Monarto Zoo to expand and become "world's largest safari outside Africa"
– Elaine Bensted
South Australia's Monarto Zoo says it will become the world's largest safari experience outside of Africa, through a A$40m (US$27.1m, €24.66m, £21.8m) development that has been approved by the regional government.
The project, led by architects Intro, includes the provision of a luxury resort and eco-glamping facilities, a new visitor centre, restaurant, conference facilities and a range of new wild safari experiences in an area to be called Wild Africa, complete with herds of roaming animals and open-sided vehicle tours. There will also be a 35,000sq m (115,000sq ft) walk-through lemur habitat.
Zoos South Australia chief executive Elaine Bensted said: "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."
Monarto Zoo will rebrand as Monarto Safari Park through the changes, which are scheduled to be completed by 2022.
South Australia Monarto Zoo Africa eco-glamping Wild Africa Gerry Ryan