July 13, 2005
By Sipho Maduna
MORE people are visiting the Johannesburg Zoo, thanks to new animals and revamped facilities.
Visitor numbers are up by 14 percent, to 376 000 for the 2005 financial year, according to marketing co-ordinator Senzo Ngcobo. "A combination of matters, like the good service at the zoo and a sound business plan, has helped us."
The park-like setting is another feature that makes the zoo such an attractive destination, Ngcobo says.
Chief executive Jenny Gray attributes the increasing numbers to the new inhabitants and exciting exhibits.
Visitor numbers are up
"In the past 12 months we have seen the ape house upgraded and themed around Central Africa, the lemur islands added in the central lake, the new forest floor habitat and the upgrading of the old carnivore curve complex."
Makoko
Makoko's arrival was one of the highlights of the past year. The new male gorilla replaced much-loved Max, who died last year. "Makoko and Lisa [the zoo's female gorilla] have settled well," Gray says.
"Many smaller animals have also joined the collection: siamang gibbons, provost squirrels, howler monkey, armadillo and the elusive mona monkeys."
It has also been a bumper year for animal births, with more than 200 babies being born.
The zoo's horticulture and technical teams ensure it is a well-maintained, safe destination, while the winter flowers add a bright swathe of colour. Look out for the spring blossoms.
Marketing
Marketing know-how is also growing at the zoo, which is learning how to create awareness about its facilities and programmes. "We are more experienced compared [with] previous years," Ngcobo says.
In the past year about 150 000 children took part in the zoo's educational programmes.
Public tours are rising, particularly the night tours. On these, visitors are able to see the shy, nocturnal creatures. Another tour explains what goes into running a zoo.
Participation in events like the fireside tales, a story-telling programme for children, and the Zoo Trot, a fun run every second Sunday of the month, is also on the up.
The Old Elephant House and the Anglo Gold Conference Centre are two venues available for hire, and are popular for business meetings and events.
Profit
Growth in visitors is mirrored by financial results, with the zoo posting a small profit for the second year. It is a non-profit company and strives to achieve break-even, as necessary for a Section 21 Company.
"All of our focus is on using our revenue streams to upgrade the zoo and improve the welfare of our animals," Gray explains.
"In the new year we will be moving the brown bears to a new, upgraded, bear enclosure. That will complete the eradication of terrible enclosures. From there the focus will be on the creation of new habitats, starting with the Amazon Jungle."
Zoo chairperson Ike Ngwena is delighted with the results and has urged the zoo to keep growing.
"A city the size of Johannesburg needs a place where children can run around and learn about our biodiversity. The Johannesburg Zoo is an ideal environment for city dwellers to reconnect with nature and a perfect place to take your children," he says.
"Next year we would like to see an even greater growth in visitors. Many projects are planned that will see the Johannesburg Zoo becoming a world class African zoo."
For more information, contact Senzo Ngcobo on 011 646 2000 extension 225, or email senzo@jhbzoo.org.za
Permission to use web site material
Publishers may use material from this site free of charge, as long as:
- Credit is given to either the "City of Johannesburg website
(www.joburg.org.za)" or to "Johannesburg News Agency
(www.joburg.org.za)";
- If the article is used online, a link is provided to the original
article on this website;
- The name of the article's author is acknowledged;
-
The webmaster is informed of how and where the material is used (fill
in this brief online form).
Johannesburg News Agency is operated by BIG Media at 011-484-1400 |
