Monarto Zoo

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Monarto Zoological Park is an open-range animal sanctuary that is administered by the Royal Zoological Society of South Australia, along with the Adelaide Zoo. It has an area of 10 square kilometres (4 mile²) It is located approximately 70 km (43 miles) from the city of Adelaide. It features several unique attractions, including a drive through cheetah habitat, a southern white rhinoceros habitat, and Australia's largest giraffe herd. It is also home to South Australia's largest revegetation project.

[edit] History

Monarto was created in 1983 on land owned by the state government as a closed-to-the-public, purpose breeding area and endangered species sanctuary. In 1990, a study was undertaken to determine the feasibility of allowing public access to the park, and by 1993 it had been developed into a large educational facility, open to the public, with bus and walking tours.

Five major habitat exhibits have been developed, including the Asian steppes, arid north Africa, African plains, and Asian grasslands. The entire park is surrounded with vermin-proof fencing to keep the habitat as self-contained as possible. The area is not irrigated, and is populated primarily with native flora to cut down on water consumption and erosion in the semi-arid region. The roads and trails within the park are constructed of local materials to keep them low maintenance, and to allow them to be easily re-integrated into the habitat should the need arise. Waste water is recycled, and as much as possible, solar power is used for electric fencing needs.

[edit] Conservation efforts

Monarto Park is taking part numerous conservation efforts with endangered species, and has breeding projects for many Australian native species, including the Greater Bilby, the Tammar Wallaby, the Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby, and the Eastern Barred Bandicoot. As well as many exotic species, including the Scimitar Oryx, Przewalski's Horse, the Addax, Barbary Sheep, Cheetah, Southern White Rhinoceros, and the African Wild Dog.

[edit] External links

• Royal Zoological Society of South Australia: Monarto Zoological Park