Ostriches at Monarto Zoo, South Australia
Male (L) and female (R) Ostriches at Monarto Zoo
Ostriches are native to Africa, not South Australia, but if I want to see some Ostriches I only have to drive for about 10 minutes from my home in Murray Bridge South Australia. There is a small flock of Ostriches on display in our local open range zoo at Monarto which is a part of the Adelaide Zoo. Good – but quite as good as seeing them in their natural environment.
On the other hand, there are some Ostriches living in the wild in South Australia. In the nineteenth century Ostrich feathers were in demand for decorations on hats and several farms were set up in several parts of the country. A few feral birds remain in the arid country just north of Port Augusta where one farm was located. These were released from the farm when the market demand slumped, and a small self sustaining population can still be seen from time to time – if you know where to look.
Other African animals at Monarto Zoo include the African Lion.
Lions and Rabbits
Lions, Monarto Zoo, South Australia
We enjoy visiting our local Monarto Zoo, just a few miles from home in Murray Bridge. One of the highlights of a visit to this open range zoo is to take the shuttle bus through the African Lion enclosure, a large grassy paddock not unlike the grasslands they would enjoy in their natural environment. The only difference is that they don’t have to hunt for their daily meal.
The lions shown in several photos on this post are sitting on a mound of dirt approximately in the middle of their enclosure. Our tour guide on one trip to the zoo informed us that a large number of rabbits lived in burrows in this mound. A few careless rabbits came out to feed in the first few days the lions had taken up residence and paid the ultimate price. The rabbits have now learned to stay holed up until dusk – after the lions have returned to their night quarters for the evening.
Lions, Monarto Zoo, South Australia
Lions, Monarto Zoo, South Australia
African Lions at Monarto Zoo
Lions, Monarto Zoo, South Australia
On our visit to our local Monarto Zoo (just a few minutes’ drive from home in Murray Bridge) last year we had our first look at the new viewing platform looking over the African Lion enclosure. This gives an excellent view of the large paddock where the lions can roam. Fortunately several of the lions were quite close to the platform and I was able to get good photos of them.
Lion viewing platform, Monarto Zoo, South Australia
Lions, Monarto Zoo, South Australia
Lying around at the zoo
Lions, Monarto Zoo, South Australia
Our local zoo is Monarto Zoo which is about a ten minute drive from our home in Murray Bridge. It is the open range part of the Adelaide Zoo. We try to get there several times a year on our membership pass.
One of the more popular exhibits would be the African Lions. The shuttle buses drive through their very large enclosure and one is almost always assured of good views of the animals. On our visit last August several of the pride were taking it easy and just “lying” around.
Lions, Monarto Zoo, South Australia
Lions, Monarto Zoo, South Australia
Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby, Monarto Zoo, South Australia
Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby, Monarto Zoo, South Australia
Yellow-footed Rock Wallabies are one of the more colourful species of wallabies that are found in Australia. Once widespread in South Australia, Queensland and NSW its stronghold is now mainly in South Australia. It is a threatened species but with breeding programs like the one at Monarto Zoo, they are making a comeback in places like the Flinders Ranges, the only place I have seen this species in their natural habitat.
The captive group on display at Monarto Zoo are easily seen and approached for photos – or even a pat or two.
Click on the photos to enlarge the images.
Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby, Monarto Zoo, South Australia
Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby, Monarto Zoo, South Australia
Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby, Monarto Zoo, South Australia