National Zoo

The National Zoological Garden of South Africa

The National Zoological Garden of South Africa, commonly known as the Pretoria Zoo, serves as the national zoo of South Africa. Established in 1899 by J. W. B. Gunning, the zoo is situated in Pretoria and covers an expansive 80 hectares (200 acres), ranking it among the world's largest zoological gardens.

History and Development

The land that now houses the zoo was acquired by the state in 1895 from Johannes Francois Celliers, who had previously purchased it from Z.A.R. president Stephanus Schoeman. The zoological garden was formally established at the commencement of the Second Boer War in 1899. It later became recognized as the official National Zoological Gardens in 1916. The zoo's management has evolved over time, with periods under the South African National Research Foundation, and it is currently overseen by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI).

Landscape and Infrastructure

The zoo's natural setting is a key feature, with its 80-hectare area divided between relatively flat terrain and the slopes of a hill. This division is naturally formed by the Apies River, which flows through the grounds and is spanned by two bridges to facilitate visitor movement. For visitor convenience, approximately 6 kilometers of pathways are established within the zoo. Golf carts are available for rent, offering access to most, though not all, exhibits. A notable infrastructure element is the cable car that connects the higher ground with an area near the main entrance.

Exhibits and Features

The Pretoria Zoo hosts a diverse array of animal exhibits. Upon entering, visitors can find a walk-through aviary, followed by enclosures for African penguins, Cape fur seals, leopards, flamingos, and lemurs. Further along are aviaries for various birds, and enclosures for hamadryas baboons and monkeys. The central section of the zoo is dedicated to a large African savannah waterhole and significant enclosures for various species including cheetahs, black and white rhinos, giraffes, hippos, plains zebras, African buffaloes, and okapis. Smaller enclosures house primates, African wild dogs, and red kangaroos, alongside bird breeding units. The northern hillside features enclosures for large predators and mammals such as lions, tigers, brown bears, Nubian ibexes, and western lowland gorillas. The western section of the zoo is home to two aquariums and a reptile park, which can be accessed via a separate entrance. In 2024, the zoo transferred its last elephant, Charley, to a wildlife reserve.