Zoos
Zoos SA is a South Australian conservation charity founded in 1883 that operates Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park, serving over 40,000 members and the general public through wildlife experiences, conservation breeding programs, education, and tourism.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1883
- HeadquartersAdelaide, Australia
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Zoos does
Zoos SA (Royal Zoological Society of South Australia) is a not-for-profit conservation charity founded in 1883 that operates two major zoological facilities in South Australia: Adelaide Zoo, one of Adelaide's most iconic attractions housing more than 2,400 animals across 200 species, and Monarto Safari Park, the world's largest open-range safari park spanning more than 1,500 hectares with more than 500 animals. The organization focuses on connecting people with nature and saving species from extinction through captive breeding programs (including Western Swamp Tortoise, Greater Bilby, and Southern White Rhino), wildlife reintroduction, habitat restoration, and education. It partners with government agencies, NGOs (Jane Goodall Institute, WWF, Birdlife Australia), and commercial entities on conservation projects spanning Australia, Africa, and Congo.
The organization's revenue model is diversified across six streams: date-specific ticket sales and general admission (with daily visitor caps at Monarto), recurring annual and Life Memberships (with reciprocal access to major Australian zoos), premium behind-the-scenes animal experiences, retail (zoo shops and Zoo Poo compost), animal adoption donation programs, and charitable donations including bequests, corporate partnerships, and regular giving. Distribution is direct-to-consumer through two physical sites plus an online booking platform at tickets.zoossa.com.au. The member base exceeds 40,000, and the member base receives a biannual Zoo Times magazine. Pricing is partially publicly disclosed, with concessions available for students, seniors, pensioners, and health care card holders; children under 4 enter free.
Recent strategic priorities include the $40 million Monarto Safari Resort development (private investment by Gerry Ryan OAM), the Wild Africa precinct for Southern White Rhino conservation, and the 20-year Great Southern Ark landscape rewilding project. The organization holds ZAA accreditation and WAZA membership, has won multiple South Australian Tourism Awards (Major Tourist Attraction 2022 and 2023), and operates under Eco Certified Advanced Tourism status. Leadership transitioned in July 2024 with Dr Phil Ainsley succeeding Elaine Bensted as CEO following her 12-year tenure.
Zoos firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Zoos
- Legal name
- Royal Zoological Society of South Australia
- Website
- https://zoossa.com.au
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1883
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Zoos SA is a South Australian conservation charity founded in 1883 that operates Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park, serving over 40,000 members and the general public through wildlife experiences, conservation breeding programs, education, and tourism.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Zoos industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Zoological Park Operations and Wildlife Conservation
- NAICS
- Zoos and Botanical Gardens (71213), Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (712190)
- SIC
- Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Zoos, Aquariums & Botanical Gardens (Educational Collections) (THAJADAL)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Safari Parks & Drive-Through Wildlife Parks (THAAAFAD), Wildlife Safaris & Game Drives (THAJAIAB), Zoo & Aquarium Parks (Ticketed Wildlife Attractions) (THAJAEAE), Wildlife Sanctuaries, Conservation Parks & Reserves (Visitor Operations) (THAAAAAG)
Keywords
Where Zoos is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Adelaide
- HQ country
- Australia
- HQ region
- Oceania
Offices2 records
Markets served
Zoos business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Ticket Sales: Revenue from date-specific tickets and general admission to Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park. Monarto requires pre-booking for non-members with daily visitor caps.
- Memberships: Annual and Life Memberships providing unlimited access to both sites plus reciprocal entry to major Australian zoos.
- Animal Experiences: Behind-the-scenes animal experiences, animal encounters, and premium visitor experiences available for separate purchase.
- Animal Adoption: Donation-based animal adoption programs supporting conservation work.
- Retail: Zoo shops at both locations offering merchandise, reusable products, and souvenirs.
- Donations and Support: Charitable donations, bequests, corporate partnerships, and regular giving programs supporting conservation missions.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Annual Membership - Unlimited visits to Adelaide Zoo, Monarto Safari Park and most Australian Zoos |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Life Membership - Lifetime unlimited entry with transferable pass |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Date-specific tickets - Non-members require pre-booking for Monarto Safari Park |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Animal Experiences - Behind-the-scenes encounters with animals |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels6 records
Zoos product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Zoos SA is a not-for-profit conservation charity operating Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park. It sells visitor admissions, behind-the-scenes animal experiences, annual and lifetime memberships, animal adoption donations, conservation education programs (Wild Learning), and on-site retail merchandise. Core operations focus on connecting visitors with wildlife, breeding programs for critically endangered species, and conservation partnerships.
