Zoos’ 20-year plan to expand record-breaking tourist attractions at Adelaide and Monarto
Adelaide and Monarto zoos' are South Australia's most popular pay-as-you-enter tourist attractions.
Zoos South Australia (Zoos SA) has a vision to guide the transforming of Adelaide and Monarto zoos over the next 20 years.
The Zoos SA Master Plan will build on the zoos’ attractions as the state’s most popular pay-to-enter tourist destinations and successes in conservation, animal breeding and public education and recreation. In 2016-17, a record 585,872 people visited Adelaide and Monarto zoos, bettering the previous record when the giant pandas arrived in 2009-10.
Adding to its Lions 360 predator experience, the zoos’ master plan will see Monarto get a new visitor centre better accessible to the public and a Wild Africa precinct.
Overnight safari-style accommodation will open the way for walk- and drive-through safaris.
The first project at Adelaide Zoo is the Nature’s Playground and Aussie Icons precinct, featuring climbing structures, aerial walkways with river views, water play features and an interactive children’s zoo with native animals.
Included in the plan is the introduction of several new species; the western lowland gorilla, Sri Lankan leopard and Komodo dragon at Adelaide Zoo and Nyala and maned wolf at Monarto Zoo.
Funding for the plan will be realised through the zoo’s annual operating budget plus external funding. As a charity focused on wildlife conservation, support from external funding sources, such as the corporate sector, government as well as public fundraising will be vital to help the rollout of the plan.
