Adelaide Zoo Information

The zoo is the place you to learn about the world's rare and endangered mammals, birds reptiles and fish and to take a closer look at some of Australia's own native animals. It's beautifully landscaped with habitat exhibits, walk-through aviaries full of trees, and a superb reptile house. Most animals are exhibited in natural settings, which can magically transport the visitor from a Queensland rainforest to a northern swamp and a moment later to a South East Asian Rainforest. The experience is unforgettable.

The Adelaide Zoo is a strong advocate for conservation, education and research. There is a special emphasis on breeding rare species like the Red Panda and the Black-Lion Tamarin and on exhibiting seldom seen Australian animals, including a thriving colony of the enchanting Yellow-Footed Rock Wallaby, a native of the Flinders Ranges.

Features at the Zoo:

South East Asian Rainforest – McDonald's South East Asian Rainforest is one of the newest additions to the Adelaide Zoo. As you walk through, discover an ever growing, ever changing environment that provides a natural habitat for many of South East Asia's endangered animals, such as the Malayan Tapir and Sun Bear, Oriental Small-Clawed Otter, Dusky Leaf Monkey and spectacular Siamese Fireback Pheasant.

Jewels of Asia:

Recently constructed aviary containing more than 20 birds and mammals from the Asian Region all contained within an excellent habitat exhibit.

Foodland Children's Zoo:

A refurbishment in three stages. The first stage, opened in March 1999, includes a mid western style barn and activity area. There's also a petting area, nursery, activity barn and kiosk.

Other features:

Adelaide Zoo boasts an excellent well-stocked souvenir shop with a good range of Adelaide Zoo gifts, Australiana, soft toys and clothes. There are also two kiosks – one in the Children's Zoo, one attached to the Lyrebird Restaurant – which offer a wide range of snacks, ice confectionery and drinks.

School holidays:

During the holidays zookeepers will be out and about talking to visitors about the animals in their care. These talks are in addition to feeding times shown below.

Feeding times:

Sealions – 11.45am daily.

Lions – 2pm Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.

Gorillas – 1.30pm daily.

Penguins – 2.45pm daily.

Pelicans – 2.30pm daily.

Leopards – 3.15pm Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.

Australian Rainforest Bird Feed – 3.30pm daily.

Macaws Freeflight Display – 1.00pm daily.

Transport options:

Adelaide Zoo is situated just a few minutes walk or drive from the centre of Adelaide. Given the very short distance between accommodation sites and the Zoo, there are many ways to get to and from the Zoo. These options include:

Popeye River Cruises –from the Elder Park landing

Public transport – buses 271 and 273

Adelaide Explorer from the South Australian Visitor and Travel Centre

Coach

Foot

Zoonotes:

These are available for a small fee at the information centre and contain information on a wide range of endangered zoo animals.

The Discover Adelaide Card can be used at the Adelaide Zoo.

The Lyrebird Restaurant:

This fully refurbished cafe and restaurant offers seating indoors for up to 130 people. Along with two outdoor patios, and the adjoining rotunda, the cafe offers a wide number of catering options. The restaurant is open during zoo hours and the restaurant can also be booked for after-hours functions.

Sir Thomas Elder Rotunda:

In 1884 the Society's then President, Sir Thomas Elder, donated the funds to construct a magnificent rotunda in the centre of the Zoo. One of the largest and best examples of the Victorian rotunda, it is classified by the National Trust. This rotunda has been fully refurbished and is now available as a wonderful setting for functions large and small.

Functions:

Adelaide Zoo is proud of its continued growth as a venue for tourism and hospitality-based activities. This has meant growth in the number of functions and types of tours available at the Zoo. Activities can be tailored, from the smallest birthday parties, to the largest after-hours events catering for to up to 2,000 people, to run smoothly and efficiently.

Catering options:

Menus include themed South Australian dinners, bush tucker barbecues, elaborate buffets through to formal dinners. The excellent food is complemented by an extensive range of South Australian wines and beers and can be served in a number of ways from a central facility or via a number of stations linked by the chosen theme. As always, the caterers recommend a detailed discussion of needs early in the planning stages to ensure the staging of a unique function that will be remembered by all delegates. If client requirements fall outside general catering tariffs, rates matching requirements can be negotiated.

Entertainment and theme options:

Adelaide Zoo has hosted a wide range of different themes and entertainment, including: theatre, Aboriginal Dreaming, World Music, South East Asian cultural food trails, wine trails, jazz, jungle adventure themes, Aussie adventure, science events, art events and local and national musicians. Although these options are normally only limited by the imagination of the event planners, Adelaide Zoo reminds planners that the welfare of the animals and the integrity of the site will remain its highest priority.

Sponsor a zoo animal:

Zoo animals are available for sponsorship from as little as AUD50.00. Sponsors receive a certificate, regular copies of The Adelaide Zoo Times magazine, stickers, and are acknowledged on a sign within the zoo grounds.

Become a member:

By becoming a member of the Royal Zoological Society of South Australia, you can visit Adelaide Zoo, Monarto Zoological Park and every other major Australian zoo as often as you wish, as well as enjoying many other benefits.

For more information, contact Tom Baxter, Sponsorship and Membership Officer.

Zoo Tours:

There are many tour options available within Adelaide Zoo. These include:

Free guided tours, conducted twice daily and 10.30am and 2.30pm, provided by a volunteer zoo guide and leaving from the Front Gate Information Centre.

Behind the Scenes of the McDonald's South East Asian Rainforest, where times are announced on Saturdays and Sundays, and a small fee applies.

Catered tours, which are to be booked through the Lyrebird Restaurant, have prices that are negotiated as part of a catering package. These tours can take place at breakfast, daytime or after hours.

On the Kanggarlta Aboriginal Guided Tour you can learn about the importance of native animals to the Aboriginal people of South Australia with your own special Aboriginal guide. This tour is subject to availability and advance bookings are essential.