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Monarto Zoo and Adelaide Zoo are operated by the Royal Zoological Society of South Australia
Inc. (RZSSA was founded in 1878), which is a non-profit, membership based Society with
over 18,000 members (including 910 life members). The Society’s major goals include
conservation, education, tourism, public recreation and the research and study of rare and
endangered species. The society has more than 480,000 visitors a year to its two
properties.
 The mission and purpose of Zoos SA is expressed very simply as “we exist to save animals from extinction” and this is consciously similar to that of the Jersey Zoo set up by the late Gerald Durrell. We are essentially a conservation organisation that has managed two zoos very successfully as breeding centres, education and leisure venues. We have a strong track record of research based collaborative work in support of many native species and we find working as part of practical coalitions is eased by our non-governmental status.
Zoos SA is competent in species programs and habitat management. Moreover we are practiced in the management of community-based projects both in the zoos and beyond. Reaching the hearts and minds of people is vital for the long-term success of conservation and environmental changes and the second ‘pillar’ of our work is about “connecting people with nature”. We do this through structured education programs, public awareness campaigns and political advocacy. These activities are also hallmarks of a modern conservation organisation. The third pillar of Zoos SA is to “demonstrate environmental integrity” and we are overhauling our whole management through a Green Team Initiative so that we can do the right thing and set a clear community example.
 Adelaide and Monarto Zoo offer different products and experiences to the visitor, yet are complementary in every sense. Nestled between Adelaide’s picturesque park lands and the River Torrens, Adelaide Zoo exhibits more than 3,000 exotic and native mammals, birds, reptiles and fish in a magnificent botanic setting. More than 120 years old, Adelaide Zoo reflects Victorian elegance although tastefully modern habitat exhibits feature animals in spacious and natural settings and include some of the world’s most endangered species. Monarto Zoo on the other hand is the largest open range sanctuary in Australia with a major role nationally and internationally in the breeding programs for rare and endangered species where large herds of animals roam freely.
Over the past 12 months both Adelaide Zoo and Monarto have evolved, but are at different stages of their lifecycle. Adelaide Zoo has experienced a state of rejuvenation, where as Monarto has begun to mature as a world class tourist attraction.
This new development provides outstanding opportunities for research, improves breeding facilities for endangered species and showcases and interprets our conservation and breeding programs. It also gives unrivalled opportunities for unprecedented behind the scenes experiences for visitors.
Chris West, Chief Executive, Professor of Zoology
Zoos SA
 Zoos SA has an excellent record with its Australian Native conservation projects, especially with captive breeding, and several species formerly extinct in South Australia are now firmly back, including Bilbies with numbers in the wild estimated currently at fifteen hundred to two thousand.
And whilst captive breeding is still a major emphasis for Zoos SA, in situ field work such as habitat protection, monitoring, veterinary field studies and research are now well and truly a part of our species recovery processes. In these endeavours collaborations with the SA Department of Environment and Heritage and the Universities have proved very beneficial to all partners and to our endangered native wildlife.
More endangered and vulnerable species are now being targeted for conservation work with an emphasis on our fish and amphibians.
- Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby Petrogale xanthopus xanthopus
- Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby Petrogale penicillata penicillata
- Greater Bilby Macrotis lagotis sagitta
- Greater Stick-nest Rat Leporillus conditor
- Mala Lagorchestes hirsutus ssp
- SA Mainland Tammar Wallaby Macropus eugenii eugenii
- Black-flanked Rock-wallaby, Petrogale lateralis
- Tasmanian Devil Sarcophilus harrisii
- Brush-tailed Bettong Bettongia pencillata
- Regent Honeyeater Xanthomyza phrygia
- Malleefowl Leipoa ocellata
- Orange-bellied Parrot Neophema chrysogaster
- Hooded Plover Charadruis rubricollis
- Bush Thick-knee Burhinus grallarius
- Pygmy Blue-tongued Lizard Tiliqua adelaidensis
- Red-tailed Phascogale Phascogale calura – project yet to commence
- Sumatran Tiger Panthera tigris sumatrae
- Cheetah Acinonyx jubatus
- African Wild Dog Lycaon pictus
- Sumatran Rhinoceros Dicerorhinus sumatrensis
- Sumatran Elephant Elephas maximus sumatranus
- Golden-lion Tamarin Leontopithecus rosalia
- Black-lion Tamarin Leontopithecus chrysopygus
- Przewalski’s Horse Equus ferus przewalskii
- Matschie’s Tree-kangaroo Dendrolagus matschiei
- Scott’s Tree-kangaroo Dendrolagus scottae
- Seychelles Magpie Robin Copsychus sechellarum
 Zoos SA have introduced a number of major environmental initiatives all aimed at ensuring best practice in environmental management throughout the organisation.
At Zoos SA, environmental management programs are coordinated through the Green Team Initiative (GTI). The GTI is a committed and passionate team of people whose aim is to reduce the environmental footprint of Zoos SA operations. The GTI runs a range of integrated programs, including:
- Water Conservation
- Energy Use and Reduction
- Waste Management
- Climate Change Response
- Recycle, Renew and Reuse
- Visitor Services
- Transport Solutions
- Public Interpretation
- Carbon Neutral Program
Zoos SA are also committed to educating and assisting the community to undertake similar initiatives at home and in their local area. These initiatives are can be seen throughout the zoo.
We are currently developing environmental management policies for waste management, water use, recycling and a staff training program will be introduced later this year.
Zoos SA has recently introduced a carbon neutral program providing land at Monarto Zoo where 130 hectares of Mallee Woodland has been restored. These native trees help to neutralise our emissions and those of other environmentally aware citizens or organisations.
Zoos SA has introduced a new program called Wilderness Leadership Expeditions. These expeditions are all about ‘connecting people with wildlife’ through hands on involvement in conservation programs around the world. Tours may include involvement in re-introduction, re-habitation and research programs and the knowledge you’re assisting with fund-raising for in situ conservation programs. Zoos SA has a number of expeditions in the pipeline including a spectacular bird tour to Zambia, a trip to see giant pandas in China and an expedition to Gombe National Park.
www.monartozoo.com.au
www.adelaidezoo.com.au
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