Zoos SA partners with Variety SA to offer more inclusive and accessible experiences

Zoos SA and Variety SA have partnered to create a more inclusive and accessible experience for all visitors across both animal experiences and onsite at Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park.

Variety – the Children’s Charity - supports children and families who are facing many challenges through sickness, disadvantage or living with disability.

Alongside accessible animal experiences such as Lions360 and Land of the Lemurs, the latest endeavours focus on making the visitor experience at each site more inclusive and easier for all to explore.

This includes the new Variety SA on Safari bus, which can fit up to five wheelchairs or 26 passengers, providing greater opportunities for guests to experience the park.

The bus was recently tested out by students from Willunga High School, exploring Land of Lemurs and visiting the lions, Spotted Hyena and African Painted Dogs.

Zoos SA Chief Executive, Elaine Bensted shared “creating an inclusive environment is not just a priority - it’s a core part of our purpose in connecting people with nature and saving species from extinction.

“We’re making big moves to ensure that everyone, no matter their needs, can fully enjoy the wild wonders our sites have to offer.

“Our commitment extends beyond physical accessibility, as we've developed and implemented our first Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion Action Plan, further solidifying our dedication to making sure everyone can fully enjoy the wild wonders our sites have to offer.

“On top of this, thanks to wonderful partners like Variety SA, we’ve been able to introduce a Variety SA on Safari bus, which will help us make discovering the wild accessible to all.

“Not only this, but their support has allowed us to resurface walking tracks for wheelchair use, add accessible pick-up points and incorporate Auslan and audio descriptions and signage for each animal platform at Monarto Safari Park.”

Variety Chief Executive Mark McGill added “for the past 10 years, we have shared a wonderful partnership with Zoos SA focussing on the philosophical value that all children, regardless of circumstance, should have the opportunity to enjoy their right of passage at the zoo sites.

"The Variety family has funded inclusive play spaces, accessible vehicles and infrastructure that will have generations of children experiencing the wonders of nature."

New glass panels have also been installed at the lion platform to give everyone, including those in wheelchairs, a perfect view of the lions in action. 

Binoculars at different heights, will allow kids and adults in wheelchairs to get up close and personal with the wildlife and the brand new, accessible pick up and drop off spot at the Chimpanzee habitat now makes it easier to see these all the primate fun without having to walk from the bus stop at The Outpost.

Zoos SA has also introduced Social Stories on the organisation’s website to help visitors prepare for their visit and installed Communication Boards for visitors who communicate differently or are non-verbal.

Designed by Autism SA, these boards feature pictures of zoo favourites like lions, giraffes and the beloved Nature’s Playground along with icons visualising emotions and directions. Visitors can point to the images to help communicate, making the zoo and park more welcoming for everyone.

These new additions complement Zoos SA’s sensory-friendly experiences including ‘Relaxed Zoo’ hours and an Assistance Animals pilot program.

For more information on accessibility at Zoos SA sites, please visit monartosafari.com.au/accessibility or adelaidezoo.com.au/accessibility.

More information on Variety SA