Adelaide Zoo

Adelaide Zoo is home to over 1,800 animals and almost 300 species of exotic and native mammals, birds, reptiles and fish exhibited in magnificent botanic surroundings now expanded to 8 hectares.

Adelaide Zoo focuses on endangered and rare animals from continents which made up the super continent Gondwana - South America, India, Africa and Australia (also South East Asia). The Zoology and Botany of these continents show interesting similarities and are the regions represented in the Zoo’s major exhibits; South East Asian Rainforest, Seal Bay, Australian Rainforest Wetlands walk-through aviary, Africa, South America, India, Nocturnal House and Reptile House.

The Zoo is the second oldest zoo in the nation and represents a significant and important part of South Australia’s heritage and social history. It is unique among Australian zoos as it has retained many original and significant architectural features giving it a style and character all its own.

The zoo is also a botanic garden, and the magnificent landscaping is the result of more than 125 years of care and attention. The original park layout can still be determined. There are many significant exotic and Australian trees in the gardens, including a superb Moreton Bay Fig near Minchin House, planted in 1877 before the establishment of the zoo.

Many of the trees are identified with their botanic names. This emphasis on botany reflects the changing role of the zoo.

Adelaide Zoo is owned and operated by the Royal Zoological Society of South Australia. Adelaide Zoo is the only major metropolitan Zoo in Australia to be owned and operated by a not for profit organisation and is governed by a volunteer board on behalf of its members. Adelaide Zoo has a workforce of 100 paid staff and 350 volunteers.