Speeches
Monday, 24 August 2026
Zoos SA Reception
I warmly welcome you to Government House.
As joint patrons of the Royal Zoological Society of South Australia, Rod and I are pleased to welcome supporters of Zoos SA to Government House this evening.
During my term, Rod and I have been privileged to engage with both Adelaide Zoo, and Monarto Safari Park, in some truly memorable ways.
We have met new arrivals, farewelled departing friends, and enjoyed seeing the zoo in a ‘new light’ for Illuminate Adelaide.
Zoos SA's work of connecting people with nature and saving species from extinction is a notable contribution, with impact beyond our state.
I am proud that Adelaide Zoo is the second oldest zoo in the nation, with a long history of serving our community.
Rod and I have visited both Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park on several occasions, including staying at the new Safari Lodge, which I recognise as a separate business, but which undoubtedly complements the Monarto experience and can only serve to increase the number of visitors.
As the largest safari park outside Africa, Monarto gives its animals a genuinely different quality of life, and its visitors an experience unlike any other.
We were struck by Monarto's approach to its elephant program, which asks how to give elephants a socially and behaviourally appropriate life while contributing to the conservation of their species.
It was great to see the vast habitat enjoyed by the elephants, far larger than any conventional enclosure.
We have also seen how a spirit of creativity and ingenuity runs through much of Zoos SA’s work.
Last month, I was intrigued to read in ABC news of an inventive approach at Monarto, where edible glitter is mixed into the feed of the resident rhinos.
What comes out ‘the other end’ – if you follow my drift! - is used to track the animals' fertility, a simple but effective solution to a complex conservation challenge.
While on feed, I am delighted to say that Government House has recently connected with Monarto’s “browse program” and that cuttings from the two magnificent fig trees in our gardens will shortly become part of the elephants’ diet.
Rod and I were pleased to have the opportunity to farewell Wang Wang and Fu Ni, and have since met Adelaide Zoo's new pandas, Xing Qiu and Yi Lan.
As a former diplomat, I appreciate the power of ‘panda diplomacy’ and am heartened by its capacity to strengthen ties between South Australia and China.
Each of these experiences has left a deep impression on Rod and me. And they each reflect the important contribution Zoos SA makes to conservation.
None of this would be possible without the 600 exceptional volunteers who give their time to Zoos SA.
Volunteers generously share their time and expertise, connecting visitors with wildlife and conservation. Many of you have volunteered for long periods of time, in some cases decades.
I thank each of you, on behalf of all South Australians, for your sustained commitment.
I also thank the donors and partners whose generosity enables Zoos SA to look beyond ticket sales and membership income.
Your support allows Zoos SA to deliver vital conservation, research, education and animal welfare programs.
Whether through a one-off donation, becoming a Wildlife Guardian, or symbolically adopting a favourite species, every contribution helps.
Friends,
Zoos SA has shaped how generations of South Australians think about the natural world.
Behind this story is a truly remarkable community of supporters. I offer you all my heartfelt thanks.
Rod and I wish Zoos SA every success for the future, as it continues connecting people with nature, saving species from extinction, and inspiring the next generation of conservationists.