Product overview
Zoos SA operates a portfolio of conservation-focused attractions and programs comprising Adelaide Zoo (home to 2,400+ animals across 200 species) and Monarto Safari Park (the world's largest open-range safari park spanning 1,500+ hectares). The offering includes visitor admissions with animal experiences for behind-the-scenes access, event venues and functions, annual and life membership tiers, animal adoption donation programs, Wild Learning education initiatives, and Zoo Poo branded compost products. Conservation programs span breeding, habitat protection, and species recovery across both Australian and international sites.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Life Membership: Lifetime membership program offering unlimited visits to Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park with bonus transferable pass for additional guests
- Wild Africa
- Variety Children's Zoo
Products and services
- Adelaide Zoo Zoological park visitor attraction home to more than 2,400 animals and 200 species. Open to the general public for daily visits, featuring native and exotic wildlife exhibits. Functions as a conservation, education, and entertainment destination.
- Monarto Safari Park Open-range safari park spanning more than 1,500 hectares and home to more than 500 animals. Offers safari-style visitor experiences including open-sided vehicle tours and walk-through lemur experiences. Pre-booking required for non-members.
- Animal Experiences Premium behind-the-scenes animal experiences and encounters sold separately from admission, including feeding sessions, rhino encounters, and tiger experiences. Life Members receive discounts on these add-on experiences.
- Annual Membership Annual subscription membership providing unlimited access to Adelaide Zoo, Monarto Safari Park, and reciprocal entry to most major Australian zoos. Includes concession pricing and discounts on animal experiences for Life Members.
- Life Membership Lifetime membership providing unlimited entry to both Zoos SA facilities with a bonus transferable pass admitting an additional adult or two children per visit. Includes free reciprocal entry to major Australian zoos.
- Animal Adoption Symbolic animal adoption donation program where supporters contribute funds to help keep endangered species around for generations. Proceeds support Zoos SA's conservation breeding and habitat protection work.
- Wild Learning Curriculum-aligned wildlife education programs offered to schools and educational groups at both Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park. Bookings managed through dedicated Learning Departments and a centralized bookings team.
- Venues and Functions Corporate event venue hire, function spaces, and team-building experiences at Adelaide Zoo. Bookings handled through the dedicated Function Team.
- Conservation Programs Wildlife conservation programs including captive breeding for critically endangered species (Western Swamp Tortoise, Greater Bilby), habitat restoration (Great Southern Ark), and species recovery partnerships spanning Australia and international sites in Africa and Congo.
- Zoo Poo Premium garden compost product made from material collected from Monarto Safari Park animals, produced and sold in partnership with Peats Soil.
Companies that use Zoos
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Zoos technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Zoos partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- The Australian Rhino Project (TARP)corePartnership with The Australian Rhino Project to establish a Southern White Rhino sanctuary at Monarto Safari Park. This includes the Anthony Taylor Rhino Management and Quarantine Centre and plans to relocate Southern White Rhinos from Africa to Australia through Thaba Manzi Wildlife Sanctuary in South Africa.
- Great Southern Ark Project PartnerscoreCollaboration with Australian Government, Department for Environment and Water, Northern and Yorke Natural Resources Management Board, WWF, Fauna Research Alliance, Birdlife Australia, Conservation Volunteers Australia, and Yorke Peninsula Tourism. A $2.6 million Federal Government investment for landscape rewilding project over 20 years.
- Jane Goodall InstitutecoreSupporting the work of the Jane Goodall Institute at the Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Centre in the Congo, focusing on ending the illegal commercial bush-meat trade through education and awareness programs.
- Tacugama Chimpanzee SanctuarycoreSupporting the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Sierra Leone's Upper Guinea Forest, helping local communities address rainforest threats through livestock projects, tree nurseries, and education programs.
- Wild WelfareminorPriority conservation program partner dedicated to improving welfare for wild animals living in human care by uniting animal welfare NGOs and captive wildlife facilities around the world.
- Journey BeyondminorExternal operator of Monarto Safari Resort, offering luxury accommodation adjacent to Monarto Safari Park. The resort is owned externally and operated by Journey Beyond.
- Peats SoilminorLong-time partner for Zoo Poo premium garden compost made using material collected from Monarto Safari Park animals.
- Ambleside DistillersminorHahndorf-based distillery selling limited Kifaru Gin with all profits going to rhino conservation and bushfire-affected wildlife via Zoos SA.
- Prancing Pony BreweryminorPartnership to highlight conservation programs for endangered species including Przewalski's Horse through Rarely Tame Lager.
- Birdlife AustraliacorePartnership for South-eastern Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo conservation, including habitat planting and landholder support programs.
- Trees For LifeminorPartnership for South-eastern Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo habitat restoration through revegetation programs.
- Perth ZoocorePartnership for Western Swamp Tortoise captive breeding program - one of only two institutions in the world breeding this critically endangered species.
- Painted Dog ConservationminorSupporting projects in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia focused on research, education, and capacity building for painted dog conservation.
- Northern Rangelands TrustminorSupporting Sera Conservancy in Northern Kenya through micro-loan systems for local women and scout patrols to prevent poaching.
