eThekwini closes Mitchell Park Zoo for repairs
As of April 1, Mitchell Park Zoo will be temporarily closed to the public while it undergoes much-needed repairs. eThekwini Municipality says internal resources will be utilised to fund the repairs, while revamp work for fencing, paving and the play area has been sponsored.
THE eThekwini Municipality has announced the temporary closure of Mitchell Park Zoo, from April 1, to undergo major repairs.
Concerns over the declining conditions of the play area in the park and the animal enclosures at the zoo had become a cause for concern after an alarm was raised by residents and frequent visitors of the park. Gugu Sisilana, eThekwini Municipality spokesperson, said Mitchell Park Zoo was among the City’s facilities affected by the recurrent adverse weather conditions and was significantly damaged during the recent floods.
“To restore the park to its superior state, the Parks, Recreation, and Culture (PRC) Unit will close it to the public. Public safety concerns, including unsafe playground equipment and exposed concrete surfaces, necessitated the closure,” said Sisilana. She said the restoration work will be undertaken in partnership with organisations such as the Woodford Group and On the Verge, bringing together local businesses and community members in supporting the park’s restoration and enhancement.
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“Internal resources will be utilised to fund the repairs, revamp work for fencing, paving and the play area has been sponsored. Currently, the PRC Unit is renewing flowerbeds and removing hazardous playground equipment. New equipment, sponsored by the Woodford Group, will be installed in the play area,” said Sisilana.
Mitchell Park Zoo is currently home to 701 animals from 91 species. There are 328 birds from 70 species, 75 mammals from nine species, 45 reptiles from seven species, and 253 fish and others from five species. These animals are cared for seven days a week by a dedicated team of animal keepers and support staff who feed them and clean their enclosures.
“All the animals will remain on-site during the revamp work, they will, however, be moved to different enclosures within the park as work is undertaken. Their wellbeing will remain of paramount priority during this period. Some of the birds may temporarily move to the Umgeni River Bird Park as repairs and renovations are undertaken to the aviaries. The birds will return as soon as the enclosures have been repaired,” said Sisilana.
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