Elaine Bensted is Chief Executive of Zoos SA which operates both Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park and has been in this role since September 2012.  

Since being in the role Elaine has led an improvement in the financial position of this conservation charity and an increase in Zoos SA membership base from 26,000 to over 50,000.  She also led the work that culminated in the release of a 20 year Master Plan for both Adelaide and Monarto Zoos in early 2015. 

A wife, a mother and a proud owner of German shepherd dogs, Elaine was the recipient of the 2014 Australian Institute of Management Not for Profit Manager Award and the recipient of the Telstra South Australian Business Woman of the Year Award for Purpose and Social Enterprise 2017. 

Outside of her work with Zoos SA, Elaine is also Vice President of Zoos & Aquarium Association (ZAA) and Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee, Board member of Children’s University Advisory Board, Uni SA Business School Program Advisory Board, The Australian Rhino Project Board, International Koala Centre of Excellence Advisory Board, World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) Membership & Ethics Committee and the Treasurer, Board member of the Regional Development Australia Murraylands and Riverland Board and Environment Institute Advisory Board. 

In this episode, Elaine and Daniel talked about Elaine's journey to where she is today, the future of Zoos SA and how they managed through the tough time of 2020. We also touched on what we can do to be more environmentally conscious and play our part in creating a better world not only for the humans on this planet but for the longevity of all life. 

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