Stretching across 81 hectares, Johannesburg Zoo is located on the corner of Jan Smuts Avenue and Upper Park Drive in Parkview in Johannesburg. Established in 1904, the zoo is home to 320 species of wildlife and is dedicated to providing education about the animals found there as well as doing research into animal husbandry and providing medical care to the animals found at the zoo. One of the zoo's successful projects includes being the only zoo in South Africa to have successfully bred Siberian Tigers; the largest cats in the world.
Open daily between 08h30 and 17h30 with the last entry at 16h00, the zoo offers three different tour options for visitors to choose from. The Ferry Tour is a 90 minute guided ferry tour that stops at the 5 main animal complexes. During this tour the friendly guide spoils three of the animals with a special treat while teaching the visitors about the animals.
The Senior Citizen Tour is a popular tour for the elder generation and includes a ferry tour as well as an animal interaction and tea and biscuits. For the more adventurous, the behind the scenes tour takes visitors behind the scenes, to all the areas of the zoo where only the staff members get access. During the tour you will be able to visit two of the animal's night rooms as well as the kitchen and the hospital.
Alternatively visitors can explore the area on their own esteem with the use of a helpful map. Wandering around the well demarcated areas visitors can explore Amazonia where species from the Amazon Rain Forest such as Armadillos and Pumas can be seen.
Further along one will find the Lion Enclosure that is home to the Zoo's 11 lions and lionesses, before entering the Ape House to meet the Chimpanzees, Gorillas and Orangutans. The Cheetah Slopes are home to Africa's fastest carnivorous cat; the Cheetah. Wandering through the wooden gates of Crocodile Country you come eye to beady eye with the scaly Crocodiles and other Reptiles.
The Farmyard is a favourite destination for smaller children as they can see and touch a variety of farm animals including a Shetland Pony and Bapedi Sheep. In the Madagascar area one can meet a number of the World's most unusual primates; Lemurs. Finally the Reptile House is where the slippery and scaly reptiles such as Puff Adders and Green Mambas are enclosed as well as cute Pygmy Hippos.
While visiting the zoo the day visitors can enjoy a delicious meal at Café Fino or they can buy a snack from one of the vendor kiosks located throughout the zoo. The zoo is a popular venue for children's parties and visitors are welcome to bring their own picnics and treats into the establishment and enjoy a picnic while the children explore the various areas.
