Wang Wang and Fu Ni set to extend their stay in Australia as major plans for Monarto Zoo are revealed

The feared deportation of Adelaide’s favourite imports has been halted as both would-be PMs pledge to extend our panda lease — while plans for a multi-million dollar safari resort at Monarto are revealed.

Giant pandas Wang Wang and Fu Ni will call Adelaide home for the next five years and plans can be revealed for a multimillion-dollar safari resort at Monarto.

The Federal Government has today confirmed it will extend the pandas’ lease from China, following a similar pledge by Labor and ensuring they remain no matter which party wins next month’s election.

The Liberals have also committed to build a new visitor centre at Monarto Zoo which is expected to trigger private investors to spend $35 million to create a safari resort for overnight guests at the open range zoo.

The accommodation is expected to include the option of “eco-luxe glamping tents”.

At Adelaide Zoo there had been fears much-loved pandas Wang Wang and Fu Ni might have to return home to China when the current lease expired in November.

Artist’s impression of the planned new entrance to the Monarto Zoo. Picture: Supplied

Labor last month pledged to cover the current $1.3 million a year cost to keep the popular pandas at Adelaide Zoo until 2024. The Liberals say they have now negotiated a deal to pay about $700,000 a year for the next five years.

Zoos SA chief executive Elaine Bensted said she was “thrilled” with the announcements which would ensure visitors flocked to the state’s two zoos.

Trade, Tourism and Investment Minister Simon Birmingham said the Federal Government would contribute $11.25 million towards a new visitor centre at Monarto Zoo and the State Government $4.55 million.

Funi and Wang Wang roll about and cuddle in their enclosure at the Adelaide Zoo. Picture: File

“The new visitor centre is the first stage of the Monarto Zoo expansion project and is expected to unlock $35 million in private investment to develop a range of accommodation facilities,” he said.

“The new safari resort experience … will give SA another world-class attraction that will lure thousands of additional visitors.”

Ms Bensted said the current visitor facilities at Monarto were built in 1997 and “simply cannot cope with the rapid growth in visitation we’ve experienced in the past five years”.

Premier Steven Marshall said Monarto Zoo was one of the largest open-range zoos in the world, attracting about 160,000 visitors each year, and the upgrades would “allow the Zoo to welcome many more”.

An aerial view artist’s impression of plans for a redeveloped Monarto Zoo. Picture: Supplied

He also praised the deal for ensuring “Adelaide’s beloved pandas are here to stay”.

“As Australia’s only Giant Pandas, Wang Wang and Fu Ni are tourism icons in their own right and bring much joy to thousands of visitors both locally and from around the world,” he said.

It was hoped that, during their stay, the pair would produce a baby that would be able to remain in Australia.

Their fifth attempt at breeding involved artificial insemination but proved unsuccessful earlier this year.

Adelaide Zoo is one of only 22 zoos around the world — and the only one in Australia — to host Giant Pandas.