Photo Credit: Tom Hunt
SENATOR MARIELLE SMITH
SENATOR FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA
STEVE GEORGANAS MP
MEMBER FOR ADELAIDE
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
Friday, 30 January 2026
SUPPORT FOR ZOOS SA TO PREPARE FOR H5 BIRD FLU
The Albanese Government is safeguarding native species, in response to the threat of H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza (H5 bird flu), with a $140,000 investment at Adelaide Zoo and $54,800 at Monarto Safari Park.
Australia is the only continent that remains free from H5 bird flu. Its rapid global spread, primarily through the movement of migratory birds, has led to significant impacts on poultry, wild birds and some mammal species overseas. Cases have also been detected in people. If H5 bird flu reaches Australia, it could significantly impact agricultural industries, wildlife, including threatened species, and communities.
Last November, testing confirmed the presence of H5 bird flu in samples collected from southern elephant seals on Heard Island, a remote sub-Antarctic Australian external territory more than 4,000km south-west of Perth.
Today’s funding announcement will support Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park to boost critical biosecurity measures, to protect the Orange-bellied parrot, red-tailed phascogale, regent honeyeater, swift parrot, Mallee emu-wren, greater bilby, greater stick-nest rat, plains-wanderer, and the Tasmanian devil from a potential future outbreak in Australia.
The funding will help ensure these critical species have safe and healthy futures, with biosecurity upgrades to enclosures, medication of the animal health department facilities for wildlife triage, upgrades to veterinary equipment, improved wild bird prevention and deterrence measures.
These facilities are part of a second round of H5 bird flu captive threatened species support, funded by the Albanese Government and delivered by the Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA), in close consultation with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
Quotes attributable to Senator for South Australia, Senator Marielle Smith:
“The Albanese Government is investing $36.9 million to boost environmental measures and accelerate protective action for threatened species.
I have long admired the work of Zoos SA, and the valuable contribution they make to South Australian families, communities and conservation. I am pleased this funding will strengthen their biosecurity efforts, helping Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park to continue the important work they do.”
Quotes attributable to Steve Georganas MP, Member for Adelaide:
“Adelaide Zoo is an important part of our local community, and these upgrades to veterinary equipment and wildlife triage facilities will strengthen its vital conservation work. I’m proud that our Government is investing right here in the Adelaide electorate.”
Quotes attributable to Dr David McLelland, Zoos SA Senior Veterinarian:
“While avian influenza primarily affects birds, we know it can also have serious impacts on other species. These projects support precautionary measures to protect threatened species in our care and improve biosecurity preparedness.”
