After a long-awaited time, the Bloemfontein Zoo will finally be opening its doors towards the end of June 2024. This has been confirmed by the Mangaung Metro Municipality (MMM) spokesperson, Qondile Khedama.
The metro recently gave residents a slight glimpse into how far the progress of the zoo is when the city manager, Sello More, conducted a walkabout with various stakeholders, including representatives from the Johannesburg Zoo.
Khedama further mentioned that they are looking forward to utilising the zoo for educational purposes and that the original entry fees will be charged.
“The executive mayor made an appeal to the administration that this recreational facility is operational as soon as possible,” concluded Khedama.
Grace Ntsoane, who is the curator of the birds section of Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, mentioned that there have been several talks about the non-compliance and dire state at the Bloemfontein Zoo.
That is why the Johannesburg Zoo took it upon themselves to assist in terms of operations and administration. “There will be several phases into easily transitioning the animals into a user-friendly environment.
We will first start small with farm animals such as sheep, goats and cattle,” mentioned Ntsoane. Residents can also look forward to wild animals, such as the caracal and serval, as well as various small monkey species like primates.
Ntsoane looks forward to the relevant and qualified staff being employed to ensure the safety, nurture and care of the animals.
areas for animals. PHOTO: ABIGAIL VISAGIE
Abigail Visagie
