At Monarto there is the renowned Monarto Safari Park, here there are cheetahs that roam alongside rhinos, giraffes and lions on a 1000 hectare open range zoo. At the zoo, they specialize in breeding programs for endangered species the world over.
History and Development
Monarto Zoological Park was established in 1983, initially serving as a closed-to-the-public breeding area and sanctuary for endangered species. The park’s journey to becoming a public attraction began in 1990 with a feasibility study, and by 1993, it had transformed into a large educational facility open to the public, offering bus and walking tours.
In a significant development, the park embarked on a three-year project in late 2019 to convert itself into a safari park with luxury resort facilities. This transformation led to the rebranding of the facility as “Monarto Safari Park” by 2021, with the ambitious goal of becoming the largest safari park outside of Africa.
The park is administered by the Royal Zoological Society of South Australia, trading as Zoos SA, which underscores its commitment to conservation and education.
Animal Exhibits and Experiences
Monarto Safari Park is home to a diverse range of animal species, offering visitors unique and immersive experiences:
Large Mammals
The park features several iconic large mammals, including lions, cheetahs and rhinoceroses. Visitors can experience thrilling encounters such as the Lions 360 walk-in cage, which provides an up-close view of these majestic predators.
Giraffe Herd
Monarto Safari Park boasts Australia’s largest giraffe herd, being recognised for having one of the most successful giraffe breeding programs in Oceania.
Interactive Experiences
The park offers various interactive animal experiences, including opportunities to meet meerkats, feed the giraffes and interact with rhinoceroses.
Native Species
Visitors can observe native Australian wildlife such as grey kangaroos, emus and echidnas, providing a comprehensive view of both exotic and local fauna.
Chimpanzee Exhibit
The park houses a troop of chimpanzees, contributing to its reputation as a leader in primate conservation.
Recent Additions
The park has expanded its collection to include African Crested Porcupines, further diversifying the species available for visitors to observe and learn about.
Conservation Efforts and Breeding Programs
Monarto Safari Park is playing a crucial role in wildlife conservation through various initiatives:
Endangered Species Breeding
The park participates in breeding programs for numerous endangered species, including the greater bilby, tammar wallaby, yellow-footed rock-wallaby, and eastern barred bandicoot.
Exotic Species Conservation
Monarto focuses on conserving exotic species such as the scimitar oryx, Przewalski’s horse, American bison, addax, Barbary sheep, South African cheetah, southern white rhinoceros, black rhinoceros and African wild dogs.
Species Survival Plans
The park participates in cooperative breeding programs coordinated through zoo associations, to manage and conserve genetically diverse populations of threatened and endangered species.
Captive Breeding and Reintroduction
Engages in captive breeding programs aimed at increasing population numbers of endangered species and potentially reintroducing them to their natural habitats.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Monarto Safari Park stands as a testament to the evolving role of zoological parks in the 21st century. By combining conservation efforts, breeding programs, immersive visitor experiences and educational initiatives, the park plays a vital role in protecting endangered species and fostering a deeper understanding of wildlife conservation amongst the public. As it continues to grow and develop, Monarto Safari Park is set to remain a key player in global conservation efforts and a significant attraction in South Australia.
Some of the Wildlife species that can be seen at the Monarto Safari Park
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Monarto Safari Park South Australia
Monarto Safari Park (Murraylands)
Monarto Safari Park (Murraylands)
At Monarto there is the renowned Monarto Safari Park, here there are cheetahs that roam alongside rhinos, giraffes and lions on a 1000 hectare open range zoo. At the zoo, they specialize in breeding programs for endangered species the world over.
History and Development
Monarto Zoological Park was established in 1983, initially serving as a closed-to-the-public breeding area and sanctuary for endangered species. The park’s journey to becoming a public attraction began in 1990 with a feasibility study, and by 1993, it had transformed into a large educational facility open to the public, offering bus and walking tours.
In a significant development, the park embarked on a three-year project in late 2019 to convert itself into a safari park with luxury resort facilities. This transformation led to the rebranding of the facility as “Monarto Safari Park” by 2021, with the ambitious goal of becoming the largest safari park outside of Africa.
The park is administered by the Royal Zoological Society of South Australia, trading as Zoos SA, which underscores its commitment to conservation and education.
Animal Exhibits and Experiences
Monarto Safari Park is home to a diverse range of animal species, offering visitors unique and immersive experiences:
Large Mammals
The park features several iconic large mammals, including lions, cheetahs and rhinoceroses. Visitors can experience thrilling encounters such as the Lions 360 walk-in cage, which provides an up-close view of these majestic predators.
Giraffe Herd
Monarto Safari Park boasts Australia’s largest giraffe herd, being recognised for having one of the most successful giraffe breeding programs in Oceania.
Interactive Experiences
The park offers various interactive animal experiences, including opportunities to meet meerkats, feed the giraffes and interact with rhinoceroses.
Native Species
Visitors can observe native Australian wildlife such as grey kangaroos, emus and echidnas, providing a comprehensive view of both exotic and local fauna.
Chimpanzee Exhibit
The park houses a troop of chimpanzees, contributing to its reputation as a leader in primate conservation.
Recent Additions
The park has expanded its collection to include African Crested Porcupines, further diversifying the species available for visitors to observe and learn about.
Conservation Efforts and Breeding Programs
Monarto Safari Park is playing a crucial role in wildlife conservation through various initiatives:
Endangered Species Breeding
The park participates in breeding programs for numerous endangered species, including the greater bilby, tammar wallaby, yellow-footed rock-wallaby, and eastern barred bandicoot.
Exotic Species Conservation
Monarto focuses on conserving exotic species such as the scimitar oryx, Przewalski’s horse, American bison, addax, Barbary sheep, South African cheetah, southern white rhinoceros, black rhinoceros and African wild dogs.
Species Survival Plans
The park participates in cooperative breeding programs coordinated through zoo associations, to manage and conserve genetically diverse populations of threatened and endangered species.
Captive Breeding and Reintroduction
Engages in captive breeding programs aimed at increasing population numbers of endangered species and potentially reintroducing them to their natural habitats.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Monarto Safari Park stands as a testament to the evolving role of zoological parks in the 21st century. By combining conservation efforts, breeding programs, immersive visitor experiences and educational initiatives, the park plays a vital role in protecting endangered species and fostering a deeper understanding of wildlife conservation amongst the public. As it continues to grow and develop, Monarto Safari Park is set to remain a key player in global conservation efforts and a significant attraction in South Australia.
Book Tickets to Visit: Monarto Safari Park South Australia
Please Note: All non-members need to pre-book their visit with a date-specific ticket. See their Website.
Open 9 to 5 everyday of the year.
Previous: Visit the Murraylands
Topic: SA National Parks
Main Photo: Some of the Wildlife species that can be seen at the Monarto Safari Park