulls and four mature females. Females Umqali and Savannah are housed together. Our other two females, Carrie and Uhura, live together in…

Read More...

African Lion

https://www.monartosafari.com.au/animals/african-lion/

Meet the majestic lions! Monarto Safari Park is home to one of Australia’s largest lion prides. With three adult females, three adult males, six sub adult cubs (four female and three male) and four cubs born in August 2023 (three…

Read More...

Giraffe Safari

https://www.monartosafari.com.au/old-experiences/giraffe-safari/

Have you ever wanted to find out what it is like to be knee high to a giraffe? Experience the thrill of hand feeding these majestic animals in our rarely seen off limits area. This experience can be booked on…

Read More...

A big win for the future of some special birds

https://www.monartosafari.com.au/cockatoo-funding-win/

The South-eastern Red-tailed Black-cockatoo is in trouble. Classified as endangered in the wild, these striking birds are sadly losing their habitats at a rapid rate. Feeding only on the fruit of native Stringybark and Buloke trees, these cockies are struggling…

Read More...

Saving rhinos from extinction on World Rhino day

https://www.monartosafari.com.au/saving-rhinos-extinction-world-rhino-day/

This World Rhino Day, we’re joining people around the world to take action to protect rhinos from poaching. The heartbreaking reality is one rhino is killed every six hours. Worth more than gold and cocaine on the illegal black market,…

Read More...

Race to save Australia’s most endangered and genetically important species of bird on National Threatened Species Day

https://www.monartosafari.com.au/race-to-save-australias-most-endangered-and-genetically-important-species-of-bird-on-national-threatened-species-day/

To mark National Threatened Species Day, Zoos SA has announced the safe arrival and quarantine of six critically endangered and genetically unique captive-bred Plains-wanderer birds from Victoria’s Werribee Open Range Zoo. The Plains Wanderer birds are listed in first position…

Read More...

Open and ready for action! Step on in to Monarto Safari Park’s new Visitor Centre

https://www.monartosafari.com.au/vc-opens/

The day has arrived! Monarto Safari Park’s new Visitor Centre will open its gates at 9.30am with a Welcome to Country and Healing Ceremony by Uncle Moogy and a speech by Elaine Bensted, CE of Zoos SA. Visitors will spill…

Read More...

Latest Update: Visiting Zoos SA during the COVID-19 outbreak

https://www.monartosafari.com.au/covid-19-latest-news/

We would like to update all our visitors about the efforts Zoos SA is making with regards to the Coronavirus and the health and safety of our guests, staff, visitors and of course, our wonderful animals. In this fast-changing environment…

Read More...

Black Rhinoceros can’t contain his excitement with new exhibit

https://www.monartosafari.com.au/black-rhino-exhibit/

When a new exhibit opens at Monarto Safari Park, it is usually the staff that are the most excited. And while there was definitely a buzz around the fence line at the new Black Rhinoceros exhibit opening this month, it…

Read More...

Welcome zoo-comers – tall, horny and furry!

https://www.monartosafari.com.au/new-arrivals/

Welcome to our new zoo-comers – tall, horny and furry! It’s been a busy few months at Zoos SA with both sites welcoming some adorable new residents. Across the Mallee plains of Monarto, Volta the giraffe has joined the herd…

Read More...

Rockin’ around the boab tree

https://www.monartosafari.com.au/rockin-around-the-boab-tree/

While most would be putting up a traditional pine tree for Christmas, Monarto Safari Park has installed a very different tree just in time for the festive season. A six-metre-tall boab tree (Adansonia gregorii) was recently planted in the heart…

Read More...

39 fluffy ‘masters of construction’ born at Monarto Safari Park and Adelaide Zoo as part of crucial conservation program

https://www.monartosafari.com.au/greater-stick-nest-rats-pups/

Look out, Scott Cam – there are some new construction masters in town! Monarto Safari Park recently welcomed 30 wild Greater Stick-nest Rats to the family as part of a conservation program working to save their species. Affectionately referred to…

Read More...

Yes, they really are called porcupettes – all in a zookeeper’s day

https://www.monartosafari.com.au/yes-they-really-are-called-porcupettes-all-in-a-zookeepers-day/

The ninth International Zookeeper Day is held on Wednesday October 4 in honour of St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. Zookeeper Day celebrates the people who make it their life’s work to care for animals, whether at…

Read More...

Saving our gentle giants

https://www.monartosafari.com.au/saving-gentle-giants/

Experts are calling it the silent extinction. As the world’s tallest animal, and easily one of the most recognisable around the globe, it’s hard to fathom that we could be losing giraffe right before our eyes. But the reality is,…

Read More...

Dr Jane Goodall sends happy message of hope to announce Chimpanzee birth

https://www.monartosafari.com.au/baby-chimp-arrival/

Monarto Safari Park is pant-hooting with excitement with the arrival of a baby Chimpanzee just in time for Christmas. 28-year-old Chimpanzee, Hannah, gave birth to a healthy boy overnight on 20 December into early 21 December. The announcement was made…

Read More...

