Zoos SA named plastic free champions while also securing multiple wins at SA Tourism Awards

Zoos SA sites - Adelaide Zoo and sister site Monarto Safari Park - were named Plastic Free Champions by South Australia Deputy Premier Susan Close, Minister for Climate, Environment & Water after eliminating key plastic items including straws, non-certified compostable coffee cups and lids, takeaway containers, food ware, cutlery, plates, cups and bags.

Alongside this recognition, Zoos SA is celebrating after winning five 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.

Dr Phil Ainsley, Director of Adelaide Zoo notes “being recognised for our efforts to eliminate plastic from our sites is very rewarding and encouraging. We’ve enjoyed working closely with Plastic Free SA and Green Industries SA to champion this cause.

“As a conservation charity we are in a position to lead the way in caring for our environment and sharing that message. It’s vital that we all work together to protect species from the effects of litter on land and in waterways.

“Together we must eliminate single use plastics and instead opt for reusable, recyclable and certified compostable items.

“When you visit our sites you can either bring your own reusable cup, buy a one of our retail shops or, purchase a coffee at the café which are sold in certified compostable cups. Excitingly, you can now dispose of your cups in our specifically designed coffee cup compost bins at the zoo!

“We’re not stopping here though. There’s always more we can do, and we’re constantly evolving in this space.”

Speaking of the achievement in securing multiple tourism awards, Zoos SA Chief Executive, Elaine Bensted notes “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 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, Bensted adds “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!”

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 with Event Manager Billie Jo Nicholls sharing “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 Bensted.

Adelaide Zoo’s latest experience, Pygmy Hippo Lunchtime is taking bookings now. See Obi’s chompers up close and hand-feed him some tasty treats!

https://www.adelaidezoo.com.au/animal-experiences/pygmy-hippo-lunchtime/

Monarto Safari Park’s long-awaited Land of the Lemurs walk-through experience is on sale now with the first public experience taking place on 14th November 2022.

https://www.monartosafari.com.au/animal-experiences/land-of-the-lemurs/

Awards:

WINNER: Major Tourist Attraction - Adelaide Zoo

WINNER: Tourist Attractions – Monarto Safari Park

WINNER: Excellence in Accessibility – Monarto Safari Park

WINNER: Voters’ Choice – Monarto Safari Park

SILVER: Festivals and Events  - Light Creatures at Adelaide Zoo

Image: Credit: Adelaide Zoo