Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park get visit from Santa as animals enjoy Christmas gifts

From Adelaide lemurs to Monarto’s rhinos, the residents of SA Zoo’s were spoiled with festive treats on Christmas Day.

Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park’s furry, feathered and scaly residents woke up to an abundance of gifts on Christmas Day courtesy of Santa Paws.

The animals were spoiled rotten with colourfully-decorated presents in the shape of baubles and gingerbread houses filled with tasty treats.

Santa Paws has visited the animals at Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park . Tasmanian Devil gingerbread house Picture: ZoosSA

Santa Paws has visited the animals at Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park . Bilby Picture: ZoosSA

The annual tradition has become a highlight for Zoos SA Chief Executive Elaine Bensted who always looked forward to seeing the animals having some festive fun.

“It is such a fun way to celebrate Christmas, I love seeing all the new and inventive enrichment BEEZA and the keepers have designed for the species at both of our sites,” she said.

The lemurs loved their gifts. Picture: ZoosSA

The Palm Cockatoo and their gingerbread present. Picture: ZoosSA

Adelaide Zoo’s tamarins, birds, Binturong, Coati, Serval, primates and lemurs were treated to Christmas goodies with Nocturnal House residents gifted a range of nibbly treats.

Over at Monarto, native species including Warru, Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby, Greater Stick Nest Rat, Bilby and Tasmanian Devil had fun exploring a paper mache Gingerbread House, stockings, and presents.

The Southern White Rhinos joined the fun with female Uhura, who is first to the tree each year, wasting no time getting to her presents.

A quokka at Gorge Wildlife Park enjoys a xmas treat . Picture: Gorge Wildlife Park

Warru (Black-flanked Rock-wallaby) at Monarto. Picture: ZoosSA

Species-specific enrichment items provide stimulation, giving the animals the opportunity to use their natural behaviours to open gifts. Picture: ZoosSA

Zoos SA’s volunteer BEEZA (Behaviour and Environmental Enrichment of Zoo Animals) elves were also on deck to help.

Ms Bensted said it was heartwarming to see families, friends and animal lovers alike celebrating the holidays at Adelaide Zoo and Monarto this year.

“I find it particularly special that friends, families, members and people from all walks of life choose to spend Christmas Day with us at both sites.”

Originally published as Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park get visit from Santa as animals enjoy Christmas gifts