Pretoria Zoo welcomes 70 000 visitors during National Gardens Week

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (Sanbi) expressed its appreciation to all residents who visited its gardens and zoos this past National Gardens Week.

The inaugural week ran from March 10 – 16 and Sanbi offered free admission throughout South Africa’s 11 national botanicals and two zoological gardens to commemorate it.

The theme of the week was “Grow your joy” and schools, families, friends, churches and other social groups, individuals, and all nature lovers to delight in the variety of activities on offer across all its gardens.

The theme reminds visitors that in a world where daily pressures such as work-related stress, and economic challenges take a toll on our well-being, nature offers a simple yet powerful escape.

Activities included exercise sessions, guided walks, plant sales, picnics and braais, and wildlife encounters, ensuring everyone had the opportunity to find what brings them joy.

Visitors also had the chance to learn more about conservation through interactive displays, expert talks, and up-close encounters with wildlife, showcasing Sanbi’s role in protecting South Africa’s rich biodiversity.

The National Zoological Garden (NZG) experienced the highest number of visitors. Over 70 000 made their way through the gates of the Pretoria Zoo throughout last week.

“While there were queues to enter the zoo, the staff managed numbers expertly and many people were able to enjoy the spectacular sight of a variety of animals, reptiles, birds and fish. The resident big cats showcased their power and splendour, at their NZG home,” said Nontsikelelo Mpulo, Director of Marketing.

Tshwane’s own zoo is the largest in the country with over 600 000 annual visitors and a total walkway length of 6km.

“Reptile Alley was a big hit with a few brave visitors willing to touch the anaconda, let alone have it draped around their neck… a unique experience,” Mpulo said.

Visitors to Pretoria National Botanical Garden were also treated to up-and-coming artists who showcased their music for the first time in the garden.

“March 2025 will most definitely stand out as the highest combined monthly visitor number in the history of Sanbi, by far.
This is a testament to all the hard work done by all the teams across the country.

This remarkable response from visitors shows the importance of public green spaces and their essential role in enhancing well-being, fostering environmental awareness, and strengthening community connections,” Mpulo said.

Sanbi thanked all those who responded to the clarion call to celebrate nature and learn more about the conservation efforts and the extensive variety of activities available in the gardens.

“This overwhelming support confirms the importance of National Gardens Week, and we look forward to growing this initiative into an annual tradition that continues to inspire, educate, and bring joy to all who visit our gardens.”

Sanbi’s CEO Shonisani Munzhedzi echoed Mpulo’s sentiments by saying, “This is an affirmation that all our national botanical and zoological gardens are desirable destinations for families, school groups and communities in the areas that the gardens serve”.

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