Zoos SA celebrates multiple wins at the Tourism Awards

4 Nov 2022

Zoos SA celebrates multiple wins at the Tourism Awards

By Michelle Hubbard
Michelle Hubbard is Zoos SA's Public Relations Manager

Zoos SA is celebrating after winning five awards at last night’s South Australian Tourism Awards, including the prestigious top gong for Major Tourist Attraction for Adelaide Zoo, Tourist Attractions for Monarto Safari Park, and the Voters’ Choice award.

Speaking of the achievement, CE for Zoos SA, Elaine Bensted said: “These awards are a wonderful recognition for our work as a conservation charity and as two of the state’s most well-loved and visited institutions.

“So many people love nature and a trip to Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park perfectly encapsulate a fun day out but with a purpose – every visit connects people with nature and helps to save species from extinction.

The South Australian Tourism Awards were held at the Adelaide Convention Centre, and saw Zoos SA and its two sites Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park also scoop up awards for Accessibility (Monarto Safari Park) and the silver in the Events and Festivals category for Light Creatures.

Talking about the Voters’ Choice awards, Elaine said: “It means a lot when our members and visitors think we’re the best. As a non-profit, we have to work twice as hard and often with a lot less than most to offer an unbeatable experience. After all the hard work of building and moving into our new Visitor Centre plus getting the new safari experience close to opening it’s great to see that people recognise our efforts and facilities. We do great work in the conservation space but none of it would be possible without our members and visitors. Thank you!” finished Elaine.

Adelaide Zoo’s Light Creatures, presented with SA Power Networks and as part of Illuminate Adelaide, won the silver award in the Events and Festivals category, a coop considering its infancy. Speaking about the award, Event Manager Billie Jo Nicholls said: “It means so much to get this recognition. Light Creatures saw Adelaide Zoo come to life at night with enormous animal lanterns and lighting. To win this award makes all the hard work worthwhile.”

This year’s wins for Adelaide Zoo in the Major Tourist Attraction category and Monarto Safari Park’s Tourist Attractions award means they will go through to the Australian Tourism Awards to be held in Sydney in March 2023.

“No South Australian organisation has ever won this award. I think it’s time we changed that!” finished Elaine.