Zoos SA staff in ‘tastefully disrobed’ calendar shoot for animal conservation

There’s no need to get in a flap. It’s just the latest wild idea for Zoos SA to raise funds for animal conservation.

No need to get in a flap, it is just Zoos SA’s Michelle Birkett doing her bit for animal conservation.

Manu, the Blue and Gold Macaw, and his zookeeper, Ms Birkett, are the cover stars of Conservation Uncovered, which is being touted as “365 days of ‘behinds’ behind the scenes”.

Zoos SA’s Michelle Birkett and Manu. Picture: Claudio Raschella

Raising money for – and awareness of – the conservation programs at Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park, it is Zoos SA’s first venture into the fundraising calendar market.

Conservation Uncovered will feature images of “tastefully disrobed” staff, who include zookeepers, vets and tour guides.

The models’ decency is protected though, with the creative placement of everything Gold Macaw, Manu, to Akubra hats, giant Christmas gift boxes and Aldabra Tortoise, Aonika.

“As a conservation charity we are always thinking of new ways to engage with audiences while educating them about the work that we carry out,” Zoo SA chief executive Elaine Bensted said.

She said Zoos SA was supporting the survival of species through 13 conservation programs in Australia and 12 more internationally. Outcomes have included the reintroduction of the Brush-tailed Bettong into Marna Banggarra on Yorke Peninsula.

Conservation Uncovered is available for pre-order from zoossa.com.au where Black And White Friday offers are also available.