Jumbo fundraiser hits the jackpot!

https://www.monartosafari.com.au/jumbo-fundraiser-hits-the-jackpot/

Our campaign to raise $2.025 million to bring three Asian Elephants to Monarto Safari Park has been realised in just 28 days! “We’ve done it. They’re coming!” said a very excited Elaine Bensted, CE of Zoos SA. “We are blown…

Read More...

Monarto Zoo’s Native Habitat Garden a blossoming reality

https://www.monartosafari.com.au/native-habitat-garden-blossoming/

As a conservation charity that exists to connect people with nature, we’re constantly looking for new ways to inspire the public to care about the natural environment and its wildlife. Hidden amongst trees and native animal exhibits at Monarto Zoo,…

Read More...

Monarto Safari Park celebrates 20 years of Southern White Rhino conservation

https://www.monartosafari.com.au/20-years-southern-white-rhino-conservation/

This week marks a rhino-sized anniversary – 20 years since Southern White Rhinoceros first arrived to begin the Zoos SA breeding program for the species. On 9 December, 2000, female Southern White Rhino Uhura arrived from Singapore, marking the first…

Read More...

Exciting New Plans for the Future of our Zoos

https://www.monartosafari.com.au/exciting-new-plans-future-zoos/

Zoos South Australia (Zoos SA) is pleased to announce a proposed vision plan that will guide the transformation of both Adelaide and Monarto Zoos over the next 20 years and create new and exciting memories for members, supporters and visitors….

Read More...

Sad farewell for Khari at Monarto Safari Park

https://www.monartosafari.com.au/farewell-khari/

Monarto Safari Park is mourning the passing of one-year-old male African Lion cub Khari after he was humanely euthanised on Monday. Born to mum Husani along with his three sisters in February 2020, Khari was beloved by staff, volunteers and…

Read More...

Visitor Information

https://www.monartosafari.com.au/visitor-information/

Monarto Safari Park is now the largest safari experience to exist outside of Africa. Spanning more than 1,500 hectares and home to more than 50 species of exotic and native mammals, birds and reptiles, you can fit every major zoo…

Read More...

Activity budgets: the science behind good animal welfare

https://www.monartosafari.com.au/activity-budgets-animal-welfare-science/

At Zoos SA, the welfare of our animals is our top priority. And with over 3,000 animals across 300 species, taking into consideration every individual’s needs is no small task. As different as African Lions are to Western Swamp Tortoises,…

Read More...

Grapes for good celebrates first birthday by winning Best of Wine Tourism Award!

https://www.monartosafari.com.au/hyena-cub-2/

Zoos SA is roaring with excitement after its Grapes for good initiative, which supports critical conservation work in partnership with six wineries from the Langhorne Creek region, took away the award for ‘Tourism Collaboration Excellence’ in the 2023 Best of…

Read More...

Monarto Zoo’s hand raised giraffe calf joins the herd

https://www.monartosafari.com.au/hand-raised-giraffe-joins-herd/

After a tough start to life being rejected by her first-time mother, Monarto Zoo’s newest adorable giraffe calf is finally ready to re-join the herd. Affectionately known as ‘Eyelean’ to keepers, the little giraffe calf has been thriving under the…

Read More...

Monarto Safari Park and Adelaide Zoo-bred Greater Stick-nest Rats find new home in the wild

https://www.monartosafari.com.au/greater-stick-nest-rats-release/

No less than 40 Greater Stick-nest Rats have been released into the wild after being bred at Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park as part of a vital conservation program. Now we know what some of you might be thinking: rats……

Read More...

Here’s what to get the wild ones in your family this Christmas

https://www.monartosafari.com.au/christmas-gift-ideas-2020/

Christmas is just around the corner (we know – we can’t believe it either!) and our 2020 Christmas Gift Guide is serving up some wild gift inspiration for you this holiday season. From incredible behind-the-scenes animal experiences to adopting a…

Read More...

Four ways Lions 360 is helping save African Lions in the wild

https://www.monartosafari.com.au/lions-360-helps-save-wild-african-lions/

You’ve already heard about how Lions 360 is helping keep our lion pride happy and healthy, but did you know that Lions 360 is great for African lions in the wild too? Sadly over the last 21 years, the wild population…

Read More...

Rhino Interactive

https://www.monartosafari.com.au/old-experiences/rhino-interactive/

Go behind the scenes with the rare and endangered Southern White Rhino and Black Rhino. Assist the keeper in their daily health check and feed then put them to bed for the night. Buy a gift voucher Share the wonder…

Read More...

Plains Zebra

https://www.monartosafari.com.au/animals/plains-zebra/

Meet the dazzling zebras! Monarto Safari Park is home to six herds of striking Plains Zebras. A breeding herd of ten zebras takes up residence in the off limits areas and is headed by dominant male, Storm. Storm arrived at…

Read More...

