Monarto plays a major role nationally and internationally breeding rare and endangered animals. An extensive behind the scenes native breeding facility is responsible for maintaining a Tasmanian Devil insurance population and has seen success breeding the Greater Bilby, Blank-flanked Rock Wallaby, Brush-tailed Bettong and Mainland Tammar Wallaby, all of which have been used for wild release programs.
The zoo has also experienced great success in recent years breeding its first Chimpanzee infant, Cheetah, African Lions, Przewalski’s Horses, Spotted Hyenas and Southern White Rhinoceros to name a few.
Our animals act as important ambassadors for their wild cousins and play a part in our wildlife conservation efforts both in our own backyard and across the globe. In addition many species are part of regional and global breeding programs to ensure the long-term survival of their species.
A team of more than 30 zoo keepers, vets and vet nurses care for the zoo’s unique residents. Zoo keepers provide the majority of the animals’ daily care requirements including feeding, cleaning, training and enrichment practices. The zoo’s veterinary team manages the long-term health of the animal population including caring for sick and injured animals, instituting preventative medicine, performing necropsies to investigate animal deaths and oversee animal reproduction.
Make sure to attend a zoo keeper presentation to meet our friendly staff and learn more about our weird and wonderful animal residents!