Monarto Zoo, SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Airing Date: Jul 19th, 2004
Monarto Zoo is just an hour from Adelaide, at Monarto near Murray Bridge. The zoo is a protected nature sanctuary with African, Asian and Australian native animals as well as diverse native vegetation.
The zoo offers a 'Working with Wildlife' program which allows visitors to get behind the scenes with the zoo keepers. Guests can join the tour and take part in a hands-on experience feeding animals and managing their health.
500 animals live in the Monarto Zoo, including lions, the southern white rhinoceros, cheetahs, Cape hunting dogs and Australia's largest giraffe herd. Participants are given an opportunity to interact with the animals by taking part in their feeding programs, and are also given an insight into the many breeding programs.
This includes an opportunity to get close to the eleven newly born Cape Hunting Dogs that are the most endangered meat-eaters in all of Africa. Visitors are also invited to assist the veterinarian with darting the animals, preparing medicines and monitoring vital signs such as temperature, respiration and heart rate.
If you'd like to meet the lions, you can join the zoo keeper on the dinner rounds. It's important to check the lion's paws and undersides, remember that these animals are hungry, even after six kilos of meat five times a week!
There are a few regulations for participants in 'Working with Wildlife.' All participants have to be 16 years of age or over, and are advised to wear sturdy closed-in footwear, a hat and suitable clothing. You must be able to speak and/or understand English, or have a translator participate with you in the program.
The Monarto Zoo is open everyday to the public and 'Working with Wildlife' is available on Wednesdays and Sundays, 8am to 5pm. There's a maximum of four people per group, which means you get complete personal attention from your guide. The day includes a light lunch with the zoo keepers, and you'll also receive a certificate of participation on completion of the day.
The facts
'Working with Wildlife' costs $350 per person and includes lunch with the zoo keepers.
Monarto Zoological Park
Tel: 08 8534 4100
Qantas and QantasLink can fly you to Adelaide with one way, online prices from Sydney starting at $141 and $211 from Perth.
Qantas
Tel: 13 13 13
South Australian Tourism Commission
Tel: 1300 655 276
Murray Bridge Motor Inn
Tel: 08 8532 1144
Prices correct at 19/07/04