Meerkat Mingle

https://www.monartosafari.com.au/old-experiences/meerkat-mingle/

Mix it with our inquisitive meerkat mob in a unique and fun interactive experience. You’ll enjoy time in their exhibit with a keeper mingling with these playful creatures. Enjoy great photographic opportunities as the meerkats interact with you for some…

Read More...

Blackbuck

https://www.monartosafari.com.au/animals/blackbuck/

Meet the beautiful Blackbuck! These majestic antelope are best known for their spiralled horns, which sweep back from the head in a dramatic v-shape. Male Blackbucks are much larger than their female friends, and have a rich dark brown coat,…

Read More...

Cub connection: Monarto Safari Park’s cubs receive special names

https://www.monartosafari.com.au/cheetah-cub-names/

Introducing Hani and Absame – Monarto Safari Park’s three-month-old Cheetah cubs. The two extra special names were chosen this week in honour of another brother and sister duo across the seas in Somalia. Hani (hah-nee) meaning ‘happy’ and Absame (ab-sah-mee)…

Read More...

Puppy love is in the air at Monarto Safari Park!

https://www.monartosafari.com.au/african-painted-dog-introductions-love-2020/

While they may not be indulging in champagne and strawberries this Valentine’s Day, Monarto Safari Park’s pack of African Painted Dogs are enjoying another special gift – each other’s company. Monarto’s carnivore team recently introduced females Penda and Bulu to…

Read More...

Simply perfect! Giraffe calf named on World Giraffe Day

https://www.monartosafari.com.au/simply-perfect-giraffe-calf-named-on-world-giraffe-day/

The 21st of June is a very special day if you’re a giraffe or, one of the conservation organisations trying to help them fight back from their Silent Extinction: it’s World Giraffe Day! To mark World Giraffe Day, Zoos SA…

Read More...

World First Milestone Sees Conservation Project Take Flight

https://www.monartosafari.com.au/world-first-milestone-sees-conservation-project-take-flight/

A project ten years in the making and involving ten tiny Mallee Emu-wrens has taken an unexpected but delightful twist. Keepers are agog at the arrival of three endangered and locally extinct Mallee Emu-wren chicks, the first ever thought to…

Read More...

Double the cubs, double the excitement with spotty paws on board!

https://www.monartosafari.com.au/kesho-pregnancy/

The pitter-patter of little paws may soon double at Monarto Safari Park! After welcoming lion cubs at the end of January, the park is now expecting cubs of the spotty kind. In exciting news, nine-year-old cheetah Kesho is pregnant and…

Read More...

Monarto Safari Park temporarily closes to the public during second COVID-19 lockdown

https://www.monartosafari.com.au/covid-19-closure-november-2020/

Friends, we’re closing our doors again. In response to yesterday’s announcement from SA Health and the State Government, Monarto Safari Park and our sister site Adelaide Zoo will be closed to the public from 5pm today for the next 6…

Read More...

Goodbye sweet Eshe

https://www.monartosafari.com.au/goodbye-sweet-eshe/

Zoos SA is deeply saddened to announce the loss of Eshe, the 15-month-old female Southern White Rhinoceros at Monarto Safari Park. “This is shattering news,” said Peter Clark, Director of Monarto Safari Park. “Veterinary staff were monitoring Eshe after keepers noticed that she was not displaying her normal energy level and lying…

Read More...

Brave Boon

https://www.monartosafari.com.au/brave-boon/

Last week, I compiled an article to update everyone on the continuation of the Monarto Chimpanzee journey over the last few weeks.  It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of Boon’s passing in the early hours…

Read More...

Soona’s Gift

https://www.monartosafari.com.au/soonas-gift/

On Friday 9 October we lost an amazing member of the Monarto Chimpanzee troop. Soona Boona as she was affectionately known arrived at Monarto in November of 2010 from the Burgers Zoo. Although Soona was born at Burgers she spent a…

Read More...

Double the fun as new Spotted Hyena twins bring cub count to five!

https://www.monartosafari.com.au/double-the-fun-as-new-spotted-hyena-twins-bring-cub-count-to-five/

Monarto Safari Park is celebrating its most successful Spotted Hyena breeding season, with the birth of another litter of twins bringing the cub count to five! Three-year-old female hyena, Fahari, is the latest clan member to become a mum, giving…

Read More...

About Zoos SA

Zoos SA is a not-for-profit conservation charity that exists to connect people with nature and save species from extinction.

Zoos SA acknowledges the Country on which we stand always was, and always will be, Aboriginal land and we pay our deepest respect and gratitude to Kaurna (Adelaide Zoo) and Ngarrindjeri (Monarto Safari Park) Elders, past, present and emerging.

We undertake critical conservation work throughout Australia and acknowledge the traditional custodians of these lands.

Sign Up to Our Newsletter

Stay up to date with zoo news and sign up to our Zoo Times eNewsletter