The Joburg Zoo opens for free on 12 August 2019 to commemorate #WorldElephantDay
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo will observe #WorldElephantDay on Monday, 12 August 2019 by providing free access to all its visitors in line with this administration’s commitment to enabling access and providing meaningful redress.
The annual event is dedicated to the preservation and protection of elephants by engaging on the current-day plight of the species.
JCPZ will also take the opportunity to pay tribute to Lammie, the female pachyderm that celebrates her 40th birthday on the eve of #WorldElephantDay and to officially welcome Mopani and Ramadiba – the Joburg Zoo’s two new elephants.
Councillor Nonhlanhla Sifumba, the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development urged visitors to take advantage of the free access to learn why zoos are important to nurture green conscientious citizens.
Sifumba stated that, “Every child should enjoy a life-altering experience, of a face-to-face visit with an elephant, to fully value and respect the interdependencies between humans and the planet’s dwindling ecology”.
MMC Sifumba added, “The Joburg Zoo is a member of the Pan-African Association of Zoos and Aquaria (PAAZA), which guides and accredits all African Zoos and Aquaria to become effective and credible centers for animal welfare, conservation, education and research. On the 12th of August, visitors will be able to see how the Zoo operates, this is in order to ensure the best care for its animals, and its visitors.”
The event will include talks and exhibitions on environmental education and the medical, nourishment and enrichment programmes that the Zoo provides for its elephants, in line with stringent legislated practices, required for all good zoos.
Interested school groups are requested to pre-arrange their visit, by liaising with the Zoo’s Education Unit. This can be sent Nathi.Mvula@jhbzoo.org.za before Wednesday 7 August 2019.
All learners will need to complete an indemnity form signed by a guardian. The Zoo will provide groups with the required form.
Visitors are kindly reminded that the Zoo will only provide free access on #WorldElephantDay and that visitors should provide their own transport and snacks.
The Joburg Zoo will commence its formal programme from 10:00am with talks by industry specialists that are leaders in elephant management in the country.
Issued by:
Councillor Nonhlanhla Sifumba
Member of Mayoral Committee for Community Development
City of Joburg
Nocturnal Wenchy 
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