Johannesburg Dieretuin in Parkview, Randburg, Gauteng

Educating and inspiring people about Nature

Zoos have the unique opportunity to educate and inspire people about nature. Many people today are urbanised and distanced from nature so Zoos in cities can offer affordable education and a fun day outdoors communicating with nature.

Zoos also conserve biodiversity through animal breeding and conservation programmes.

The 55-hectare Johannesburg Zoo with more than 320 different species of animals is one of the finest examples of this and it is the only Zoo on the African Continent which houses the Polar Bear.

Events

• Animal Conservation Talks & Feeding
• Biodiversity Events
• Tours, day, night and behind-the-scenes

Keeping fit, weight-watching or just having fun; join us on the second Sunday of every month at 07h30 for a five or ten kilometre fun walk, or run, in the safety of the Zoo grounds. Register and we will send you reminders via sms of any Runs / Walks for Conservation, or you can check our website.

Adopt an animal

Holiday programmes

Pre-school and Primary school children can join the fun on our "wild" activities during school holidays. Booking essential.

Amusement World

At Amusement World, near the main entrance to the Zoo, there are wild swings and exciting rides six days a week for the young ones. Closed on Mondays.

Café Fino

Come and enjoy a light meal or delicious cup of coffee at Café Fino.

Café Fino, the Zoo's restaurant provides affordable scrumptious meals to suit any occasion and palette, from mouth watering sandwiches to pizzas and salads.

We also cater for corporate functions, large school groups, events and picnics and we will organise your corporate events, parties and conferences. 

Annual Pass

For those who visit the Zoo more than three times a year it is worthwhile to get yourself an annual pass at a reasonable fee. This pass allows unlimited entries, includes special events and also includes your parking fee.

History

Johannesburg Zoo occupies 55 of the original 81 hectare Hermann Eckstain Park.

In 1904 this land was donated to the people of Johannesburg for recreational use by the firm of the late Hermann Eckstein, who had planted many trees in the area for use in gold mining.

The original collection of animals consisted of one lion, one leopard, one giraffe, two Sable antelope bulls, one baboon, one genet, one par of Rhesus monkeys, one par of porcupines and one Golden eagle.

There is a 'Jock of the Bushveld' statue in the Children's Farmyard. Sir Percy Fitzpatrick who wrote this famous book about his dog, Jock, also collected some of the first animals that started the Zoo.

Open Hours

The Zoo is open 7 days a week from 08h30 - 17h00; last entry at 16h00.

Admission

Please refer to their website under Contact Details for current prices.