"Monarto Zoo - A Conservation Ark for Rare and Endangered Species." Amber reviews this new book from the Murraylands region of South Australia

Geoff Brooks reckons he's got one of the best offices possible. As Monarto's head of Assets and Infrastructure he spends his time cruising around the park checking on all things that might need fixing or building. But it's not just buildings and fences that get Geoff's attention. He has a pretty good relationship with the animals too.

Geoff's love of all things wild has allowed him to combine his job with his passion for photography - and produce a lovely new book of his photos. He's managed to capture on film stunning images of the Monarto animals in their many moods. The book highlights Monarto as Australia's largest open-range zoo where the space and natural habitats encourage natural animal behaviours.

Geoff Brooks, Photographer: "I have some fabulous photos where I've seen something suitable, reached over and grabbed the camera and just fired. There's one of a zebra and giraffe I call, 'The Kiss'. It's not a kiss - seconds later the zebra bit that giraffe on the lip - I just saw it coming up, grabbed the camera and fired just in time to catch it."

Geoff started at Monarto more than 10 years ago as a volunteer and he's released the book to coincide with the 130th anniversary of The Royal Zoological Society in South Australia.

Geoff Brooks: "I've traveled back and forth across Africa, my wife and I backpacked across there and found out there's an Africa a half hour from home so I had to come out here and got involved with it and it was just amazing.

"Because I spend a lot of time around the place and I'm not a keeper the animals tend to ignore me cause they don't expect anything of me. They know I'm not gong to come up and feed them so if you sit there long enough they'll say its only you."

Geoff hopes his photos help the conservation cause and encourage people to spend more time at Monarto. He says the behind the scenes programs are a hit - with more than 7-thousand people having met the rhinos up close - and all have left the zoo with a different view of the world.

Geoff Brooks: "I remember as a kid I either wanted to be a game ranger in Africa or work in a zoo and I've back-packed back and forth across Africa, love it and I work here - so it's pretty good."

Geoff's book, Monarto Zoo is available at Monarto, of course, the Adelaide Zoo and good bookshops. It's published by Wakefield Press and sells for 39.95 with all proceeds going back to Monarto. If you have any further questions please email info@postcards-sa.com.au

'Monarto Zoo - A Conservation Ark for Rare and Endangered Species' By Geoff Brook. Available Monarto & Adelaide Zoos and good bookshops RRP AU$39.95

Published 7th June 2009