THE eThekwini Municipality has confirmed the extension of the temporary closure of Mitchell Park Zoo and children’s play area which are undergoing major upgrades and renovations.

The playground and zoo were closed in April amid public outcry at the poor state of the animal enclosures and deterioration of the equipment within the play area. eThekwini Municipality spokesperson Gugu Sisilana said work at the 100-year-old park is progressing well. “The Municipality has extended the closure of the park. The extension will provide sufficient time for all the necessary refurbishments to take place. A date confirming when the park will reopen will be communicated once the refurbishments have been completed,” said Sisilana.

She said some of the work done thus far includes the renewal of flower beds, removal of hazardous playground equipment and the construction of new paving. “The park, which is more than 100 years old, was among the City’s facilities affected by the recurrent adverse weather conditions over the years. The park also sustained significant damage during the recent floods,” said Sisilana.

Also Read: eThekwini closes Mitchell Park Zoo for repairs

Ward 27 councillor Ernest Smith, however, attributed the deterioration of the park and “the proverbial” mess to the municipality’s longstanding lack of permanently appointing district managers over the last few years. He said, “While I share the concern that residents have over the state of parks and the zoo itself, one has to place accountability where it is due and that is with senior level management who are responsible for the appointment of district managers, horticulturalists as well as other posts needing to be filled across the metro.”

Smith said recent appointments were made by the city to address the shortage of managerial staff. “The reality is that the district needs more resources allocated to it to assist in delivering on its mandate to the zoo as well as surrounding communities which ultimately falls to senior management to approve these requests from the district. The other concern I have is that the zoo is still without a permanent zoo manager which is long overdue,” said Smith.

According to the City, Mitchell Park Zoo is home to 701 animals and 91 species. These animals are cared for seven days a week by a dedicated team of animal keepers, who feed them and clean their enclosures. “Their wellbeing remains a top priority for the City during this period,” said Sisilana.

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