Exploring South Australia’s Wildlife Gems: A Review of Adelaide Zoo & Monarto Safari Park
A Wild South Australian Adventure: Review of Adelaide Zoo & Monarto Safari Park
If you’re looking for an unforgettable wildlife experience in South Australia, look no further than Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park—two of the most impressive zoological destinations in the country. Operated by Zoos SA, a conservation charity with over 140 years of history, these parks offer immersive encounters, world-class conservation programs, and family-friendly adventures that rival anything you’d find overseas.
🐨 Adelaide Zoo: A City Oasis with Global Impact
Located in the heart of Adelaide’s CBD and nestled alongside the River Torrens, Adelaide Zoo is the second oldest zoo in Australia and home to over 2,500 animals and 250 species of exotic and native wildlife.
Highlights:
Wang Wang and Fu Ni, Australia’s only giant pandas, are an exclusive drawcard and part of an international conservation partnership with China.
The Immersion Zone replicates Southeast Asian rainforest environments, housing orangutans, siamang apes, and Sumatran tigers.
The Australian native animal exhibits include koalas, kangaroos, echidnas, and emus, showcasing the country's rich biodiversity.
Visitor Experience:
Adelaide Zoo offers intimate viewing experiences, easy walking paths, and interactive encounters like the Behind the Scenes Panda Tour or Zookeeper for a Day program. It’s a perfect destination for families, school groups, or tourists on a tight schedule.
Sustainability & Conservation:
Zoos SA is a leader in wildlife conservation and education. Adelaide Zoo contributes to breeding programs for endangered species, including the orange-bellied parrot and the brush-tailed rock-wallaby.
Source: Zoos SA Adelaide Zoo Official Site
🦁 Monarto Safari Park: Australia’s Largest Open-Range Zoo
Just under an hour’s drive from Adelaide in the Murraylands region, Monarto Safari Park spans over 1,500 hectares, making it the largest open-range zoo in the southern hemisphere. Here, animals roam free in natural-style habitats, offering visitors a safari-style adventure without leaving Australia.
Highlights:
Home to over 500 animals including lions, cheetahs, giraffes, white rhinos, chimpanzees, and the endangered African painted dog.
The Lions 360 experience is the only one of its kind in Australia—visitors enter a cage and come face-to-face with the king of the jungle.
The Giraffe Feeding Platform offers a chance to hand-feed the tallest land mammals.
Visitor Experience:
Guests can explore the park via the Zu-Loop shuttle, walk the extensive nature trails, or join immersive experiences like Meet the Rhinos, Cheeta Experience, and The Wild Africa Project—a new precinct currently in development that aims to recreate the African plains in South Australia.
Conservation Focus:
Monarto Safari Park is central to global conservation efforts. It houses breeding programs for critically endangered species like the scimitar-horned oryx and white rhino, and partners with international zoos to reintroduce animals into the wild.
Source: Zoos SA Monarto Safari Park Official Site
Why Visit Both?
Together, Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park provide a holistic wildlife experience that blends education, conservation, and entertainment. While Adelaide Zoo offers intimate close-ups of wildlife in the heart of the city, Monarto delivers the scale and drama of the African savannah in the Aussie bush.
✔ Ideal for families, tourists, and school excursions
✔ Supports ethical animal conservation and welfare
✔ Accessible from both Adelaide metro and regional South Australia
✔ Year-round events and wildlife experiences
Bonus Tip: A Zoos SA membership grants you unlimited access to both parks, plus discounts on behind-the-scenes experiences and merchandise.
Final Thoughts
Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park are shining examples of how wildlife tourism can align with conservation and community engagement. With their dedication to species survival, immersive visitor programs, and stunning landscapes, these parks are must-visit destinations for anyone living in or visiting South Australia.
Whether you're gazing into the eyes of a panda in the CBD or hearing lions roar in the distance at Monarto, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for wildlife—and the passionate people working to protect it.
