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Adelaide Zoo has been named Major Tourist Attraction of the Year at the 2019 South Australian Tourism Awards, claiming the award for the third year and winning a place in the Hall of Fame.

Held last night at the Adelaide Convention Centre, the awards recognise the best tourism operators and products across South Australia.

Adelaide Zoo also received silver in the Excellence in Accessible Tourism category, while Monarto Safari Park picked up silver in the Tourist Attraction category. 

Noting that the awards were a fantastic achievement for both sites, and recognition of its continued efforts and commitment to provide innovative, accessible and highly memorable tourism experiences, Sarah Brown, Zoos SA Director of Community Engagement, stated “we were up against some stiff competition with an impressive number of innovative tourism operators listed as finalists. It’s therefore a huge honour to have Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park recognised in the awards.”

“For more than one hundred years, visitors from all over Australia and the world have experienced the wonder of wildlife at Adelaide Zoo.

“Thanks to our ever-evolving unique and innovative tourism products, more intrastate, interstate and international visitors are coming through our gates.

“It’s a very exciting time for Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park, and with the ongoing implementation of our 20-year Master Plan in place; our vision is firmly set on the future.

Brown added that with “Monarto Safari Park receiving silver in the Tourist Attraction category and Adelaide Zoo receiving second in the Excellence in Accessible Tourism category" it is “proof that as a conservation charity and tourism attraction we continue to grow in the right direction – offering visitors something innovative, educational and truly memorable – and all while connecting people with nature.

“On behalf of the entire zoo family, I’d like to thank our wonderful community of visitors, members and lifelong supporters for helping us receive this amazing recognition and allowing us to continue to connect more people with nature and save species from extinction."

As a conservation charity, Zoos SA also works with partners to support 13 research and conservation priorities locally and nationally as well as 12 international conservation projects. Successful breeding programs for natives include Orange-bellied Parrot, Warru and Pygmy Blue-tongue Lizards.

Only a short walk from the Adelaide CBD, Adelaide Zoo spans over eight hectares and is home to more than 2500 animals and 250 different species of native and exotic mammals, birds, reptiles and fish.

Monarto Safari Park is one of the world’s largest open range parks outside of Africa, spanning over 1,500 hectares and home to more than 500 native and exotic animals.

Zoos SA recently announced a private investor will build a $40 million resort at Monarto Safari Park which will allow Zoos SA to expand its offerings to visitors including potential future award winners – a lemur experience and safari style tours.

Adelaide Zoo will now go on to represent South Australia at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards early next year.

Image ccourtesy of Dan Schultz

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