As Monarto Zoo prepares to celebrate its 30th birthday, we take a behind-the-scenes look at your favourite animals Monarto's popular cheetah cubs playing in a pile of rhino poo. A LAUGHING hyena smiles at the camera as water drips from his chin. Cheetah cubs demonstrate a childish exuberance as they chase each other around an enclosure. And a young chimpanzee chews on the thumb of an adult, in an affectionate scene at Monarto Zoo. The images are among a selection of exclusive behind-the-scene photos zoo staff have shared with the Sunday Mail ahead of the zoo's 30th birthday celebrations. Monarto Zoo carnivore team leader Anna Bennett said the photo of hyena Gamba cooling off in the harsh summer heat was one of her favourite images of him. Gamba the hyena has good reasons to be smiling. She said hyenas were often misunderstood and were nothing like the mean portrayal of the animals in the Disney movie The Lion King. "Most people have the wrong impressions of hyenas - they're not horrible and smelly, they're actually really curious," she said. 'They're inquisitive and very interactive with the keepers. Mrs Bennett said they were her favourite animal to work with. Monarto's bull giraffes. "It's always great to introduce people to them because they always change their mind," she said. Mrs Bennett also shared a favourite photograph of Fennec Fox Tizga, with whom she has a special bond and has trained to sit and dig on command. In another photo supplied by zoo keepers southern white rhinoceros calf Kibibi - only a few hours old - emerges from a mud bath. Monarto Zoo first opened in 1983 as a closed special breeding facility and its first two animals were two female bison from New Zealand. Monarto's pride ... lion cub Minzi with Aunty Zalika.. Ten years later it opened its doors to the public and since then, millions of people have passed through the gates. It has expanded from six exhibits to 18 and is home to more than 450 animals. Next weekend the zoo is celebrating its 30th anniversary by throwing a birthday party with special treats, activities and surprises for visitors and animals. Visitors who pre-order online for the festivities will receive a 30 per cent saving on the admission price. Tizga the fennec fox. Ms Bennett said she was looking forward to the party but said every single day at the zoo was special. "Being a keeper, everyday is different - there is never the same day twice," she said. For more details and to book visit www.zoossa.com.au/monarto-zoo