Joburg supports zoo turning 120

Since 1904, the Johannesburg Zoo has been a leader in the conservation of animal wildlife.

Scores of families made the most of National Human Rights Day to celebrate the zoo’s milestone of reaching 120 years of age on March 21.
The event officially kicked off with a welcoming note from the zoo’s executive manager Louise Gordon. Gordon’s journey with the zoo began in 1988 when she began working there as an educationist.

“The zoo has many programmes to remain sustainable such as participating in what we call ‘the frozen zoo’ where genetic material is frozen to resurrect species if required. If children get excited about the sight of a tortoise, can you imagine what they would think of a tiger or a lion? The real experience can never be replaced by digital imagery.”

Gordon also spoke about what else the zoo offers the Johannesburg community 120 years into existence, and how zoos have evolved from venues for ‘ogling animals’ to educational hotspots for people to learn about the natural world.

“This is much different from when zoos began. They only displayed animals, and did hardly any education or conservation at all.”

The remainder of the event was characterised by families enjoying the outdoors, picnicking together and having a blast accompanied by some of Johannesburg’s most talented musicians – Jamie Lee-Saxton, Bongi Archi, Mawhoo, and Aymos as well as resident deejay sets. The were areas designated for children who were kept entertained by the entertainment zone’s line-up of characters – Warthog, Meerkat, Lionel, Elephant and Rhino, Michelle the Mime and the Olivier face-painting siblings.

“All the performers were locally sourced to promote local talent,” said Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo spokesperson Jenny Moodley. She added zoos matter now more than ever due to the expansion of human settlements, and the threat humans pose to animal conservation efforts.

“Zoos serve as essential sanctuaries for endangered species, safeguarding animal diversity. As land is continually taken over by humans, zoos offer habitable alternatives for animal species, and serve as centres to protect their populations.”

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