Dr Phil Ainsley announced as Zoos SA’s new chief executive

After a global search and nearly 100 applications, Zoos SA has announced its pick to replace Elaine Bensted.

After a global search and nearly 100 applications, Zoos SA has announced its new chief executive.

Dr Phil Ainsley, the current director of Adelaide Zoo, has been appointed to the role, following the retirement announcement of Elaine Bensted in October.

Zoos SA president Julieann Riedstra said the “extensive” recruitment process drew applications from around the globe.

But ultimately Dr Ainsley’s “leadership skills, conservation credentials, (and) knowledge of the zoo industry” made him the “best person to lead Zoos SA and to deliver on our current key priorities”.

Elaine Bensted and Dr Phil Ainsley.

Dr Phil Ainsley has been appointed to the position of Zoos SA chief executive. Picture: RoyVPhotography

Dr Ainsley has a long association with Zoos SA – with his own father working with reptiles at Adelaide Zoo for nearly 20 years.

He joined the organisation in 2013 as the conservation programs manager, before taking up a curator role.

He has been the director of Adelaide Zoo since 2021.

Dr Ainsley said the appointment was a pinch-me moment.

“Some of my fondest childhood memories are of Adelaide Zoo,” he said.

“My father worked with reptiles here for nearly 20 years and I was incredibly fortunate to grow up spending a great deal of time watching him work and developing a passion for nature.

“The great thing about having spent so much time in the organisation, is knowing first-hand what an incredible honour it is to lead this amazing group of people, support the remarkable animals in our care, and continue the vital work of Zoos SA to connect people with nature and help save species from extinction.”

Dr Phil Ainsley’s father also worked at the zoo. Picture: AAP Image/Dean Martin

He has worked as Adelaide Zoo director since 2021. Picture: Brenton Edwards

According to the zoo, more than 90 applications from around the world were received after Elaine Bensted announced in October she would step down as the head of Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park.

She had been in the position for more than 12 years.

“Having worked with Phil for over a decade, I can say with the utmost confidence that he is the right person to take Zoos SA into the future,” she said following the appointment.

It’s been a busy time for Zoos SA.

Along with a new chief executive, its set to welcome new pandas and a herd of Asian elephants.

Giant pandas Yi Lan and Xing Qiu will arrive in Adelaide on December 15 after Wang Wang and Fu Ni bid goodbye to Adelaide Zoo and returned home to China in November.

Last month, the first of Monarto Safari Park’s five elephants arrived at her new home from Auckland Zoo.

42-year-old Burma is settling in during her quarantine period at the park, which is expecting visitor numbers to “significantly increase” when the park’s new world-class 12ha elephant habitat opens to the public.