May 28, 2003
By Bongani Majola
THE core business of the Johannesburg Zoo has historically been the accommodation, enrichment, husbandry and medical care of wild animals.
However, with a budget allocation of R2,2 million for the 2003/04 financial year, the City of Johannesburg's corporatised entity looks set to ensure its survival and growth by expanding its core business to incorporate activities related to the entertainment and tourism markets.
For over two years, the Johannesburg Zoo has been aggressively increasing all of its revenue streams through strategic partnerships, alliances and joint ventures with communities and industry structures, including the Gauteng provincial Department of Agriculture, Land and Nature Conservation.
In the growth process, the zoo has distinguished itself as the safest outdoor environmental and wildlife recreation facility in Gauteng and in the city's urban milieu, a type of critical gateway to the countryside.
The zoo's customer service record stands out, with no incidents to visitors and animals in the past year, no animal mortality and complete compliance with all local, regional and international regulations. Daily complaints from the public have been reduced to two per month, while the zoo guarantees 100% accessibility for disabled visitors.
Johannesburg Zoo plans to develop a multi-skill level for at least 30% of its staff by next year, while at least two employees will receive academic degrees in conservation by June 2004.
By December 2003, the zoo plans to have outsourced non-core services like horticulture, veterinary services, repairs and maintenance in the interests of increased efficiencies and cost savings.
Also by the end of the year, Johannesburg Zoo will have established a partnership with the Pretoria Zoo, the only other zoo in the province, to increase economies of scale regarding marketing, as well as to improve service delivery.
According to the zoo management, operational expenses "have increased exceptionally due to water expenditure not budgeted for. So the additional allocations will be utilised to pay the outstanding water account as well as in the zoo's aggressive marketing."
