Zoos SA mandates full vaccinations for visitors, staff, volunteers

People visiting Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park will need to clear one more hurdle before they are allowed to see the animals.

People visiting the Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park will need to be fully vaccinated to protect the animals.

The new rules, which will apply from Wednesday, December 1, apply to staff, volunteers and visitors over the age of 16.

Zoos SA chief executive Elaine Bensted announced today people over 16 need to be fully vaccinated to enter the zoo. Pic: Brenton Edwards

It comes after the Stadium Management Authority announced spectators at any Adelaide Oval event will need to be fully vaccinated.

Zoos SA chief executive Elaine Bensted said staff were working through the logistics of checking QR codes and vaccination certificates.

“This hasn’t been an easy decision, however, it is one made from intense considerations and concerns for humans and animals and the survival of our business,” Ms Bensted said.

“We need to ensure that we have enough staff to care for our animals and to be able to open our sites and be confident of offering a safe and enjoyable experience to visitors.”

Ms Bensted said the health of animals had to be considered, particularly its “big cats”.

Adelaide Zoo needs its visitors, staff and volunteers to be fully vaccinated from next month. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

“Recently clinical outcomes have significantly shifted towards the negative with deaths associated with complications for multiple exotic animal species including asiatic lion and snow leopard,” she said.

Zoos SA will “reassess” whether full vaccination is needed to go into its parks on January 31.

Information about whether Zoos SA memberships will be temporary paused will be announced soon, Ms Bensted said.