During my recent visits to Monarto Safari Park, I’ve had the chance to speak with a few keepers about species they’d like to see introduced to the park, both personally and as part of Monarto’s institutional goals. The focus seems to be primarily on ungulates, with some exciting species mentioned on their wishlist:
### Wishlist Species
**Lesser Kudu**
Monarto’s director, Peter, has participated in several research trips to South Africa, visiting private game reserves and national parks where kudu are a common sight. Lesser kudu were also included in the original plans for Monarto’s “Wild Africa” expansion back in 2005. Their natural range, including the Cape, has a climate similar to South Australia’s, making them well-suited to Monarto’s environment. Importantly, they’re on the current import list.
**Giant Sable Antelope**
These striking antelope are a popular feature in savanna exhibits across the US and Europe. Adding them to Monarto’s “Wild Africa” collection would make sense, but it’s worth noting that sable antelope, like kudu, do not form large herds and can have aggressive males. This may make them challenging to integrate into a multi-species exhibit. Nevertheless, they’re also on the import list.
**Impala**
Another iconic species commonly seen in zoos worldwide, impala are known for their large herds and adaptability to cooler southern African climates. However, they are currently *not* on the import list, which could complicate efforts to bring them to Monarto.
**Okapi**
A surprising potential addition, okapi would likely have been tied to Taronga Zoo’s former plans for a breeding program, with Monarto serving as a secondary facility. However, if Taronga’s plans have been shelved, it’s unlikely Monarto will pursue okapi further.
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### Likely Future Acquisitions
Beyond the wishlist species, there are several others Monarto is expected to acquire in the coming years:
**Hamadryas Baboons**
Monarto is confirmed to take Adelaide Zoo’s growing troop of Hamadryas baboons in the near future. As the troop expands, they’ll transition to Monarto to take advantage of its larger space.
**Maned Wolves**
Featured in Monarto’s 2020s master plan, maned wolves would add much-needed carnivoran diversity as the park expands its ungulate collection. They’re relatively easy to house, and since Adelaide Zoo already holds this species, transferring them to Monarto is a practical move.
**Black-and-White Ruffed Lemurs**
Originally planned for the “Land of the Lemurs” precinct, these lemurs could make their debut at Monarto within the next decade.
**Caracal/Serval**
A smaller African carnivore like caracal or serval would diversify Monarto’s species list. Both species are easy to house and are already held at Adelaide and Gorge Wildlife Park (with Gorge planning to acquire caracals soon).
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### Additional Possibilities
Over the next 10–15 years, Monarto could also expand its collection to include:
- **Asian Water Buffalo**
- **Himalayan Tahr**
- **Sambar Deer**
- **Axis Deer**
- **Bilbies**
- Various **native birds** and **reptiles/mammals**
