Feral fencing legends tame Wild Africa barrier

It was a tough, sometimes back-breaking job but vital for the protection of the animals in the precinct as the fencing keeps out kangaroos, rabbits and hares.

"When we started this project, I doubt any of us realised what a mammoth task we had ahead of us but we're three determined women," Anne said. "A few months ago, Katie Arch joined the Wild Africa team making it a four-woman team.

"We were glad of the extra numbers when it came to digging out, rolling out wire, shovelling dirt back and starting what was sometimes a compressor with a mind of its own!"

Janet said the women-led team loved the challenge and it was the team that made working on the fence such a pleasure. "The volunteer team at Wild Africa is brilliant to work with, we are always looking for more to add to our family. It can be hard, manual work but very rewarding."

Located 70 kilometres from Adelaide, Monarto Safari Park will be the largest safari experience to exist outside of Africa.

Spanning more than 1,500 hectares and home to more than 50 species of exotic and native mammals, birds and reptiles - you can actually fit every major zoo in Australia in Monarto Safari Park and still have land left over - the Park is home to many of Africa's most impressive animals and also one of Australia's largest lion prides and giraffe herds.

The Wild Africa precinct is set to open in 2022 and will include a 560-hectare safari experience, luxury hotel and glamping accommodation.

Monarto Safari Park will also open a new Visitor Centre in March.

Volunteer Manager, Nikki Marcel, said finishing the fence was a massive achievement which wouldn't have been possible without the volunteer team.

"Zoos SA relies on our 460 volunteers to get things done and achieve all that we can within such a small budget as a not-for-profit," she said.

The fencing was finished just before Christmas but there's no shortage of work still for the volunteer team. On the day the three volunteers spoke to The Senior they were in the middle of doing trenching work and laying irrigation.

"It's hard work but they're a great mob to work with," said Jackie.

Anne, who is a trained zoo guide, joined the team because she wanted to try something new. "We're building a safari park and we're helping endangered animals," she said.

Volunteers devote as much or as little time as is practical for them and there are a huge range of jobs available from guiding to gardening and building.

A large number of the park volunteers are older or retired and they bring with them a range of useful skills.

"We are always looking for more people to join us and be part of team," said Nikki.

For more information about Monarto Safari Park and how to volunteer, click HERE