Zoos SA has teamed up once again with long-time partner Peats Soil to launch Zoo Poo – a premium garden compost made using material collected from a variety of species at Monarto Safari Park. This nutrient-rich, organic blend offers a down-to-earth way for gardeners to improve their soil while supporting vital wildlife conservation.
This wild idea isn’t entirely new. Zoo Poo first made headlines back in 1991, when all creatures great and small – from Samorn the elephant to the resident guinea pigs – were recruited to help raise funds for Adelaide Zoo’s redevelopment. Bags of composted zoo manure were scooped, bagged, and sold through local nurseries and hardware stores, with proceeds going back to the zoo. More than three decades later, the tradition continues – and so does the impact. Today’s Zoo Poo builds on that legacy, with part proceeds from every sale now supporting Asian Elephant conservation at Monarto Safari Park. It’s a feel-good way for gardeners to grow green and give back.
More than 30 years later, that same spirit of sustainability, community and conservation lives on. Today’s Zoo Poo is composted and blended by Peats Soil using material collected from animals at Monarto Safari Park, combined with locally sourced organic matter. The result is a safe, easy-to-use product that improves soil condition, helps retain moisture and encourages healthy plant growth. From veggie patches to flower beds and potted plants, it’s a versatile compost that lets backyard gardeners give their plants a boost while supporting a bigger purpose.
Dr Ian Smith, Director of Monarto Safari Park, said Zoo Poo perfectly captures the organisation’s goal of connecting people with nature in meaningful ways.
“We’re proud to be finding creative ways to reduce waste, support wildlife, and help people make a difference in their own gardens,” he said.
“Zoo Poo is a natural fit – it’s practical, sustainable, and it directly supports our conservation efforts.”
Peats Soil Managing Director Peter Wadewitz said the product is a true example of partnership with purpose.
“This has been an exciting project to work on, and we’re proud to help deliver a product that’s not only great for gardens, but also helps protect wildlife,” he said.
“It’s compost with a conscience – and it’s something every gardener can feel good about using.”
Zoo Poo is currently available at a range of South Australian garden centres and retailers, including AHGS Verdun, Adelaide Hills Landscape and Fodder, Costless Plants, Garden Grove, Gobles Pet & Grain, Kapunda Hardware & Garden Centre, Wholesale Plants & Products, Hutchison’s Nursery in Naracoorte, plus Mitre 10 Glynde, Pt Elliot and Whyalla, and Stratco Gepps Cross, Gawler, Goolwa, Kadina and Riverland.
Whether you’re digging in a veggie patch, planting for pollinators, or giving your pots a pick-me-up, Zoo Poo is ready to help. And with every scoop, you’re supporting Zoos SA’s mission to protect animals and their habitats now and into the future.
