What are the opening hours?

Monday 9:30am - 5pm Tuesday 9:30am - 5pm Wednesday 9:30am - 5pm Thursday 9:30am - 5pm Friday 9:30am - 5pm Saturday 9:30am - 5pm Sunday 9:30am - 5pm

Monarto Safari Park

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Monarto Safari Park

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Monarto Safari Park is the largest safari park that will exist outside of Africa spanning more than 1,000 hectares of fauna and flora.
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Monarto Safari Park is the largest safari park that will exist outside of Africa, spanning more than 1,000 hectares of fauna and flora and the only zoological park to be completely power neutral. Owned and operated by Zoos South Australia Monarto Safari Park opened in 1983 as a closed special purpose breeding facility. After officially opening to the public in October 1993, Monarto has evolved into a true biopark representing a unique blend of a conservation and zoological park. Its principle purpose is to provide a place for the conservation of Australian and exotic wildlife, public recreation and education. Monarto Safari Park is located 45 minutes (70 kilometres) from South Australia's capital city, Adelaide, and is the gateway to the picturesque Murraylands region. The park is open every day of the year from 9:30am to 5:00pm and focuses on African and Australian animals. The zoology and botany of these continents is reflected in the park’s major exhibits; Chimpanzee, Cheetah, African Painted Dog and Lion viewing platforms, Southern White Rhinoceros Boma viewing area, African Waterhole viewing platform and Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby walk-through exhibit.

29/10/2026

Cassie is starting to build some very special connections with members of the Chimpanzee troop. 🐵

Nearly three weeks after arriving at Monarto Safari Park, the troop has been closely watching and interacting with Cassie through protective mesh.

Some of the male Chimpanzees have even worked out their own way to “bridge the gap”, carefully shaping sticks with leaves on the end and passing them through the mesh towards Cassie.

She’ll reach out and hold onto one end while the Chimpanzee gently holds the other, giving them a way to interact and play while still keeping everyone safely separated.

Primate Supervisor Laura Hanley says the behaviour has been incredibly encouraging, but Cassie’s introduction will continue slowly and at her pace, with experienced keepers closely monitoring every interaction.

There are still plenty of milestones ahead before any direct introductions take place, but these early interactions are a very positive step.

🎥 Watch the full update from Laura and see more of Cassie’s interactions with the troop on YouTube: link in comments

27/10/2026

🦬 Colin has done it again.

Four American Bison calves have been born at Monarto Safari Park in just one week - and they’re the final calves sired by our much-loved breeding bull, Colin.

We were lucky enough to capture the incredible moment one of the newest arrivals entered the world, with the little reddish-brown calf quickly finding its feet alongside mum.

After an impressive stint as breeding bull, siring 17 calves since 2024. Colin has now officially retired from the job - and we think four final calves in one week is a pretty fitting way to sign off.

American Bison are listed as Near Threatened in the wild, making every successful birth an important part of maintaining a healthy, sustainable population.

Enjoy retirement, Colin. You’ve earned it. 🦬

22/10/2026

Infant Chimpanzee Cassie has taken another small but important step at Monarto Safari Park, spending time outside on habitat for the first time.

Early in the morning, Cassie watched members of the Chimpanzee troop calling out and climbing through the ropes, taking in all the sights and sounds from a safe distance.

Later, she headed back outside to enjoy some afternoon sun while keepers prepared the diet for the troop.

These early experiences are all part of Cassie becoming familiar with her new surroundings and the chimpanzees around her, with every step continuing at her pace and the troop’s.

We’ll keep sharing updates as Cassie’s journey continues.

🎥 Primate team

16/10/2026

Zoomies, but make it prickly! 😍

Turn your sound up and watch Cape Porcupines, Rita and Oliver, shake their quills and have a zoom across their habitat at Monarto Safari Park.

Depsite popular belief, porcupines do not throw their quills but they do shake and rattle them to communicate and warn others that predators are nearby.

If you want to spot these spikey superstars, be sure to hop on the first Zu-loop bus of the day, as this is when they are most active!

🎥 Keeper Jana

15/10/2026

Cassie has been putting those little arms and legs to work! 🐵

Climbing, stretching and exploring are all important parts of Cassie’s development as she continues settling into life at Monarto Safari Park.

After spending the first few weeks of her life in a cast following her leg injury, an orthopaedic specialist who assessed Cassie has highlighted the importance of rebuilding muscle and strength in that leg.

She also has plenty of upper-body strength to develop. If Cassie progresses to physical introductions with the Chimpanzee troop, she will need to be strong enough to climb, move confidently and potentially hold onto a surrogate Chimpanzee.

For now, there is no rush. The primate team is giving Cassie plenty of opportunities to climb, play and build strength at her own pace, while she continues getting to know the Chimpanzees around her.

🎥 Keeper Amy

14/10/2026

Cassie has made it to Monarto Safari Park, but her journey is far from over. 🐵

Over the coming weeks and months, our dedicated primate team will continue working at Cassie’s pace as she settles into her new surroundings and becomes more familiar with the Chimpanzees around her.

There is no set timeline for what happens next. Every step will be guided by Cassie and the troop, with her care and wellbeing always the priority.

As Cassie learns what it means to be a Chimpanzee alongside her own species, she’ll need a human village supporting her every step of the way.

That’s where you come in.

If you've been following Cassie's journey, we’d love you to be part of her next chapter.

As a not-for-profit conservation charity, Zoos SA relies on donations from our community to provide the specialised care animals like Cassie need.

Every donation, big or small, will help support Cassie’s ongoing care at Monarto Safari Park, giving her every opportunity to settle, grow and thrive.

Be part of Cassie’s village - donate today: https://donate.zoossa.com.au/cassie

📷 Keeper Sarah

12/10/2026

Cassie has arrived at Monarto Safari Park and is taking her first steps towards getting to know the chimpanzee troop. 🐵

After her journey from Rockhampton, Cassie visited our partner, The Austin Vet Specialists, for health checks. The team was pleased with how her previously injured leg is healing, following the dedicated care she received from the Rockhampton Zoo team.

Following a well-earned sleep, Cassie has begun spending time near the other Chimpanzees, becoming familiar with their sights, sounds and activity. These early interactions are happening through barriers. She hasn’t joined the troop yet, but some adult males have already shown interest and play behaviours, while other members are coming over to investigate.

Keepers are providing around-the-clock care and watching these interactions closely to guide the next steps. It’s early days, and the team is taking things at Cassie’s pace.

Watch Jon explain how she’s settling in. We’ll pop a link to the longer version of the video in the comments.

Address

63 Monarto Road
Monarto, SA
5254

Opening Hours

Monday	9:30am - 5pm
Tuesday	9:30am - 5pm
Wednesday	9:30am - 5pm
Thursday	9:30am - 5pm
Friday	9:30am - 5pm
Saturday	9:30am - 5pm
Sunday	9:30am - 5pm

Website

https://www.monartosafari.com.au/

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