Zoos SA have announced that a private investor will build and operate a $40 million five-star luxury resort and glamping facilities at Monarto Zoo.

The expansion will transform the newly rebranded ‘Monarto Safari Park’ into the world’s largest safari experience outside of Africa.

After months of secrecy, Zoos SA Chief Executive Elaine Bensted revealed the private investor to be Australian businessman Gerry Ryan OAM.

“We’re thrilled to formalise our partnership with Gerry Ryan OAM which will see him build and operate a state-of-the-art safari resort at Monarto, allowing us to expand our fabulous safari experiences and tourism offering,” Ms Bensted said.

A luxury resort with hotel rooms, conference, function and restaurant spaces, and luxury eco-glamping facilities will be the outcome of this massive expansion.

New tours and offerings will also be launched, including safari experiences with specially designed open-sided vehicles and a walk-through lemur experience.

Ms Bensted said the new safari experience is set to be the closest visitors can get to an African safari without having to go to Africa.

The construction of this project is expected to generate 72 direct and 151 indirect full time jobs with an additional 90 full time jobs required once the new Visitor Centre and accommodation are in operation.

Member for Hammond, Adrian Pederick MP is thrilled by this announcement and what it means for the Murraylands.

“There is nothing like the Monarto Safari Park outside of Africa. This development will be a great boost for tourism in the area by attracting many more overseas and interstate tourists.

This announcement will create further job opportunities in Hammond,” Mr Pederick said.