Johannesburg Zoo

Johannesburg Zoo is one of South Africa’s longest-established zoological parks, located in the Saxonwold suburb of Johannesburg, adjacent to the green spaces of the northern suburbs. Founded in 1904, the zoo is home to more than 320 species and over 2,000 animals, including lions, cheetahs, polar bears, gorillas, elephants, and a wide range of reptiles and birds. The zoo is managed by the City of Johannesburg, and its grounds include historic buildings that reflect the park’s more than a century of operation. Conservation and education are central to its mission, with the zoo participating in regional and international species survival programmes. Environmental education initiatives serve thousands of school learners each year, helping to connect urban communities with the natural world. The zoo has undergone ongoing development to modernise its habitats and improve animal welfare standards. It also serves as a sanctuary for animals that cannot be returned to the wild. Johannesburg Zoo is a significant cultural institution in the city, offering an accessible and educational wildlife experience to the residents of greater Johannesburg and visitors to South Africa.