Zoos SA reopens Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park and extends Illuminate Adelaide

July 29, 2021

Zoos SA has reopened Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park following South Australia’s seven-day COVID lockdown and has also announced the extension for Light Creatures season as part of Illuminate Adelaide!

Light Creatures sees enormous animatronic Giant Pandas roll playfully across the Central Lawns, a gigantic dreamtime skink designed by Elizabeth Close with storytelling by Jack Buckskin, a Giraffe Arch and an Underwater Wonderland wriggling with jellyfish and swaying with vivid, colour-changing coral all designed by A Blanck Canvas.

Interactive light installations Fish Frenzy and Curious Creatures by local Adelaide-based company Monkeystack are also popular interactive spectacles.

Speaking about the reopening and the extension to Light Creatures, Elaine Bensted, Chief Executive of Zoos SA enthused “we’re ecstatic to welcome back our loyal members and visitors and ask that they book in advance. The impacts of no visitors to us as an NGO conservation charity are huge, especially after the previous two closures.

“The good news is that while we stayed at home our animal keeping and veterinary staff were able to be on site and they have taken great care of all the species.

“As predominantly open-air sites, we are confident that our visitors will feel comfortable and safe when visiting. We operate a COVID Management Plan site and will continue to ensure we follow all SA Health guidance and strongly recommend that people use facemasks appropriately, use the QR code and follow all guidance regarding social distancing and hygiene.

“We are also excited to add that Light Creatures, as part of Illuminate Adelaide and brought to life with presenting partner SA Power Networks, can also pick up where we left off. We’ve extended the run by one week with extra nights on the 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th August.

“It was really unfortunate that we had to cancel a few sessions prior to the lockdown due to strong winds and then for lockdown itself. We can’t wait to continue with this spectacular lantern and interactive light show and allow people to see nature in a new light.”

Light Creatures at Adelaide Zoo has attracted a large attendance from visitors keen to see the zoo in a whole new light.

Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park will reopen on Thursday 29 July at 9.30am. Visitors are asked to book online prior to arrival at www.zoossa.com.au to avoid missing out.

Light Creatures was due to end on the 1st August but additional nights will see it run until Sunday 8th August 2021. Tickets for Light Creatures are available to purchase via www.adelaidezoo.com.au/lightcreatures.

All visitors to Zoos SA sites are encouraged to wear facemasks. We remind all visitors that any undercover or indoor area requires the wearing of a facemask (unless age or health related symptoms prevent you).

3rd June 2021 - Monarto Safari Park Director receives UNESCO Achievement Award for role in conservation

18th May 2021 - Zoos SA announce another successful Tasmanian Devil breeding season at Monarto Safari Park

12th May 2021 - Zoos SA online auction goes live to support its Animal Health Centre

9th July 2021 - Adelaide activated with new annual winter event

14th July 2021 - Zoos SA calls on public to recycle old mobile phones this World Chimpanzee Day

1st March 2021 - Zoos SA announces Mossop Construction as builder for Monarto Safari Park Visitor Centre

1st January 2021 - Zoos SA shares five conservation wishes for 2021

26th November 2020 - Zoos SA embraces the ‘crappiness’ of 2020

23rd October 2020 - Zoos SA becomes first wildlife attraction in the world to offer Duke of Edinburgh International Award

7th September 2020 - Zoos SA and Aussie Ark mark National Threatened Species Day

15th June 2020 - Zoos SA announce reopening of Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park

11th June 2020 - Former Zoos SA veterinarian and conservationist awarded Member of the Order of Australia

2nd June 2020 - Zoos SA unable to reopen under current suggested restrictions

3rd April 2020 - Zoos SA launch live streaming keeper talks

23rd January 2020 - Zoos SA plans wildlife recovery strategies following bushfires

14th February 2019 - Zoos SA look to keep giant pandas in Adelaide

20th February 2015 - Zoos SA releases plans for new wildlife experiences at Adelaide and Monarto Zoos

18th August 2014 - Zoos SA reverses decision to end selling palm oil free ice cream

14th February 2013 - Zoos SA to close Warrawong Sanctuary

17th October 2011 - Zoos SA halts plans for African safari experience

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