Monarto termite mound is a high point for long-time zoo volunteer Brian Tinning

VISITORS to Monarto Zoo’s cheetah enclosure will notice there is a large, purpose-built termite mound which the big cats love sitting on just like they do in the wild.

VISITORS to Monarto Zoo’s cheetah enclosure will notice a large, man-made termite mound which the big cats love sitting on just like they do in the wild.

What zoo goers won’t know, is that the termite mound was lovingly built by volunteer Brian Tinning, 78, of Hackney.

“We built that so the cheetahs can get up there and admire the view, like they do in Africa (because) they like to climb on top of termite mounds to look out for danger and food,” he said.

Mr Tinning volunteered at Adelaide Zoo for 20 years until 1986, but continued to work at Monarto Zoo, where he regularly fixed fences and planted trees up until just a few years ago.

Today, Mr Tinning spends his time volunteering at the SA Museum, where he takes tours of the various exhibitions.

Mr Tinning started off as a volunteer guide at Adelaide Zoo before he was appointed chairman of the guides, a position which saw him show dozens of new volunteers the ropes.

“I used to tell them all sorts of things, just mainly to get people interested in animals.” he said.

“I used to try and inspire them to think beyond the bars.”

Born in London, Mr Tinning said he started life “as a child of the London Zoo”.

“I always had a love of zoos ... that is how I become a volunteer at the Adelaide Zoo,” he said.

“I’ve seen a lot of changes at the Adelaide Zoo ... I remember when the hippos were in the old hippo house, when we had four species of bears and a penguin pond near the flamingo enclosure.”

Mr Tinning was awarded a life membership at the zoo for his efforts and said he enjoyed visiting both zoos regularly.

After four decades of service to the community, Mr Tinning encouraged others to follow in his footsteps.

“It keeps you mentally alert but also you share experiences with other people and other people add to your knowledge, which is a nice thing,” he said.

Mr Tinning is nominated for the Pride of Australia Fair Go medal for his volunteering efforts over the last 40 years.

Visit advertiser.com.au/prideofaustralia to nominate a local hero.