Johannesburg Zoo — Attraction in Johannesburg Ward 117

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Johannesburg Zoo, and I must say, it exceeded all expectations. This verdant oasis in the northern suburb of Johannesburg is a testament to the city's commitment to providing a top-notch recreational space for both locals and tourists alike.

The sprawling 55-hectare zoo, founded in 1904 by the late Hermann Eckstein, captivates visitors with its diverse collection of over 320 species, totaling around 2,000 animals. What sets the Joburg Zoo apart is its dedication to maintaining international standards of animal welfare, nutrition, and ethical conduct. It's heartening to witness an institution so devoted to ensuring the well-being of its animal residents.

I appreciate the accessibility of the zoo, open 364 days a year, even on holidays like Christmas, New Year's, and Easter. This commitment to providing a year-round experience reflects the zoo's dedication to serving the community. The provision of various tours, school holiday programs, venue hire options, and regular public events adds an extra layer of excitement for visitors.

Delving into the history of the zoo, it's fascinating to learn about its humble beginnings and subsequent evolution. The visionary Hermann Eckstein's generous donation of land in 1904 initiated the journey that has led to the development of this remarkable institution. The 1960s marked a turning point when the zoo responded to changing public perceptions by enhancing enclosures, initiating educational programs, and participating in crucial breeding initiatives.

As an intriguing tidbit, the original animal collection in 1904 included a lion, a leopard, a giraffe, and other fascinating creatures. The zoo's growth is evident in the historical landmarks like the Bandstand, built in 1910, and the stone elephant and rhino house constructed between 1913 and 1915.

I was particularly captivated by the dedication to continuous improvement. The zoo's willingness to adapt to visitor demands for larger, more natural enclosures demonstrates a commitment to providing an enriching experience for both animals and patrons. The milestones achieved, such as the establishment of a hospital in 1936, showcase a long-term vision for the zoo's prosperity.

In conclusion, the Johannesburg Zoo is a treasure trove of wildlife, history, and entertainment. It successfully blends the past and present, creating an immersive experience for visitors of all ages. My visit was not only enjoyable but also enlightening, leaving me with a deep appreciation for the tireless efforts of the staff in preserving and showcasing the wonders of the...

❗️PLEASE READ BEFORE VISITING JOBURG ZOO❗️ ⚠️16 November 2024⚠️

Every word in this post is 100% true and genuine and it comes from a person with a deep love for animals.

My visit experience:

When you enter the park you straight away see that is is government run. 2.Staff are extremely rude and not willing to help. 3.You will find a lot of staff members sleeping under trees and sitting in benches on their phones rather than cleaning or doing maintenance. Shops inside are extremely expensive so take your own food and drink. The Batrooms are very dirty and not stocked up. No toilet paper, no handsoap not even paper towels. Almost all toilets have no seats. A lot of empty animal enclosures wich is not advertised on their website. Upon visiting you see empty animal enclosures that were advertised on their website. Not enough Golf carts to hire due to many being broken and not maintained. Dangerous and broken Kids play area. (Basically a death trap for kids) Seating areas are dirty and many benches are broken. Walkways and viewing areas are under 20cm of mud and dirt. Not cleaned away in 6 months, even more.

❗️ANIMALS CONDITIONS❗️

We found plenty of animal enclosures without water. Not even mentioning fresh drinking water

Monkey pens were extremely dirty, many without water and invested with rats and mice. All animals looked sad and not well looked after. The elephants are clearly not being well fed. There are no more Gorilla's. The enclosure has been sitting empty since 2022. There is no more a Polar Icebear. This enclosure is still empty since the polar bear past away in 2014. Empty Otter enclosure. The chimpanzee enclosure was the saddest. Clearly these animals are not well cared for. The lack of care has caused inbreading to ocur so you will find chimpanzees that has downsindrome disease.

This is just the tip of the Iceberg. I really hope people see this review...

Nice day out. We went on a Monday, around 11am, in late July 2025. Generally, the facilities were in good condition. Not sure about the kiddies rides, but I suppose they have to generate income somehow. You need about R150 per individual in your wallett if you don't pack food and drinks. But this is highly advisable - there is plenty of space and lots of benches all over to sit and enjoy sustenance amoungst the animals. The big attractions missing as of Mid July 2025 - No Guerilla, No Crocs and we missed the Hippos, if there are any? They have lots of pigmy hippos. But this is just not the same. The Amazon exhibit needs a lot of work! More variety of food stalls would be a welcome addition. For those with limited capacity to walk or low stamina, DO hire a golf cart for an hour. Do the furthest half or even 1/3rd of the park using the vehicle - return it and go by foot for the lower half. We arrived at feeding time for the small cats and honeybadger during early afternoon. What a treat!! The snakes are well worth seeing by the Jan Smuts gate. The amphibian / frog exhibition was also not open and looked like it has been shut for a while. PLEASE DON'T FORGET THE LITTLE RED PANDA (opposite the old Elephant house). The little guy is a cutey and looks like he needs some company. A solid 7.5 / 10 - state funding is not what it should be and donations are low considering the economics of SA. But we should all do a little to help there - and that goes for all zoos. I would recommend going, even if you consider yourself a wildlife buff or hunting expert, it's not the same as seeing these beast in the wild - but that is the point! I mean, would you put your 5 yr old in a flat open space with a 3 ton elephant bull at 15 paces or a 2 ton white rhino bull at 10 paces? No, you wouldn't, but at the zoo they can have that closeness....