Photo: Julieann Riedstra, Dr Phil Ainsley, Elaine Bensted
Zoos SA has officially announced the appointment of Dr. Phil Ainsley as the new Chief Executive, succeeding Elaine Bensted. Dr. Ainsley will assume his new role in April 2025, following an extensive global search that attracted over 90 candidates.
Dr. Ainsley, currently the Director of Adelaide Zoo, comes with a strong background in zoo management, conservation, and a deep-seated connection to the institution. His career spans over 25 years, with significant contributions to both the not-for-profit and government sectors, as well as private industry.
Dr. Ainsley’s relationship with Adelaide Zoo is both professional and personal. He grew up immersed in the zoo environment, influenced by his father’s two-decade-long tenure working with reptiles at the zoo. This early exposure fostered his passion for wildlife and conservation, which is evident in his long-standing dedication to the field.
Since joining Zoos SA in 2013 as the Conservation Programs Manager, Dr. Ainsley has held various pivotal roles within the organisation. Before becoming the Director at Adelaide Zoo in 2021, he served as a Curator overseeing various departments including conservation, birds, and reptiles.
The selection of Dr. Ainsley follows the impending retirement of Elaine Bensted, who has led Zoos SA for the past 12 years. Under her leadership, the institution has seen significant growth and success, including multiple conservation initiatives and the upcoming introduction of new Giant Pandas and four additional elephants at the zoos.
President of Zoos SA, Julieann Riedstra, said “I’m very pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Phil Ainsley to the role of Zoos SA Chief Executive from April 2025.”
“We conducted an extensive recruitment process and were incredibly pleased to see the high calibre of applicants who wanted to be a part of Zoos SA; this speaks for our position as a renowned and reputable leader within the global zoo network and solidifies our standing as an employer of choice.
“Our shortlist included international and interstate talent, but ultimately the board agreed that Phil’s leadership skills, conservation credentials, knowledge of the zoo industry and our organisation and his exciting vision for its future, make Phil the best person to lead Zoos SA and to deliver on our current key priorities – the arrival of the new Giant Pandas, the arrival of four more elephants and the opening of the luxury resort and safari experience at Monarto Safari Park.”
One of Dr. Ainsley’s remarkable achievements includes leading Adelaide Zoo to be recognised as Australia’s Major Tourist Attraction in 2022, a significant accolade marking it the only South Australian business to earn gold at the national level.
Elaine Bensted praised Dr. Ainsley’s capabilities and his readiness to steer Zoos SA into the future. “Having worked with Phil for over a decade, I can say with the utmost confidence that he is the right person to take Zoos SA into the future,” says Elaine.“
Leading this organisation is a role that provides more ‘wow’ moments than most, and the mission grows more critical every day. I certainly wouldn’t say it’s easy but I would absolutely say it’s rewarding, and I hope Phil finds the same.
“I’m proud to see Phil step into the CE role and lead this iconic organisation, and I know he has the full backing of not just the board, but the Executive Leadership Team as well as our 350 staff and 450 volunteers.
“Phil and I will be working closely together with the board over the coming months to ensure a comprehensive handover and a smooth transition takes place when I head into retirement in April 2025.”
Dr. Ainsley shared that he plans to build on the legacy of Zoos SA, focusing on continuing its mission to connect people with nature and support global conservation efforts.
“Some of my fondest childhood memories are of Adelaide Zoo. My father worked with reptiles here for nearly 20 years and I was incredibly fortunate to grow up spending a great deal of time watching him work and developing a passion for nature,” Phil said.
“While I’m eternally grateful for that strong history, I’m also very excited to look to the future of Zoos SA. Elaine Bensted has been a truly inspiring leader of our organisation for the past 12 years and I’m honoured to continue not only Elaine’s work, but the 140-year legacy of Zoos SA into the future.
“The great thing about having spent so much time in the organisation, is knowing first-hand what an incredible honour it is to lead this amazing group of people, support the remarkable animals in our care, and continue the vital work of Zoos SA to connect people with nature and help save species from extinction.”
Dr. Ainsley’s tenure as Director has already seen Adelaide Zoo achieve new heights in visitor numbers and conservation initiatives. Being an integral part of the Zoos SA community for over a decade, his elevation to the top job is a natural progression, reflecting his deep commitment and understanding of the organisation’s mission.
In his future role, Dr. Ainsley’s focus will be on enhancing the organisation’s status as a leader in the global zoo industry, as well as fostering the connection between the community and the natural world.
Dr. Ainsley is also a leader in the Australasian zoo community, actively contributing as the chair of the Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA) Ethics Committee and participating in various advisory roles related to animal welfare and ethics.
This leadership transition at Zoos SA is set to mark a new chapter in the organisation’s history, as it continues to contribute significantly to wildlife conservation locally and internationally.
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