Classes visiting Monarto Zoo can undertake a wide range of educational activities, with or without an Education Officer.

The small Education team at Monarto provides a range of programs for different groups.

Many groups (kindergarten to tertiary), undertake service projects at the Park to develop personal and practical skills in the students such as teamwork, communication, work skills, citizenship, environmental awareness and leadership. During the projects student also gain enjoyment, self-esteem and a connection with the natural world.

As these service projects are quite time-consuming for the Education staff at the Park, they must be individually negotiated with an Education Officer. For more information about such projects, read about programs available.

For education groups visiting Monarto the Safari bus tours, (with commentary from a trained Volunteer Guide) and activities at lookouts and on walking tracks can be undertaken without an Education Officer. These activities can be supported by online resources and will provide a valuable and enjoyable education experience.

Classes of over 15 students must have their own bus to be eligible for the reduced Education prices. A volunteer guide will board the bus to provide commentary for the tour. Smaller groups are also encouraged to book their own mini-bus. If the group travels on a Monarto Zoo public tours bus, an extra “Bus Charge” is added to the Education Entry Fee.  For more details about booking for a one day excursion, go to planning a visit.

Teacher Development Days and special events occur from time to time, with details provided in fliers to schools, DECS Media Centre and in Highlights on the web site.

All programs and visits must be booked through the Monarto Zoo Tour Desk Coordinator. Further discussion and negotiation with Education staff is required for the programs run by an Education Officer. The Tours Desk Coordinator will arrange for this to happen. Contact us on tel. (08) 85344100 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.

If organising a visit to Monarto is difficult for your class, it is still possible for the students to undertake service projects at school that are animal or environment related, and can support the work of the Park. See programs available to find out more.

Alternatively, discover Zoomobile, a travelling zoo that brings a range of native animals to your school or kindergarten for a hands-on educational session that will teach students about local wildlife and habitat conservation. Zoomobile is restricted to schools which are within a certain traveling time from Adelaide Zoo. From 2008, Zoomobile will be based at Monarto for several days each term, and will be available to more schools and kindergartens in the Hills, Murraylands and Eastern Fleurieu during those times.