Holiday fun at Joburg Zoo

The Johannesburg Zoo has a full season planned this holiday, from behind-the-scenes visits to ferry rides, art to play. Various programmes target young, old and families.
LOADS of activities are lined up for young visitors to the Johannesburg Zoo this festive season, and they will get the rare opportunities that usually only keepers get.

Children will be able to touch live animalsChildren will be able to touch live animalsChildren and their families will be entertained by the holiday programme over December, with various projects on offer to suit different age groups. It runs from 12 to 15 and 19 to 23 December, and children between the ages of seven and 13 will be able to get up close and personal with animals while learning and getting dirty, just like zoo keepers when they tend to animals.

“You will do things only zoo keepers get to do and see places only they get to go. Play some games and meet animals and get arty,” says the zoo.

Visitors are encouraged to dress comfortably and bring hats, as well as lunch. Each day will differ in terms of themes, and details will be clarified on booking.

Visitors will be able to spend a half or full day at the zoo, with the price of the activity changing accordingly.

For a half-day, the programme costs R60 a child, including a snack. For the full day, activities cost R110, including two snacks. There are discounts for group bookings and week-long bookings.

Puppet shows
The other programme caters for the under sevens. There are puppet shows, story-telling and animal demonstrations. Refreshments will be served, and there will be ferry rides, included in the R65 cost of joining the programme.

Young children on the programme must be accompanied by an adult. The zoo also has family programmes for whole families to have fun, such as tours of the park.

VisitorsVisitors will be afforded a chance to get close to animalsThe Moonlight Tour takes place in the evening. Meet the zoo’s night creatures and then enjoy some warm refreshments around the bon fire. The tour takes 90 minutes, and the evening runs from 5.15pm to 8pm.

There is also the Behind The Scenes Tour, taking visitors to places only staff usually get to go. “This walking tour includes two animal night rooms, the kitchen and the hospital. See how the zoo works while getting close to some animals,” says the zoo.

These tours take place from 10am to 12pm.

Lastly, there is the 90-minute long Ferry Tour that stops at five main animal complexes. On this tour, the guide feeds the animals. It runs from 10am to 11.30am, and people are encouraged to bring along a picnic basket. The cost is R75 per person.

For booking, call Lebo Moalosi on 011 646 2000, extension 216, or email lebo.moalosi@jhbzoo.org.za.