Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) will observe World Elephant Day on Monday, 12 August 2019, by providing free access to all its visitors.
World Elephant Day is an annual event, dedicated to the preservation and protection of elephants by engaging on the current-day plight of the species.
Everyone is invited to join the celebrations to experience elephants in a sustainable environment where they are loved, cared for and protected, at the Joburg Zoo.
JCPZ will also pay tribute to Lammie, the female pachyderm that celebrates her 40th birthday on the eve of World Elephant Day and to officially welcome Mopani and Ramadiba – the Joburg Zoo’s two new elephants.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development in the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Nonhlanhla Sifumba, urged visitors to take advantage of the free access to learn why zoos are important to nurture green conscientious citizens.
“Every child should enjoy a life-altering experience of a face-to-face visit with an elephant. This is to fully value and understand the interdependencies between humans and the planet’s dwindling ecology,” MMC Sifumba said.
The event will include talks and exhibitions on environmental education and the medical, nourishment and enrichment programmes that Joburg Zoo provides for its elephants, in line with stringent legislated practices, required for all good zoos. Interested school groups are requested to pre-arrange their visit by liaising with the Zoo’s Education Unit. The number of visitors will be limited and confirmations need to be sent to Nathi.Mvula@jhbzoo.org.za before Wednesday, 7 August 2019.
All pupils will need to complete an indemnity signed by a guardian. The Zoo will provide groups with the required form. Visitors are kindly reminded that the Zoo will only provide free access on World Elephant Day, and that visitors must provide their own transport and snacks.
The Joburg Zoo will start its formal programme from 10:00 with talks by industry specialists who are leaders in elephant management in the country.
