What a year!

We think 2020 is best summed-up in prose, but before we get to that we’d like to say a rhino-sized thank you to our incredible visitors, sponsors and supporters of 2020.

We wouldn’t have got through it without you.

See you in the New Year!

Dear supporters and friends, well, 2020’s been wild!
What a year we’ve all had, how the craziness piled.

Bushfires, closures, and then closures: round two,
We couldn’t have continued, without people like you.

Your support early on, saved animals from fire,
Or allowed passing with dignity, where their survival was dire.

A determined team of vets, treated, loved and cared,
To ensure as many wild lives as possible were spared.

Then who would have thought, when COVID reached our shores,
It would mean we’d be closing, to the public, our doors?

So things were done differently, through our phones and on screens,
And to see you all there, you don’t know what it means…

Your comments and questions, your memories and support,
Had us realise we can do this; an inspiring thought.

And do this we did, our vital work, it kept going.
Our breeding and saving, and planting and showing,
Animals to people, who needed them most;
That connection to nature, behind every post.

And our keepers kept keeping, while our visitors were afar,
Entertaining chimps with creativity, and the meerkats, a car.

Every day keepers worked, providing incredible care,
To the Zoos SA animals, ensuring perfect welfare.

Our conservation team worked tirelessly, towards a better future for all,
Mammals, reptiles, birds; furry, scaled, big or small.

40 special rats, are now at home in the sand.
More Orange-bellied Parrots this year returning to land.

Back on site, new arrivals! Adelaide’s komodo and giraffe.
At Monarto, Tassie Devil joeys, and a white rhino calf.

Twin hyaenas, two zebras, and playful lion cubs,
Let’s not forget super cute otter pups.

Then generous support, from donors just like you,
Meant we could improve animal welfare for some favourites at the zoo.

Our wombats and giraffes now enjoy upgraded homes.
Our Australian Sea Lions have more beach to roam.

So when we all band together, and society unites,
Look how much we achieve, how hard we can fight,
Against the extinction that threatens animals we hold so very dear.
Thanks to your help we’ll work without fear.

Because we know you’ll be there, working hard by our side,
To save species everywhere, with passion and pride.

So thank you, we appreciate it, and want you to know,
Every time you support us, those seeds of hope? Well, they grow.

From us, all the best, and bring on the New Year!
Let’s keep working together so species don’t disappear.