The Citizen (KZN)

See wild for just 20 bucks

- Enkosi Selane

The Joburg Zoo, one of South Africa’s most beloved attraction­s, is turning 120 this year and to commemorat­e this milestone, it has planned exciting events and special offers next month.

Visitors will have the opportunit­y to experience the wonders of the animal kingdom at a reduced price.

“Transition­ing since 1904 from iron cages with five animals, to currently boasting over 2 000 specimens in spacious, open and landscaped enclosures, the zoo has come a long way and remains the most sought-after entry point to view the big five, in any urban centre,” the zoo said in a statement.

To make their birthday special, it will drop its entrance prices to R20 per person for the entire month of March.

Individual­s with March birthdays will also receive an extra special treat: free entrance to the zoo from 1 to 29 March.

In addition to the discounted prices, Joburg Zoo has also planned three events to add to the celebrator­y atmosphere.

On 10 March, it will host the “Zoo trot”, a fun-filled event where participan­ts can enjoy a leisurely walk or jog through the surroundin­gs of the zoo.

It is an opportunit­y for fitness enthusiast­s and animal lovers to come together and support the zoo’s conservati­on efforts.

Additional­ly, the zoo will host a “Senior citizens picnic” on 14 March. It will feature live music, tours of the zoo and fitness activities.

As the pinnacle of the month-long celebratio­n, the “Zoo birthday” on 21 March promises to be an extraordin­ary event.

“Birthday-drive safaris will showcase the big five, particular­ly the elephants, tigers, cheetahs, rhinos, hippos, anacondas and a walk through of the abovegroun­d large freshwater aquarium,” zoo’s spokespers­on Jenny Moodley said.

With various programmes and initiative­s – especially during March – the zoo aims to raise awareness about the importance of wildlife preservati­on and the need for sustainabl­e practices.

Visitors can learn about the zoo’s conservati­on efforts and contribute to protecting endangered species and their habitats.

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