No lion about new Zoo waterholes

Visitors to Monarto Zoo are encouraged to bring their own reuseable bottle and fill up for free at SA Water’s three new drinking fountains, helping make a safari adventure easier on the hip pocket and environment.

The fountains are located near the Rhino Boma, Windana Lion platform and Visitor Centre at Monarto Zoo, which is home to many of Africa’s most impressive animals and receives around 160,000 visitors every year.

Zoos SA Chief Executive Elaine Bensted said they were thrilled to work together with SA Water and take sustainable action to continue reducing their environmental footprint.

“We’re always on the lookout for new ways to lessen plastic’s impact on the planet and the fountains help offset the amount of single-use plastic water bottles handled through our recycling programs,” Elaine said.

“More access to an environmentally friendly alternative is fantastic and provides a great boost for visitor experience while inspiring sustainable behaviour.

“We jumped at the chance to install these new fountains and SA Water should be congratulated on this outstanding initiative.”

Designed and manufactured in Australia, a low-lying drinking arm bubbler on the side ensures the fountain is child and wheelchair accessible and a central ‘water window’ enables easy, safe filling of bottles.

Smart technology in the fountains allow their water use to be remotely monitored, generating cleaning and maintenance schedules.

SA Water General Manager Customers, Strategy and Innovation Anna Jackson said the fountains enable a healthy habit at one of the world’s largest open-range zoos.

“Having fountains at Monarto Zoo is an excellent opportunity for us to promote the many benefits of tap water – it’s one of the best decisions you can make for your health, your wallet and the environment,” Anna said.

“Accessibility and user experience are at the core of their design which creates an inviting appearance, making it easier for the community to fill up their reuseable bottles or have a drink on the spot.

“With around 370 million single-use plastic water bottles making their way to landfill each year in Australia, we’re working to provide convenient places to refill and help South Australians continue leading the way in reducing plastic waste.”

SA Water is a proud major partner of Zoos SA, helping connect people with nature and working closely with the conservation charity to enhance water consumption efficiency through smart metering technology.

Zoos SA joins a growing network of organisations and venues, including the Adelaide Showground and 11 councils across the state, who are partnering with SA Water to install 30 smart water fountains.

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