Zoos SA today marks the next phase of the not-for-profit conservation charity’s evolution, as Elaine Bensted concludes her 12-year tenure at the helm and Dr Phil Ainsley formally steps into the role of Zoos SA Chief Executive.
Dr Ainsley is the 12th individual to take on the role of Chief Executive in the iconic organisation’s 142-year history.
Elaine has demonstrated extraordinary leadership throughout her time at Zoos SA, having overseen substantial growth of the organisation’s membership, infrastructure, internal teams and its long-term ambition. She has implemented 20-year Master Plans for both Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park; celebrated Adelaide’s Zoo’s success as the first ever South Australian winner of the National Tourism Awards Major Tourist Attraction; enabled the construction of Nature’s Playground, Lions 360, and the state of the art Monarto Safari Park Visitor Centre; was instrumental in bringing elephants back to South Australia for the first time in over 30 years; and has been a driving force behind the Monarto Safari Resort and Wild Africa precinct.
There are few goals Elaine hasn’t seen come to fruition during her time at Zoos SA, even with the impacts of Covid-19 on the organisation’s people and finances. Elaine leaves the organisation in a substantially stronger position than when she took up the post of Chief Executive in 2012, and passes this iconic brand into safe hands for its future.
Having served as the Director of Adelaide Zoo, Phil’s career has been dedicated to conservation of the world’s flora and fauna, spanning 25 years across the not for profit, government and private sectors. He has a long history with Zoos SA, having joined the organisation in 2013 as the Conservation Programs Manager working across both Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park, before taking up a Curator role overseeing conservation, birds, reptiles, and native species, then stepping into the Director position in 2021.
Phil and Elaine have been working through a structured handover process since Dr Ainsley’s appointment was announced in December 2024. The handover has been marked by celebrations with Zoos SA board, leadership, staff, volunteers, donors and corporate partners, reflecting on the incredible impact of Elaine’s leadership as well as looking toward the bright future of Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park.
With Phil already a highly respected member of the executive leadership team and familiar with the organisation’s strategic plan and 20-year Master Plan, the handover has largely focused on stakeholder introductions and the budget planning process.
Elaine announced her intention to retire in October 2024, and following a global recruitment search with over 90 applicants, the Royal Zoological Society of SA Board was pleased to find the best talent right here at home.
As Phil takes up the mantle of Chief Executive, Zoos SA Senior Veterinarian Ian Smith has been appointed as Acting Director, Adelaide Zoo until the end of June 2025.
