SANBI announces reopening of certain zoos

After nearly five months, the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is pleased to announce that it’s National Zoological Garden with its satellite campus, the Mokopane Biodiversity Conservation Centre, in Limpopo, will re-open to the public on September 1.

“The reopening of the zoo will be subject to strict Covid-19 health and hygiene protocols, and full compliance to alert Level Two regulations,” said Carmel Mbizvo, acting CEO of SANBI.

“The welfare of our visitors, animals and staff is of paramount importance to us, and we therefore urge all our patrons to wear face masks at all times, frequently wash their hand or sanitise, and maintain social distancing whilst they are on our premises.”

Following extensive risk assessment at the zoological gardens, certain activities and areas will be prohibited or limited to carrying capacity as prescribed by the regulations.

These include the use of the children’s play areas, subject to adherence of all health protocols and viewing of primates and cats in enclosures where there are no physical barriers between animals and visitors.

Access to certain confined spaces such as the aquarium, gorilla viewing area and Komodo dragon house will be monitored and limited to 50 per cent of its carrying capacity and available space that promotes social distancing.

In preparation for the return of visitors, the zoo has:
• Laid out physical social distancing markers in various areas,
• Placed self-service sanitisation stations for our guest in various areas,
• Temporarily closed indoor viewing exhibits and only allow controlled access to confined spaces,
• Provided our guest relations staff with training on COVID-19 health and safety protocols.

The zoo’s golf carts will be operational and all kiosks as well as main restaurant, the Dududuku, will be open for the sale of hot takeaway meals.

The zoo is open from 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Sunday.

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