Article on the future plans for Monarto and Adelaide Zoo Gorillas for Adelaide and African Elephants for Monarto! I didn't see that one coming. Monarto Zoo will soon have biggest safari outside Africa Wild African-style adventures, birds of prey flying overhead and tourists sleeping to the chilling laugh of hyenas – South Australia is set to have it all. Two of the state’s best tourist attractions, Adelaide and Monarto Zoos, are set for big changes on the back of rising visitor numbers which hit more than half a million in 2016-17. At the helm of the plan is Zoos SA chief executive officer Elaine Bensted, who officially opened Monarto’s latest heart-stopper, Lions 360, in November 2017. The hair-raising attraction has already put hundreds of visitors within clawing range of a pride of African lions. “The Lions 360 is definitely a first in Australia, and we think the first in the world,” Ms Bensted said. “It reverses the zoo concept by putting people inside the cage. “Our lions have 10 hectares and they can choose where they want to be, but they generally choose to be all around the people in the dome.” The Lions 360 is a big-ticket project included in Zoos SA’s 20-year master plan, a document outlining immersive experiences, displays and improvements expected to set Adelaide and Monarto Zoos up for further success. Changes at Adelaide Zoo over the next two decades include a gorilla exhibit and nature-based adventure playground. But it’s what’s in store for Monarto Zoo that has hearts racing. Birds of prey flight presentations, safari-style accommodation, Madagascar walk-through experiences and a family of African elephants are all on the cards. “The really exciting one that’s just around the corner is Wild Africa and that’s the development of a safari experience (that will be) by far the largest drive through experience outside of Africa,” Ms Bensted said. “You’ll be able to go on a sunset safari drive and come back and stay in accommodation from family cabins to a safari resort and ‘glamping’ in tents.” With SA’s tourism industry worth $6.3 billion and attracting 13.6 million day trips to and around the state in a year, she said tourism was a big employer.
They have been toying with this idea for quite some time I believe the plan was to bring in 6 females but I would hope if they do import in the future they also bring in at least one bull
I'd hope they would bring in a bull and establish a breeding herd. Instead of bringing in six cows, why not bring in three and allow them to breed, retaining female calves as with the Asian elephant breeding programmes. It'd be exciting to have a herd of African elephants in the region again but I'm not sure how many sources there are for young animals. Most of the zoos that hold African elephants worldwide seem to have aged individuals, as oppose to the many zoos holding younger, breeding groups of Asian elephants. I understand African elephants are routinely culled in their native habitat due to overpopulation, stress on natural resources and conflict with human settlement. Wouldn't it be great if some orphans or a small herd needing relocation could form the basis of Monarto's theoretical herd. I always think it's a shame they never bred at Dubbo. With a proven bull, a back up bull and four young cows, you'd have thought they would have had the perfect recipe for success.
The wild Africa at 560 hectares would really worth the visit with no visible fences in sight would be quite a sight almost like being on a real safari, I hope they do get enough animal species to stock this exhibit. TWPZ had thought about building an open safari of 500 acres some years ago but settled on 50 acres which they have today. I believe this will be the largest zoo safari exhibit in the zoo world, One can imagine having large groups of antelopes living in this king of exhibit would look stunning. I believe this would put Monarto really out there in the zoo world.
Tasmanian Devil Export to the USA Tasmanian Devils prepare for their big adventure - Monarto Zoo This week, Tasmanian Devils Spiderman and Bubbles received one last health check before they make the big journey to Toledo Zoo in the United States later this month. Zoos SA Senior Veterinarian, Dr Ian Smith says during the health check the devils’ teeth and bodies were checked over, and multiple blood samples were taken to ensure the pair are in tip-top shape for their overseas transfer. “We’ve had a look at their vital organs and analysed their blood cell activity, as well as checking their antibody responses to diseases they may have come across during their life,” Ian says. “Spiderman has some enlarged lymph nodes at the moment, so we’re just looking into the cause of that before giving him the all clear.” Once landed in the United States, the devils will take up their role as international ambassadors for their wild cousins, helping to raise awareness and funds to help secure the future of this endangered species. As a conservation charity, we’re working with zoos around the world to ensure there is an insurance population for this species in case there is no cure found for the cancerous facial tumour that is wiping out the native population. Since 2006, we’ve bred more than 40 Tasmanian Devils, with a number of devils released back into the wild in Tasmania.
A new female Giraffe has just finished quarantine and gone onshow - Scarlett (aged 12 months) has come from Beerwah 0.0.4 Cheetah cubs have also been born. Mother is Kesho
A new article on this. It seems from this that Monarto doesn't yet have Mallee Emu-wrens, but do have Rufous-crowned Emu-wrens which they are using as a trial species. Very special Mallee Emu-wrens return home - Monarto Zoo Our specialised Mallee Emu-wren breeding facility is coming along nicely and, using the more common Rufous-crowned Emu-wren as a substitute, trials are underway to determine the necessary requirements of wrens in captivity. We’re pleased to report our group of Rufous-crowned Emu-wrens have settled in well and chances of the breeding facility being a success are looking positive. There's a nice photo on the link, for anyone who doesn't know what an Emu-wren looks like.
The cheetah cubs have been named: Kuishi- survive Mapenzi- love Mara- spotted Thumani- precious ( Thumani is the only male cub)
White Rhino, Umqali has given birth. The calf is a female and has been named Imani (Faith in Swahili)
