News and Media Releases

Big-spending tourists will be able to sleep under the stars, hear the chilling roar of lions and wake to a safari tour around a massive enclosure roamed by spectacular African wildlife.

The zoo unveiled its plans yesterday after announcing it had bought 450 hectares of land adjacent to the existing site, increasing the zoo's total area to 1450 hectares.

President of the Royal Zoological Society of SA, Heather Caddick, says the acquisition adds a "whole new dimension" to what will be a "premier tourism destination".

"The idea is for an 80ha enclosure that will have giraffe, zebra, antelope and the rhinos all mingling together," she said.

"We're going to give an African wildlife experience with safari tented accommodation - you won't have to fly to Africa."

The conservation of endangered species is paramount and Monarto Zoo wouldn't dare undo the success of breeding programs.

While the carnivorous kings of the jungle will not be allowed to mingle, other animals – including jilted rhino Satara, will be free to wander.

The two-tonne white rhinoceros went on a jealous rampage in December after he discovered his mate had been paired with a younger male.

African elephants are on the zoo's wish list, but they would be very expensive and time-consuming, Mrs Caddick says.

Monarto Zoo projects manager Geoff Brooks says the new piece of land has some special features.

"There is some very pretty country over there that lends itself to a more authentic experience," he said.

"Out here it's just flat but over there are hidden valleys and rises, it's more of a safari.

"In one section, you know the Remarkable Rocks on Kangaroo Island, well there are rocks like that hidden in the bush."

The 450ha was bought from the Schubert family for an undisclosed sum, using money raised by the society's Serengeti Committee and extra contributions from other private donors.

A feasibility study with SA Tourism is already examining accommodation options.