The National Zoological Garden (NZG) in Pretoria is pleased to announce significant progress in its ongoing facility enhancement project, with renovations at most animal enclosures now almost done.
Revamping of 116 display enclosures is complete. The revamping of 15 more enclosures is nearing completion.
Over the past two years, NZG has been dedicated to upgrading its infrastructure, beginning renovations in June 2022 and aiming for completion by the end of 2024. Many enclosures have been completed, and in these areas the animals have returned to their newly upgraded homes. Other animals are eagerly awaiting their turn as construction is nearing completion across the zoo. In enclosures where construction work is still in progress, animals are temporarily relocated within the zoo, with the majority still on display in alternative areas.
Key highlights:
- Avian influenza biosecurity measures: To enhance avian influenza biosecurity measures across the zoo four Southern ground hornbill camps, Australian bird enclosures, three crane camps, the raptor row, parrot row, farmyard chicken camp, and duck pond have all received new netting/fencing to limit contact with wild birds visiting the zoo. Additionally, the entire roof of the parrot row’s access passage has been replaced. The Owl House also received a makeover with a new roof and heightened enclosures with new fencing.
- Roof replacements and various enclosure upgrades: Roof replacements have been completed in the Reptile Park showcase and the African penguin area. The roof has been replaced, and the indoor gallery area revamped in one of the small primate rows. The second small primate row is nearing completion. Furthermore, three enclosures in the Baboon Row have been refurbished with heightened enclosures and new fencing. Two enclosures in this area are still under construction.
- Aquarium enhancements: Behind the scenes, the Aquarium Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) was replaced, and new software was developed and installed. This system operates the entire light and pump system of the aquarium tanks. The pumps were replaced, making the aquarium operations more efficient. Several leaking tanks were fixed, and saltwater damage around the marine tanks was addressed.
- Rhino night rooms and camp rehabilitation: “Our rhinos were not left out and have received new night rooms, with the camp currently being rehabilitated so that we can move animals back in,” says Tracy Rehse, Conservation Manager at the National Zoological Garden.
- Stormy Bay and Mountain Aquatic Pool: The upgrade and reconstruction of the Stormy Bay complex and mountain aquatic pool is 70% complete. At Stormy Bay, the fur seals are enjoying new penning facilities. Off-display work completed includes sealing the roof of the Stormy Bay complex and revamping the kitchen and office areas. Work nearing completion includes the fur seals’ new training pool, the underground viewing bay, the viewing decks, and a new African penguin facility. The main aquatic pools are yet to receive a new lining, and the entire filtration system will be revamped. The mountain aquatic pool has also undergone a complete revamp, with new night rooms completed, and the pool and viewing deck currently being finished.
- Raptor enclosures: The construction progress of four new Raptor enclosures is now 50% complete. These are brand new enclosures designed to house large raptors such as vultures and eagles.
Visitors are warmly invited to experience the wonders of nature and to interact with animals and birds in their newly upgraded enclosures, as many of the animals are back on display.
For more information on ticket sales, and NZG’s conservation initiatives, please visit the zoo’s website.