Johannesburg Zoo unites the public to Reverse the Red
The Reverse the Red campaign aims to reverse the decline of threatened species through measurable, science-based collaboration.
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, of which the Johannesburg Zoo is a member.
With that in mind, the Tshwane University of Technology: Faculty of Science, the botanical gardens, the Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve Association, and other conservation partners gathered at the Johannesburg Zoo from February 6 to 8 with the aim of reversing the red.
Read more: Johannesburg Zoo urges public to Reverse the Red and conserve
Schools, universities, and the public turned up in numbers at the different exhibitions to find out how to champion species recovery and biodiversity. 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. “Conservation is not only for conservationists, but everyone, which usually starts with the decision of not littering.”
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: Zoo Lake Bowls Club to reopen after devastating October fire
As part of RTR, Johannesburg Zoo is running an adopt an animal in 2026 initiative, enabling 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; the funds go towards the endangered species as well.
A person’s adoption will last one year from the date of joining ,and is renewable.
The following are a list of 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.
Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
