Zoos SA Chief Executive to retire in 2025 with recruitment process launched for replacement

After 12 years at the helm of the organisation, Zoos SA Chief Executive, Elaine Bensted, has announced her intention to retire from the position effective April 2025.

Zoos SA President, Julieann Riedstra, announced Bensted’s plans at the launch of a global recruitment strategy.

Riedstra shared “The Zoos SA Board is sad that Elaine is retiring, but very happy for her.

“She has worked incredibly hard in this role and has achieved a lot to be very proud of. There is much to be excited about in the future of the zoo, and we are pleased that we can oversee a structured and smooth transition.”

Bensted has overseen major changes at Zoos SA since becoming Chief Executive in 2012. She said announcing her intent to retire will ensure a smooth transition for a new CE next year.  

Bensted advised “it has been an honour to lead Zoos SA for the past 12 years through a time of significant growth and change as well as the challenges associated with COVID.

“We have many exciting plans for the future, and I am deeply honoured to have been a part of Zoos SA’s 140 year history.”

Under Bensted’s leadership, Zoos SA has implemented an optimistic and exciting future for both Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park, with a number of major projects already implemented, as well as many more on the cusp of delivery.

During her tenure, Bensted has overseen multiple memorable moments in Zoos SA’s history, including:

• The construction of the Nature’s Playground and the Variety Children’s Zoo at Adelaide Zoo

• More than doubling annual member numbers

• Construction of the innovative Lions360 at Monarto Safari Park

• Securing funding and overseeing the build of the new Visitor Centre at Monarto Safari Park

• The first ever birth of many critically-endangered animals, including three Sumatran Tiger cubs at Adelaide Zoo

• Fundraising to enable the development of an Asian Elephant habitat at Monarto Safari Park

Challenges have included steering the organisation through the major impacts of COVID, including its effects on the Zoos SA team and conservation programs.

Bensted added “I am very proud of what has been achieved and have many proud moments that I will always be able to reflect on.  But there is always a very long list of more that we want to achieve.

“I cannot wait to see new Giant Pandas at Adelaide Zoo, see Asian elephants at Monarto Safari Park, as well as opening world class accommodation and safari tours.”

Bensted’s unfinished business that she is keen to achieve before handing over the reins also includes:

• Farewelling Fu Ni and Wang Wang and welcoming new Giant Pandas, Xing Qiu and Yi Lan

• Opening the Asian Elephant habitat at Monarto Safari Park

• Seeing the Wild Africa 5-star accommodation open to the public

• Funding a new annual conservation scholarship for Zoos SA staff to be able to engage in field conservation

“It has been an honour and an amazing journey, but now is the right time for me to hand over to someone new,” Bensted said.

“Zoos SA has been part of South Australia for over 140 years and I am proud to have been one if it’s many custodians.

“I have been very fortunate to have had a supportive Board and to lead a passionate and dedicated team. I’m looking forward to an exciting next six months and to helping the organisation’s next CE to continue the story.

“I will honour all of my current external Board appointments through 2025.”

The Zoos SA Board has commenced the recruitment process for the next Chief Executive, who will lead the not-for-profit organisation into the future.

Zoos SA notes “the Chief Executive will be a collaborative leader who engages and motivates the high performing executive team. Creating a culture of accountability and ownership, the workforce will understand and be committed to our purpose and values, led and demonstrated by the Chief Executive.

“Significant experience in securing funding and sponsorships or working within the not-for-profit sector the Chief Executive will be a highly-effective communicator with a strong community presence, the Chief Executive will demonstrate the highest levels of integrity, leading with innovation and commitment and be able to share our vision for the future in an engaging and inclusive way.

How to apply
Confidential applications can be made to the Director People and Performance, Liz Williams via email: ewilliams@zoossa.com.au

For more information about Zoos SA