Zoos SA celebrate multiple South Australian Tourism Awards

Wins galore for Zoos SA at 2021 South Australian Tourism Awards with gold for Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park and Premier's Award

Zoos SA is celebrating their secuting of four awards at the 2021 South Australian Tourism Awards including gold for Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park and the Premier's Award.

Adelaide Zoo, previously invested in the prestigious Hall of Fame, was named winner of the Major Tourist Attraction award for the fourth time, while sister site Monarto Safari Park won the Voters’ Choice Tourism Awards – Experience/Service category. Adelaide Zoo was also awarded with the Premier's Award for Service Excellence while Monarto Safari Park picked up a silver in the Tourist Attractions award.

Only a short walk from the Adelaide CBD, Adelaide Zoo spans over eight hectares and is home to more than 2,500 animals and 250 different species of native and exotic mammals, birds, reptiles and fish. An hour’s drive from the city, Monarto Safari Park spans over 1,500 hectares and is home to more than 500 native and exotic animals, 70% of which are threatened with extinction.

A delighted Zoos SA Chief Executive Elaine Bensted said all four awards were a fantastic achievement for both Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park and were more welcome than ever after an extremely tough time during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bensted notes “Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park were up against some wonderful tourism operators. Being in the shortlist itself is an incredible achievement but winning is wonderful recognition for our sites, our staff and volunteers, and of course the wonderful species.   

“The tourism sector has suffered greatly due to COVID-19 and we’ve all had to become masters of adaptation – much like animals.

“However, despite restrictions on visitor numbers and closures we’ve carried on delivering a magical, memorable, and motivating day out at Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park.   

“Adelaide Zoo is an iconic and much-loved South Australian stalwart that has been welcoming visitors since 1883. It’s a place of connection and the maker and granter of memories and wishes. Despite the challenges of the last 20 months, the zoo continues to excite, engage with and inspire conservation action and it’s great that this is recognised.

Bensted added "winning the Premier's Award for Service Excellence really is the icing on the cake for Adelaide Zoo. This award is a win for the entire team and all the hard work that goes into the zoo every single day of the year. We pride ourselves on our excellent service policies and procedures and this is shown in our strong membership base that currently sits at around 43,000.  

“Monarto Safari Park taking out the Voters’ Choice award is a fantastic accolade – the people have spoken! There’s so much happening at Monarto with the new Visitor Centre set to open and the safari experience and hotel not long after.

“As the largest safari experience outside of Africa, Monarto alongside other tourism greats is making the Murraylands region a must-do for visitors whether they’re from Murray Bridge, Melbourne or Miami.

“I’d like to extend my thanks to the Premier, all the judges and also to all those who took the time to vote for us – we really appreciate your support. And of course, the final thanks go to all the staff, volunteers and supporters who make both sites such worthy winners.”

Zoos SA will now go on to represent South Australia at the Australian Tourism Awards early next year.