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Monarto Safari Park unveils $40m expansion

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monarto safari park

Monarto Zoo is has announced a $40m expansion, adding a luxury resort and glamping facilities, as well as safari experiences. It is also rebranding as Monarto Safari Park.

Monarto Zoo, which will be the largest safari park outside of Africa, is building the luxury resort and glamping facilities with an investment of $40 million from private developer, Gerry Ryan OAM.

Ryan will build and operate the resort and eco-glamping facilities. The expansion includes conference, function and restaurant spaces.

Zoos South Australia Chief Executive, Elaine Bensted, said: “We’re thrilled to formalise our partnership with Gerry Ryan OAM, which will see him build and operate a state-of-the-art safari resort at Monarto, allowing us to expand our fabulous safari experiences and tourism offering.”

Guests can enjoy open-sided vehicle tours of animals

monarto safari park

“The addition of accommodation and new experiences will also help us generate more funds to support our critical conservation work and continually improve our facilities at both of our sites,” she added.

As part of the redevelopment, Monarto Zoo is also adding safari experiences, which will include open-sided vehicle tours through herds of animals, and a large walk-through lemur habitat.

“Monarto Safari Park is a standout tourism offering, and this expansion will provide visitors with an unsurpassable safari experience that will attract domestic and international visitation,” said Ryan.

“I believe Monarto is a jewel in South Australia’s crown and the aim of this development is to create a truly memorable safari experience second only to a safari in Africa.”

State-of-the-art safari resort as part of Monarto

Monarto Zoo funding rhinos

Monarto Zoo is also building a new $16.8 million Visitor Centre, funded by the Federal and State Governments.

The new Visitor Centre will boast a large indoor and outdoor cafe, as well as nature play spaces, shopping, and improved accessibility.

Monarto Safari Park’s accommodation is set to open in 2022, with the new Visitor Centre scheduled to open in 2021.

Images: Monarto Zoo

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Bea Mitchell

Bea is a journalist specialising in entertainment, attractions and tech with 10 years' experience. She has written and edited for publications including CNET, BuzzFeed, Digital Spy, Evening Standard and BBC. Bea graduated from King's College London and has an MA in journalism.

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