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Johannesburg Zoo - Dedicated to Conservation

Established in 1907, the Johannesburg Zoo was until recently owned by the City of Johannesburg, but is now a non- profit organization. The Zoo of Johannesburg is built on 54 hectares of land, providing a safe home for 365 species, which totals to a staggering amount of 2 070 animals.

The core function of the Johannesburg Zoo is the protection, conservation and medical treatment of wild animals. Through its educational programmes, the Johannesburg Zoo strives to educate the public and make them aware of the crisis, our wildlife face every day. It is important for the public to know that the present wildlife is all we have, and we need to be vigilant in the fight for their survival. Night tours are also available at the Zoo, which gives the visitor an entirely new perspective on the animals. The Johannesburg Zoo, works closely with other organizations, such as local, national and regional authorities, NGO’s and landowners, to preserve and protect the wild life in its every shape and form. The Zoo in Johannesburg partakes in biological conservation as well. This is an essential part of conservation, as the research and studies conducted, enable the Johannesburg Zoo, to understand and prevent diseases, and to be able to give the animals the best medical care available.

The Johannesburg Zoo also supports a healthy life style, and together with the organization Run/Walk for Life International, they have created The Zoo Trot. Participants pay a small entrance fee, and are able to enter either the 5km or 10km challenge. This event takes place every second Sunday of the month.

There are also designated feeding times for certain enclosures, which are open for public viewing. Some of the feeding times are accompanied by a short informative talk, while others are just for you to watch. On the feeding time timetable, are enclosures such as Seals, Wild Dogs and the Polar Bears. Also seen around the park are green flags, these indicate to visitors that there is a new addition to the family within that enclosure.

Another proud moment for the Johannesburg Zoo was when Teresa Slacke won the Chairman's Award at the African Association of Zoos and Aquaria Conference held in East London. This proves, once again, that the dedication and passion the staff members show towards the animals and the Johannesburg Zoo does bear fruit.