Phil joined Zoos SA in 2013 as the Conservation Programs Manager working across both Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park, before moving into a Curator role overseeing conservation, birds, reptiles and native species and later as Director of Life Sciences. In 2021 he was appointed as the on-going Director of Adelaide Zoo and in 2025 as Chief Executive.
Phil trained as a Bioengineer receiving degrees at both Flinders and Adelaide University, worked in the forestry industry in New Zealand before returning to Adelaide where he spent over ten years as a senior manager and conservation biologist with the Department of Environment and Water.
Phil was fortunate to grow up spending much time at Adelaide Zoo in the footsteps of his father who worked in the reptile section for nearly 20-years. This fostered his passion and interest in reptiles and nature more broadly. A highlight has been re-establishing Zoos SA’s Pygmy Bluetongue conservation program which resulted in the first captive breeding of a species presumed extinct until 1992.
Phil is married and has three sons who all love spending time visiting both Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park. A family favourite is Aonika, Adelaide Zoo’s Aldabra Giant Tortoise.
“I am truly honoured to have the opportunity to lead the Life Sciences team at Adelaide Zoo, working with an amazing team of people and collection of animals. Every day I remind myself what a privilege this is. I look forward to seeing Zoos SA continue to develop, grow and strengthen its position as a leader in the zoo industry.”
Brendan is Zoos SA Acting Director of Community Engagement, leading a diverse portfolio spanning Fundraising, Marketing, Partnerships, Events, Functions, Education, Public Relations & Media, Visitor Operations, and Membership. With a strong background in media, sales, and strategic community engagement, Brendan is passionate about connecting people with nature through meaningful experiences both onsite and online.
Brendan has championed Zoos SA’s Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) work, leading the development and implementation of the organisation’s first DEAI Action Plan. He has also played a key role in aligning Community Engagement with Zoos SA’s 5-Year Business Plan, driving initiatives and consultation to enhance visitor experience, broaden community partnerships, and support conservation impact.
Beyond Zoos SA, Brendan is an active contributor to the Adelaide Hills Pantry project, a grassroots storytelling, media, and events platform celebrating local food, cycling, and community culture. He has also been a long-term player, coach, and committee member with the Hahndorf Soccer Club, and volunteers with the History Trust of South Australia, reflecting his strong commitment to community and heritage.
Dr Ian Smith joined Zoos SA in 2003 as a veterinarian, initially based at Monarto Safari Park and at Adelaide Zoo from 2007. In 2010 he was appointed Senior Veterinarian, overseeing the Animal Health Department across both sites. 2025 has been a busy year with a brief acting role as Director of Adelaide Zoo before stepping into the role of Acting Director, Monarto Safari Park.
Ian trained as a veterinarian through the University of Melbourne and completed a Masters program run in conjunction with the University of London (Royal Veterinary College) and London Zoo. In 2010 Ian was awarded a Winston Churchill Memorial Trust fellowship to study open range zoos around the world. He has worked at zoos interstate and overseas, and on numerous field conservation projects during his more than 30-year professional career.
Ian is married with a son and a daughter and enjoys the country lifestyle of the Adelaide Hills. He has a love of the sea, travelling, watching sport (particularly sumo wrestling), and sampling dark ales. He professes to not have a favourite animal – lest the keepers see this as a bias – but has a soft spot for rhinos as the topic of his masters thesis, and recreationally revels in seabird colonies.
Chad Crittle joined Zoos SA in 2015 as a Nature Theatre presenter. Moving towards opportunities as they arose, Chad has grown through his roles from Senior Keeper to Assistant Curator of Carnivores and Ungulates, before becoming Acting Director of Adelaide Zoo in July 2025. Chad has contributed his highly regarded expertise to a number of industry committees and consultancy groups, having chaired the Captive Management Group for the national Orange-bellied Parrot recovery team for three years; chairing the national recovery team in 2021; and as longstanding co-convenor for the ZAA Bird Taxon Advisory Group. Prior to joining Adelaide Zoo, Chad worked at Cairns Tropical Zoo and Taronga Zoo Sydney.
Throughout his career, Chad has presented over 3,500 large scale animal shows – such as Adelaide Zoo’s Free Flight Bird Show – highlighting the important conservation work of good zoos and showcasing threatened species to thousands of zoo-goers each year. Chad has also had a hands-on role in several conservation programs, including captive breeding of the critically endangered Western Swamp Tortoise, Swift Parrot, Orange-bellied Parrot, and Regent Honeyeater; while also supporting research for species such as the Little Penguin, Australian Sea-lion, New Zealand Fur Seal, Regent Parrot, Palm Cockatoo, and many more native threatened species.
Becoming Adelaide Zoo Director fulfills a lifelong ambition for Chad, who started his zoo journey as a 13-year-old youth volunteer and quickly knew he had found his place. Chad is grateful every day, for the chance to lead an amazing group of professionals who contribute to the city oasis that is Adelaide Zoo. Chad is married with two young sons, both of whom are (also) animal obsessed.
“There aren’t many places so close to the city you can disappear into the natural world, have a memorable experience while learning new things – and all while directly contributing to conservation outcomes with the purchase of a ticket. I get to call that place my office, something I’m always grateful for.”
Professional memberships
Darren joined Zoos SA as Director, Corporate Services in August 2016. His responsibilities include financial and risk management, information technology, corporate policy development and strategic planning.
Darren has over 25 years’ experience in a range of finance and governance roles in varying industries including banking, public practice, manufacturing, aviation and international social development. Prior to joining Zoos SA, he was Chief Financial Officer for Scope Global where he oversaw financial compliance, risk mitigation, and contract management for the company’s Australian and overseas operations.
Darren has also held positions at Penrice Soda, Cobham Aviation Services, Hi-Fert and Bank SA. Darren has a Bachelor of Commerce and is a member of CPA Australia.
Darren is married with a daughter, and he enjoys travel and cycling.
“I continue to be amazed at the commitment that each employee, volunteer and supporter shows in meeting the objectives of Zoos SA.”
Professional memberships
Liz joined Zoos SA in August 2023, bringing with her a wealth of experience in leading human resources strategies and operations, and volunteer management. Liz has a career history primarily based in the not-for-profit sector, with managerial roles across human resources, volunteer management, and corporate services for both Alzheimer’s Australia (now Dementia Australia) and the Australian Red Cross. Prior to joining Zoos SA, Liz led the People & Culture division of St John Ambulance SA, and before that supported SA Health in managing the SA Government staff mobilisation emergency management program during the Covid pandemic.
Liz is passionate about organisational culture and staff engagement and is responsible for developing the Zoos SA People Plan; building and retaining the skills and experience needed to meet organisational goals, within an environment where people are engaged and committed to Zoos SA’s mission and values.
Liz is married and has two German Shorthaired Pointers. She is a keen photographer and loves to relax at the beach with her camera and dogs. Liz is dedicated to the zoo’s conservation programs and has a special love of the big cats.
Professional memberships
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