The Monarto Zoo experience is about to get a whole lot better. A $40 million expansion will transform Monarto Zoo into the world’s largest safari experience outside of Africa and will mark its rebranding as ‘Monarto Safari Park’.
Zoos South Australia Chief Executive Elaine Bensted said Australian businessman and private investor Gerry Ryan OAM is building the luxury resort which will bring the multimillion development to life. “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,”
Elaine said. “$40 million in private investment and the construction of a luxury resort and glamping facilities is an exciting coup for Monarto Zoo and the broader tourism industry in the Murraylands. “Mr Ryan is a highly successful business leader and has extensive experience when it comes to developments in the tourism, hospitality and entertainment sectors.
“The expansion will see Mr Ryan build a luxury resort with hotel rooms, conference, function and restaurant spaces and luxury eco-glamping facilities giving the general public the opportunity to stay in luxury accommodation at Monarto Zoo for the first time in history.
“Plus, we’ll be launching new tours and offerings, including safari experiences with specially designed open-sided vehicles, and a 35,000sqm walk-through lemur experience, which will position Monarto Safari Park as an international tourism drawcard. “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. “This announcement follows closely the funding commitment by both the State and Commonwealth Governments to enable the development of a new Visitor Centre.
“We’re staying true to our core business which is providing our visitors with incredible opportunities to connect with nature, learn about conservation and discover the benefits of getting off the beaten track. “Our new safari experience is set to be the closest visitors can get to an African safari, all within an hour’s drive of Adelaide.”
With the 40 million dollar project due for completion by late 2021, there is a real sense of excitement building at Monarto!