Johannesburg Zoo
The Johannesburg Zoo was opened in 1904 to house, breed and provide medical care for wild animals. Today, it is home to more than 2 000 animals, among them the rare white lion (the zoo was the first in the world to breed a white lion cub).
Visitors to the zoo get to see tigers, elephants, gorillas, chimpanzees, sable antelope, bat-eared foxes, polar bears, wild dogs, vultures and crocodiles, among others. The zoo offers “smell, hear, touch and feel” programmes throughout the year, as well as feeding-time visits and talks on the weekends.
The zoo plays an educational role, teaching visitors about the environment and conserving trees and other plants. It also serves a research function, and provides recreational activities to visitors in a safe, green and healthy environment.
The zoo’s 54ha features numerous trees, water features and lovely walkways.
Aleksandr orlov at the Johannesburg Zoo. Photo courtesy TyneWear-Rob
Admission
Adults: R55
Children under 12 and pensioners: R34
Students (with student card): R24
Annual pass – adults: R500
Annual pass – children under 12 and pensioners: R300
Tours
Day tour: R85 (groups of 15 to 20); R75 (groups of 21 to 34); R65 (groups of 35 plus)
Day tour for school group: R50
Evening tour: R95 (groups of 15 to 20); R85 (groups of 21 to 34); R75 (groups of 35 plus)
Senior citizen tour: R45
Parking
Car: R10
Bus: R20
Visiting hours
Monday to Sunday from 08h30 to 17h30 (last entry to the zoo is at 16h00)
Directions
Corner of Jan Smuts Avenue and Upper Park Drive in Parkview, Johannesburg. The main public entrance is on Upper Park Drive