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ZOOS SOUTH AUSTRALIA - ZOOS SA MAGAZINE - WINTER EDITION - JULY 2008 (Circulated to ZOOSA Member's Only )

Pride of Place - Monarto's new viewing area will soon provide up close and personal experiences with lions, African Wild dogs and Hyaena.

A new section of Monarto's Zu-Loop experience is due to come on line in September this year with the opening of a raised viewing platform at the lions, African Wild dogs and Hyaena habitats. Soon visitors will be able to spend as much time as they like with our charismatic carnivores. Situated between the lions and African Wild dog exhibits, the platform has great views into two of the Zoo's most popular destinations. The facility, which will include three raised and covered viewing areas, together with an office and visitor facilities. This viewing platform will not only be accessible via the Zu-Loop bus system, but will also be connected into our extensive walking track network. It is anticipated that keeper talks will form part of the experience and that a 'flying fox' carcass delivery system will be trailed from the platform itself into the African Wild dog exhibit. The Lions are already very much interested in what is happening, and are keeping a close eye on how the work is progressing, so we do not foresee any problem with visitors being able to get a good view of the pride.

fozzie

Good news.
I can't wait for it to open.
The hard part will be deciding where to shoot. Cheetahs or lions...?

Daniel

That’s great news! Should provide some fantastic shooting opportunities.

Lions wins hands down - because you get cubs, males and females...

DanielA - although I have soft spot for the Chettah's, the Lion's get my vote

On the day I will take a picnic lunch, get on the first bus and catch the last bus back to the main Visitor's Centre. What a terrible way to spend a day...hehehe

DanielA wrote:Good news.
I can't wait for it to open.
The hard part will be deciding where to shoot. Cheetahs or lions...?

Daniel

fozzie

fozzie wrote:DanielA - although I have soft spot for the Chettah's, the Lion's get my vote

Why am I not surprised.

Big V wrote:Lions wins hands down - because you get cubs, males and females...

True. I haven't seen the cubs yet.

Daniel

When is this meant to be opening up? Im keen to head out there, me and a mate have been discussing a trip there since we both got our DSLR's

Doctor wrote:When is this meant to be opening up? Im keen to head out there, me and a mate have been discussing a trip there since we both got our DSLR's

September sometime

fozzie wrote:I will update this thread, once I know the opening date of the new observation decks.

I was just thinking of visiting the Adelaide Zoo sometime for shots, but I had no idea about Monarto's new section. I'll keep my eyes on this thread, thanks fozzie.

Biggzie wrote:

Doctor wrote:When is this meant to be opening up? Im keen to head out there, me and a mate have been discussing a trip there since we both got our DSLR's

September sometime

Awesome news, will certainly put something in motion to get out there now!

fozzie wrote:On the day I will take a picnic lunch, get on the first bus and catch the last bus back to the main Visitor's Centre. What a terrible way to spend a day...hehehe
fozzie

having recently spent a be active day at Monarto with over 300 kids, your idea sounds far more palatable Fozzie.

The staff there were so friendly and understanding of the hordes thrust upon them but it would be nice to go back on a quiet day and really enjoy the trails, views...and animals!

Keep us posted

cheers
R2

Fozzie I hope to have that elusive lens in my hands soon (hopefully)..and would enjoy learning how best to use it.... from the lion king of course!!

Great News! Sounds like a great excuse to revisit Monarto. I drive past it approximately once per week and keep promising myself to go back and take my time one day along with the kit. After September the days will start to warm up a little as well!?!

*** Update ***

I have been in contact with Monarto Zoo during the week and it is anticipated that the new observation deck for the Lions will be completed in time for the School holidays, commencing Saturday 27th September, 2008. They did suggest to ring before hand to check. Contact information following:-

http://www.adelaidezoo.com.au/monarto-z ... contact-us

fozzie

Cheers for the update mate! I think I might go up there when the weather warms up

Yi Ha!!
thanks Fozzie ..have the school holidays off so will be spending a day there week 2 ...need to test the new 300L(only F4) and 1.4 but from the sound of the info avaliable on the new platform this may be too much lense. What do you guys generally use at places like the giraffe playform ???

Hear a rumor you are having a day up there soon with Canon ..Adelaides such a small place so not many secrets
DebT

I think that day is the Photo Wholesalers monarto trip. Mid November?

Deb T - congratulations on your new toys... Canon 300L f/4, plus extender 1.4x. Do you still have the Canon 70-200L f/2.8 If so, take that as well. Some of the giraffe's can be up close and personal, or some distance from the platform.

The rumor is true, although I am still waiting for the further details from Photo Wholesalers about Tuesday 11th November, 2008 ...but all the major DSLR manufacture's will be involved...Nikon, Canon, Olympus, Sony etc.

DebT wrote:Yi Ha!!
thanks Fozzie ..have the school holidays off so will be spending a day there week 2 ...need to test the new 300L(only F4) and 1.4 but from the sound of the info avaliable on the new platform this may be too much lense. What do you guys generally use at places like the giraffe playform ???

Hear a rumor you are having a day up there soon with Canon ..Adelaides such a small place so not many secrets
DebT

fozzie

Looking forward to the new enclosure. I will be there with you Fozzie when it opens.

Hey Paul has joined up - welcome. Yes I am looking forward to the new facilities, should improve the photography no end.

Hello everyone

Re: "I think that day is the Photo Wholesalers monarto trip. Mid November?"
Does anyone have a date for this?.
I would be interested in joining in.
Eric in Adelaide

I'm a Zoo member so visit Monarto quite often.

The New Chimp enclosure is opening soon also ( Jane Goodall will be opening it )

fozzie wrote:I have been in contact with Monarto Zoo during the week and it is anticipated that the new observation deck for the Lions will be completed in time for the School holidays, commencing Saturday 27th September, 2008.

Since we haven't heard from Fozzie for a while I assume he is camped out at the new Lion walk. I see that Monarto has started advertising their new walk in the Advertiser.

Daniel

Hi guys - don't get too excited about the opening of the Chimp enclosure in the next week or so ...not expecting any chimps to move into it until 2009 from what I hear - but could be wrong ..

Deb T

Deb T - I heard the same information on Seven News last night. Although Dr. Jane Goodall is opening the enclosure today. Hopefully all people will be heading for Monarto Zoo, while I will be at Adelaide

DebT wrote:Hi guys - don't get too excited about the opening of the Chimp enclosure in the next week or so ...not expecting any chimps to move into it until 2009 from what I hear - but could be wrong ..

Deb T

fozzie

Mmm today may be a nice day for the zoo could see you there
Deb