Zoos in Africa
Famous Zoos in Africa
National Zoological Gardens, famously known as Pretoria Zoo, is the largest African zoo and the only one with a national status. It houses more than 9000 different animals from 700 distinct species that include mammals, birds, reptiles and aquatic creatures. The zoo nurtures native fauna like South African cheetahs, African bush elephants and black rhinoceroses along with animals from other parts of the world. The aquarium of this zoo is the largest inland marine aquarium of the country.
Located in the Morningside suburb of Durban, Mitchell Park Zoo is the only zoo in Durban. This African zoo that was initially started as an ostrich farm is now the home of several animals like blue duiker, giant tortoises, racoons and monkeys. The Indian elephant Nellie that was given to the zoo by Mysore Maharaja is the highlight of the park. The Mitchell Park African zoo tickets also include entry into the walk-through aviary, children’s playground and Blue Zoo Tea garden.
A lively and popular African Zoo, Johannesburg Zoo is a popular tourist attraction that features about 2000 animals belonging to 320 different species nurtured in their natural habitat. The main focus of the zoo is to ensure physical and psychological well-being of all its animals by providing proper nutrition, medical care and accommodation. These African Zoo tickets let you take part in educational events like breeding programmes, night and day tours and other fun events for the public.
FAQ's
Where is the largest zoo in Africa?
National Zoological Gardens, also known as the Pretoria Zoo, in Pretoria is the largest zoo in Africa spanning over 200 acres of land. It is one of the eight largest zoos in the world and welcomes more than 600,00o visitors every year. The Pretoria African Zoo has around 9000 animals belonging to 700 different species.
What is special about zoos in Africa?
The zoos in Africa protect and showcase wildlife species from all over the world in zones designed like their natural habitat. The zoos also host wildlife safari to catch a glimpse of all the animals in the zoo. They also fund conservation projects to focus on animal welfare, research, education and environmental conservation.
Which zoo has the largest variety of animals in Africa?
National Zoological Gardens in Pretoria is the African zoo that houses the largest variety of animals. The zoo presently has 9087 animals of 705 different species. You can spot native wildlife like South African cheetahs, giraffes, black rhinoceroses and African bush elephants in the savannah grasslands setup. The zoo also has other animals from other parts of the world like tamarins, red pandas, kangaroos, and Bengal tigers.
How many zoos are there in Africa?
There are currently 200 zoos of all kinds in Africa operating in 48 different countries. These zoos are registered members of the African Association of Zoos and Aquaria (PAAZAB).
What is the best place in Africa to see wildlife?
Pretoria Zoo, Johannesburg Zoo, Mitchell Park Zoo and Lemur Park are some of the zoological parks in Africa that showcase wildlife from all over the world.