Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park can now lay claim to being among Australia’s leading and most innovative ecotourism attractions.
We’re thrilled to share the news Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park have received Advanced Ecotourism certification through Ecotourism Australia.
Zoos South Australia Chief Executive Elaine Bensted said the certification was recognition of the zoos’ ongoing efforts to operate environmentally sustainable tourism attractions.
“As a conservation charity, we operate our sites with minimal impact on the environment and provide educational opportunities to connect people with nature and learn about conservation,” Elaine said.
“If consumers want to help the environment while they are on holidays, they can travel to our zoos with confidence knowing that we are committed to sustainable practices and providing high quality nature-based tourism experiences.
“We’re among only three zoos in Australia to hold this advanced accreditation; we are reducing our carbon footprint, and are working with operators who are committed to using resources wisely and contributing to conserving the environment.
“With our business’ reliance on natural resources and as leaders in conservation education, we are in a unique position to showcase environmental sustainability and inspire our visitors to take action in their own lives.
“In addition to our conservation and education work, we have also recently announced funding to build a Predator Experience at Monarto Safari Park which reverses the traditional zoo concept – essentially putting our visitors in the cage.
“This project is the first of its kind in Australia and is another example of how we are leaders in modern animal welfare science.”
Only a short walk from the Adelaide CBD, Adelaide Zoo spans over eight hectares and is home to more than 2500 animals and 250 different species of natives and exotic mammals, birds, reptiles and fish.
Monarto Safari Park is one of the world’s largest open range zoos, spanning more than 1,500 hectares and home to more than 500 animals and 50 species of native and exotic mammals, birds and reptiles.
For further information on Zoos SA’s Environmental Management Plan and sustainability projects, please click here.
