Land of the Lemurs Animal Experience at Monarto Safari Park
Review By Jo Parkinson
When you hear the word ‘lemur’, many of us picture cute, furry creatures dancing to the song ‘I like to move it’ in the movie Madagascar. Well, it’s time to see lemurs in a whole new light, with the Land of the Lemurs experience at Monarto Safari Park.
Land of the Lemurs is the newest animal experience on offer, where you can get up close and personal and learn all there is to know about these adorable, endangered animals. It is also the only way you can see them at Monarto Safari Park, as the area is not open to the public.
We arrived at Monarto Safari Park half an hour before our scheduled session to check in. When it was time, a guide met us in the main entrance and she gave the group a quick run-down on safety and general housekeeping rules. There was also the option to spray ourselves with mosquito repellent just in case you come across any mozzies while on the tour. Group numbers are capped at 15 people to ensure a private experience.
Then it was time to hop on board a minibus that took us on a quick ride to where the lemurs are. The guide shared lots of interesting facts about lemurs along the way.
To ensure that no diseases are passed between human and lemur, face masks provided on the day had to be worn. A special disinfectant mat was also set up right outside the bus, so that shoes are cleaned before you walk through. This helps protect the lemurs from any germs that might be carried in.
When the bus arrived at Land of the Lemurs, a keeper greeted the group and led the way into a large tent. We were reminded about safety measures once more. Any bags or food can be left in the tent, as lemurs can sniff out even the smallest treat. We were told not to pat the lemurs or crouch down, and if they approach you to slowly take a few steps back. Lemurs have sharp claws, so you don’t want them mistaking you for a tree!
The Lemurs
Then it was time to meet the lemurs! The keeper led the group along designated paths, and it wasn’t long before we spotted the familiar black and white striped tail in the trees. There are about 30 lemurs in total, including a few super cute babies, so it was easy to see them. They are very active, climbing and jumping through trees, walking on the ground, and having a bite to eat. We loved watching them play and interact with each other, it was very entertaining!
The keeper then walked us over to an old aeroplane that the lemurs like to play on. She was very knowledgeable and friendly. Information about lemurs was shared with the group throughout the whole experience. There was also plenty of opportunities to ask questions and take photos.
Radiated Tortoises
Towards the end of the tour, we had a surprise. We also got to see and learn about another Madagascan animal, the Radiated Tortoise. We had a quick visit to their enclosure, located in amongst the lemurs. The tortoises, although quite slow, were also active and it was great to see them up close. The best part was when the keeper showed us how the tortoises like to have their shells massaged, it was very cute!
The whole experience lasts for approximately one hour, and the bus takes you back to the main entrance. There’s a chance to stop by the gift shop to buy a souvenir to remember your time with the lemurs.
The Land of the Lemurs experience is a great addition to a day out at Monarto or can be done by itself. You can still access the café, gallery and gift shop on completion of the experience if you don’t want to pay to enter the rest of the safari park.
I highly recommend Land of the Lemurs for a memorable day out with family and friends. A voucher would also make a special gift. We loved our day meeting the lemurs and look forward to trying another animal experience next time.
Days & Times:
- Monday and Thursday – 10:15am
- Saturday and Sunday – 10:15am and 11:35am
- Public and School Holidays – 10:15am and 11:35am
Things to remember:
- Bookings for Land of the Lemurs must be made prior to your visit
- Tour numbers are capped at 15 people
- Participants must arrive 30 minutes before the start time
- Flat, enclosed shoes must be worn
- Face masks must be worn when in the Land of the Lemurs area
- You cannot pat the lemurs
- Lemurs can only be seen at Monarto Safari Park by booking this experience
- No food can be taken into the enclosure
- A separate ticket must be purchased to gain entry into the rest of Monarto Safari Park
- Wheelchair accessibility will be coming soon
If you haven’t visited Monarto Safari Park for a while, the Park has a new entrance as of 2022:
For more information and all enquiries please visit the Zoos SA website.
What: Land of the Lemurs Animal Experience
When: Monday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday, Public Holidays & School Holidays (see times above)
Where: Monarto Safari Park, 63 Monarto Road, Monarto
Who: All ages (Children under 16 must be accompanied by a participating, paying adult)
At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.
Image Source: Jo Parkinson for Play and Go
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