Johannesburg Zoo urges public to Reverse the Red and conserve
At a recent educational programme at the Johannesburg Zoo, children were told about endangered species that fall under the Reverse the Red programme, and what they could do to help them.
The inquisitive minds of children and teenagers were filled at the Johannesburg Zoo during the Reverse the Red programme on February 7.
Children from the zoo’s educational programme, Honey Badger Club, as well as the SANParks’ programme, quizzed exhibitors on conservation questions, while learning from the interesting talks presented.
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Reverse the Red (RTR) is a co-ordinated global effort led by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and supported by the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (Waza), of which the Johannesburg Zoo is a member. The campaign aims to halt and reverse the decline of threatened species through measurable, science-based collaboration.
Johannesburg Zoo’s executive manager Louise Gordan explained that RTR was important because it created awareness about conservation.
“It’s a day to not only talk about the negative effects that are currently in conservation, but also how we can change how we live to make a difference. Conservation is not only for conservationists, but for everyone, which usually starts with the decision of not littering.”
The exhibitors included members from the Tshwane University of Technology: Faculty of Science, the Botanical Gardens, and the Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve Association.
SANParks honorary ranger Erlo Duncan stressed the importance of forming a partnership with the zoo for awareness about the state of wildlife. “Part of our programme is hosting educational workshops for the public about the work we do in conservation, as well as raising funds for our projects.”
Also read: Johannesburg Zoo welcomes adorable baby gibbon
As part of RTR, Johannesburg Zoo runs an adopt an animal in 2026 initiative, where the programme enables individuals, corporations, schools, clubs, and families to participate and make a valuable contribution towards the care and enrichment of all the animals living in the zoo.
The R600 fee not only goes towards helping the zoo take care of the animals, but also towards endangered species. Adoptions last one year, from the date of joining, and are renewable.
@caxtonjoburgnorth Johannesburg Zoo executive manager Louise Gordan speaks about the importance of conservation. Video: Asanda Matlhare #caxtonlocalmedia #News #SA #Community #Localnews ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North
These are the Reverse the Red animals that can be adopted at the Johannesburg Zoo: Southern Ground Hornbill, Wattle Crane, chimpanzee, Spider Monkey, Lar Gibbon, Buff-Checked Gibbon, and Black and White Ruffled Lemur.
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