Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Zoo ban entry to anyone aged over 12 who is not double-vaxxed

Find out why Zoos SA has extended and expanded a ban on people unvaccinated against Covid-19.

Adelaide Zoo’s new Sumatran Tiger, Delilah, cools down in her enclosure. Picture: Fran Mussared

Adelaide Zoo’s newest drawcard is about to celebrate her birthday - but not everyone will be invited.

Sumatran tiger Delilah turns six on February 6 with the zoo to mark the event which falls in the Year of the Tiger on the Chinese Lunar calendar. But Zoos SA announced on Monday that it has extended and expanded a ban on visitors who are not fully vaccinated against Covid-19, in a move aimed at protecting its staff and animals.

The organisation announced on December 1 a vaccine mandate for staff, volunteers, members, contractors and guests aged 16 and over to the Adelaide and Monarto zoos, unless they have an exemption.

It announced on Monday, after “much consideration” and until further notice, it will continue the ban which will be extended to anyone aged 12 and older who has not been double-vaxxed.

“While the ongoing likelihood of infection from Covid-19 in our community, we still need to minimise the risk to all while maximising the ability to offer all a safe space,” it said in a bulletin.

“For us, this also includes protecting the species at our sites. Zoos around the globe have lost species to Covid, and with a vaccination for susceptible animals currently unavailable in Australia it’s a risk we cannot take.”

There have been rare incidents of animals dying due to Covid-related complications, including four snow leopards in US zoos in Nebraska and Illinois.

There have also been cases of Covid documented in hippos, hyenas and minks.

Husani, 8, shortly after the birth of her five cubs at Monarto Safari Park. Picture: Zoos SA

It comes as the Monarto Safari Park chose to euthanise a lion cub which was not feeding or moving around its den.

“After speaking in depth with the Zoos SA veterinarian team, keepers made the decision to retrieve the cub,” Zoos SA said.

“He would not have survived if left in the den and unfortunately there was nothing further the team could do for him.

“The decision to euthanise an animal is never made lightly, but it was the kindest choice for him to be put down.”

The lion was one of five cubs to lioness Husani. The zoo said the other cubs were in “good health”.

“The loss is particularly significant as a conservation charity as each cub brings hope for this vulnerable species,” Zoos SA said. “We will continue to monitor Husani and her cubs closely and regularly update the public on their progress.”