- Murraylands and Riverland Landscape BoardcorePartner for Aboriginal Learning on Country Program (ALoC) at Monarto Safari Park, providing conservation and land management training. Supported by National Landcare Program funding.
- Variety SAminorPartnership to offer accessible adventures at both Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park, creating inclusive experiences for all visitors.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Zoos competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- &Beyond: &Beyond is a luxury safari and conservation travel operator running high-end safari lodges in Africa. It is comparable as a conservation-aligned, premium safari experience provider with adjacent conservation philanthropy, the same positioning Monarto Safari Resort is targeting at smaller scale.
Direct peers
- Perth Zoo: Perth Zoo is a ZAA-accredited conservation zoo that is an existing conservation partner of Zoos SA on the Western Swamp Tortoise captive breeding program. It operates a comparable membership and education program model and is one of the reciprocal zoos included in Zoos SA memberships.
- Zoos Victoria (Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Open Range Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary): Zoos Victoria operates three sites including an open-range safari-style zoo (Werribee) that directly mirrors Monarto Safari Park's safari positioning. As a non-profit conservation charity running multiple sites with memberships and reciprocal access, it is the most directly comparable Australian peer for both Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park.
- Taronga Zoo: Taronga Zoo operates two major Australian zoological parks (Sydney and Dubbo's Western Plains) and is the closest direct peer to Zoos SA: a non-profit conservation zoo operator running multiple sites, offering memberships, behind-the-scenes experiences, and reciprocal zoo arrangements across Australia. Comparable in mission, business model, and target segments.
- Australia Zoo: Australia Zoo is a large privately-operated zoological park in Queensland with safari/wildlife experiences, animal encounters, and accommodation offerings. It is a direct competitor in the Australian zoo and safari experience market, with overlapping product categories (general admission, animal experiences, on-site lodging).
- Dubbo's Western Plains Open Range Zoo (Taronga): Western Plains Zoo is an open-range safari-style zoo operated by the Taronga Conservation Society, directly mirroring Monarto Safari Park's drive-through safari format with multi-species open plains exhibits. A direct safari-park peer to Monarto within the Australian market.
Broad incumbents
- Chester Zoo: Chester Zoo is one of the UK's largest conservation-focused zoos, operating as a charity with memberships, education programs, and international conservation partnerships. Comparable as a large, accredited, conservation-charity zoo with a diversified revenue model similar to Zoos SA.
- San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance operates the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, the world's most recognized combination of zoo plus safari park experience. While much larger and US-based, it is the global benchmark for the zoo + safari park operating model that Zoos SA replicates with Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park.
- Wildlife Reserves Singapore (Mandai Wildlife Group): Mandai Wildlife Group operates multiple zoological parks including Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, and River Wonders, plus membership and conservation programs. It is a broad incumbent operator combining zoo, safari, and conservation experiences with multi-site memberships, closely aligned with Zoos SA's business model at greater scale.
Others
- Fauna Research Alliance: Fauna Research Alliance is an Australian conservation research partner identified in Zoos SA's Great Southern Ark project. Included as an OTHERS peer given its role as a conservation-research ecosystem collaborator rather than a commercial competitor.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Zoos social profiles
Digital presenceZoos financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Zoos leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Zoos subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries2 records
Zoos funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Zoos M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Zoos
What does Zoos do?
Zoos SA is a not-for-profit conservation charity operating Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park. It sells visitor admissions, behind-the-scenes animal experiences, annual and lifetime memberships, animal adoption donations, conservation education programs (Wild Learning), and on-site retail merchandise. Core operations focus on connecting visitors with wildlife, breeding programs for critically endangered species, and conservation partnerships.
Is Zoos a public or private company?
Zoos is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Zoos founded?
Zoos was founded in 1883. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Zoos based?
Zoos is headquartered in Adelaide, Australia, in the Oceania region.
How does Zoos make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Ticket Sales are the primary driver. The others are memberships, animal Experiences, animal Adoption, retail and donations and Support.
Who are Zoos's main competitors?
&Beyond is listed as an emerging player. Direct peers are Perth Zoo, Zoos Victoria (Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Open Range Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary), Taronga Zoo, Australia Zoo and Dubbo's Western Plains Open Range Zoo (Taronga). Broad incumbents are Chester Zoo, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and Wildlife Reserves Singapore (Mandai Wildlife Group). Fauna Research Alliance is listed as an others.
Does Zoos have an API?
No public API is recorded for Zoos.
What industry is Zoos in?
Zoos's product category is Zoological Park Operations and Wildlife Conservation. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAJADAL, Zoos, Aquariums & Botanical Gardens (Educational Collections), with a secondary code of THAAAFAD, Safari Parks & Drive-Through Wildlife Parks. Its NAICS code is 71213 and its SIC code is 7900.