Pretoria Zoo (Pretoria)

- The National Zoological Gardens of South Africa was established in 1899.
- It is rated as one of the top zoos in the world.
- It is the largest zoo in South Africa and covers an area of about 80 ha.
- The total length of the walkways in the Zoo is about 6km.
- It has the third largest collection of exotic trees in South Africa.
- More than 600 000 people visit the Zoo annually.
- The Zoo also operates a cableway that offers a seven-minute ride to the mountain-top.
- The aquarium has the biggest inland seawater tank in South Africa.
- The aquarium houses 4189 specimens of 283 fish species.
- A large percentage of the aquarium displays fresh water fish.
- The recently completed state-of-the-art Reptile Park facility is the house of more than 447 specimens of 90 different reptile species.

Since 1997, the Pretoria Zoo has embarked on a dynamic development programme to secure happy animals and visitors. Visitors to the zoo would have noticed the adrenaline-crazed workmen rebuilding and upgrading at least 40 animal enclosures. When the zoo celebrates its centenary in October 2006, one of the many highlights will be the hosting of the 54th Annual Conference of the World Zoo Organisation and the delegates from 40 countries will not be disappointed. Staff are transforming the zoo into the best, newest and most animal-friendly zoo in the world.

Most of the animal enclosures were built decades ago, but animals behind bars and wires, walking on cement floors, are not happy. Neither are the people who watch them. The redevelopment programme will address the importance of a natural environment and it will enhance the natural behaviour of the animals. It will also provide an element of surprise for the visitor.

The fact that they are working with live animals are hampering the progress as it is not easy to find temporary lodging for the animals. So far no animal had been harmed during the construction phase.