Media Statement
Wednesday, 4 March 2026
No Embargo
For Immediate Release
The lucky ones are born in March! Free entry to Joburg Zoo for all March babies.
We’re not getting older; we’re just getting better! The Joburg Zoo is celebrating its 122nd birthday, and we would like to celebrate it with all the March babies. If your birthday falls in March, we’re offering you free access to the zoo for the month of March only! With an exception on 21 March 2026, entrance fees are as per normal.
The Joburg Zoo’s humble beginnings in 1904, a mere 200-acre stretch of land and an animal collection of no more than 10 species. To date, the zoo boasts over 274 species and approximately 2127 individual animals, including some of the world’s rarest and most vulnerable species.
These are just some of our achievements in the last 122 years:
A Century of Conservation Excellence – Playing a vital role in local and international conservation programmes.
Protecting Endangered Species – Contributing to breeding programmes for threatened wildlife, including iconic African species.
World-Class Animal Care – Maintaining high standards of veterinary science and welfare.
Urban Green Lung – Preserving one of the largest green spaces in central Johannesburg.
Environmental Education – Inspiring generations of learners through interactive programmes and guided tours.
Global Partnerships – Collaborating with international zoological institutions and conservation bodies.
Upgraded Habitats – Continuously modernising enclosures to reflect natural ecosystems.
Community Engagement – Hosting public events, night tours, and conservation awareness campaigns.
Research Contributions – Supporting biodiversity research and wildlife studies.
Join us during March as we celebrate our birthday and remember to bring your proof of identification for free access. If you’re a morning person, strap on your running shoes at our birthday Zoo Trot on Sunday, 8 March 2026. R78 per person gets you in, the 5km or 10km walk or run, the registration is at 07h00 and the race starts at 07h30 sharp. You can picnic after the race and enjoy a crisp morning in the outdoors but there’s more. We’re offering you R22 entry fee every 22nd of each month until 28 February 2027. See you there!
Ends.
Issued on behalf of Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo
Media enquiries can be directed to: Noeleen Mattera: Media Relations, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo M: 069 007 1982; E: nmattera@jhbcityparks.com; www.jhbcityparksandzoo.com. Follow us on Twitter @JoburgParksZoo, Instagram and on Facebook.
Jenny Moodley, Spokesperson, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo; M: 082 803 0748. E: jmoodley@jhbcityparks.com
