National Zoological Garden

13/12/2024

🐒

12/12/2024

A silverback smile: gorilla goes to the dentist
National Zoological Gardens and University of Pretoria team up for a complex dental procedure

Binga, a 23-year-old silverback gorilla at the Pretoria National Zoological Garden, recently underwent a unique dental procedure after an abscess was discovered on his lower right mandible during routine monitoring on Monday, 25 November 2024.

Initially, the zoo’s veterinary team attempted to treat the condition with antibiotics, but Binga refused oral medication. Recognising the urgency, the team organised a specialised procedure under general anaesthesia.

“Zoo animals like Binga undergo annual health checkups to ensure they remain in optimal condition,” explains Dr. Agustina F***e, Wildlife Specialist at the National Zoological Gardens. “Since wild animals do not normally show signs of distress, which would be seen as a sign of weakness to their peers and predators, these checkups are essential for early diagnosis and treatment.”

Annual examinations for zoo animals are comprehensive and include dental evaluations, blood work, ultrasounds of the heart and abdomen, vision tests, chest X-rays, and even reproductive examinations. However, dental issues, like Binga’s abscess, can occur unexpectedly, requiring immediate attention.

The zoo partnered with the University of Pretoria to assemble a multidisciplinary team of specialists for this high-stakes operation.

“This type of procedure is far too complex for a single veterinarian to handle,” says Dr. F***e. “We needed a dental specialist to address Binga’s teeth and a diagnostic imaging expert to perform an advanced ultrasound of his heart using an eco-doppler machine. Prof. Katja Koeppel’s extensive experience in immobilising gorillas, having worked with over 400 in her career, was critical. Her expertise ensured that Binga was in the safest possible hands throughout the procedure.”

Dr. F***e also highlighted the challenges of working with highly intelligent and potentially dangerous animals. “Gorillas have an incredible memory and capacity to identify threats. Given my ongoing training sessions with Binga, I didn’t want him to associate me with the immobilization process. Positive reinforcement training plays a vital role in preparing animals like Binga for veterinary procedures, minimising stress and enhancing safety for both the animal and the team.”

Anaesthetising a gorilla comes with inherent risks, as keeping them under anaesthesia for longer than two hours can be dangerous. This is why collaboration and efficiency are crucial. The operation involved a team of specialists from both the National Zoological Gardens and the University of Pretoria, including Prof. Gerhard Steenkamp, Veterinary Dentist; Prof. Katja Koeppel, Wildlife Specialist; Dr. Giovana Martins, Veterinary Resident; Dr. Nicolene Hoepner, Diagnostic Imaging Specialist; Dr. Agustina F***e, NZG Clinical Veterinarian and hospital team as well as Mr. Radion Khoza, Gorilla Conservation Officer and his team.

The team performed a molar extraction, an echocardiogram, and an ultrasound of Binga’s heart, ensuring his overall health. Positive reinforcement training allowed Binga to participate calmly in pre-procedure preparations making the process smoother for everyone involved.

“Binga is now healthy and pain-free,” says Prof. Koeppel. “If he could share a message, it would likely be: ‘don’t forget to brush your teeth!

The partnership between the National Zoological Gardens and the University of Pretoria showcases the value of collaboration in wildlife care. “We are grateful for the University of Pretoria’s expertise and the incredible learning opportunity they provided to our students and clinicians,” says Leslie Mudimeli, Executive Director at the National Zoological Garden.

Binga’s successful procedure is a testament to the dedication, teamwork, and specialised knowledge required to care for one of nature’s most extraordinary species.

12/12/2024

Did you know there are exciting opportunities to visit the zoo at night?

Sunset Safaris

The Sunset Safari experience at the zoo involves watching the sun as it is setting – some animals will be settling down to sleep, while the nocturnal animals will start their nightly activities. Our guides will inform you about animals, nature, the environment, and ecology: the nocturnal activities of genets, the role jackals play in the ecosystem, the hunting strategy of cheetahs, the intricate social interactions of suricates, the conservation crisis that rhinos are currently experiencing and other intriguing facets.

Guests will meet with their respective guide at the National Zoo’s service entrance in Boom Street, Pretoria, by no later than 18h30. They will be accompanied to their venue and then take you on a one-hour walking safari. On return to the venue, the guests are welcome to braai and prepare their meal, eat, and enjoy the rest of the evening.

Guests are expected to vacate the premises by 23h30.
The National Zoo will provide a venue with table-and-bench units and braai stands. Guests to provide their food, drinks, and other refreshments as well as crockery and cutlery. Charcoal for the braai and wood for the bonfire also needs to be provided by guests.

Sunset Safaris take place on Fridays and Saturdays from 1 September to 31 March.

Click for more information:
https://www.pretoriazoo.org/visit-the-zoo-at-night/

11/12/2024

and become a Zoo parent! 🐾

For more information, reach out to Heloise Stanworth via email - [email protected]

10/12/2024

The fun and young at heart enjoying a beautiful day out at the zoo! 😎

SENIOR CITIZENS DAYS 2025:

DATE & THEME COLOURS

11 February 2025
The Month of Love
Red and White

08 April 2025
Let’s get Moving
Sports Wear

10 June 2025
Braving the Winter Chill
Kofifi

12 August 2025
Mad Hatters Tea Party
Best Decorated Hat

07 October 2025
Celebrating our Heritage
Traditional Attire

09 December 2025
Let’s be Happy and Merry
Colour Blocking

10/12/2024

BEPE Public Engagement 🐾

ZooClub members attending Cheetah Awerness Day at the Ann Van Dyk Cheetah Center. The event seeks to conscientious ZooClub members about the plight of cheetahs and their conservation.

09/12/2024

The National Zoological Garden in Pretoria has a course for high school learners during the school holidays!🔬⚗🤩

COURSE DATES:
17 - 19 December 2024
06 - 08 January 2025

What is this all about? To put it simply, by attending this course you will explore lots and lots of SCIENTIFIC things about LIFE on Earth – hence the name “Bio-Science”. We will discover these slowly but surely in a fun and participatory, exploring way, using our eyes, hands and brains to unfurl the intricacies of nature. Cool!! But this not where it ends.

We will also look at the applications of all this in our modern world. What does it take to become a veterinarian? Or would you rather like to become a geneticist? Or a zoo manager? What is the role of a biobank? Or a databank? How does an understanding of DNA contribute to improving people’s lives?

The Directorate Biodiversity Education and Public Engagement of the National Zoological Garden in Pretoria will offer this Bio-Science course during the school holidays.

The course is offered for learners from grade 8 – 12.
This course teaches learners about biodiversity, the environment, bioscience and conservation while giving the opportunities to have hands-on experiences and exploring the facilities in the zoo. The Bio-Science course aims to give learners a knowledge and especially an understanding of biodiversity and life sciences.
It also prepares them for possible careers in these fields. After successfully completing the course, learners may join the ZooClub, a group of young volunteers. This club meets regularly, undertakes excursions and participates in life science competitions.

https://www.pretoriazoo.org/initiatives/youth-courses/

08/12/2024

07/12/2024

Can you ID?

06/12/2024

Public Engagement & Biodiversity Education

05/12/2024

Did you know there are exciting opportunities to visit the zoo at night?

Sunset Safaris

The Sunset Safari experience at the zoo involves watching the sun as it is setting – some animals will be settling down to sleep, while the nocturnal animals will start their nightly activities. Our guides will inform you about animals, nature, the environment, and ecology: the nocturnal activities of genets, the role jackals play in the ecosystem, the hunting strategy of cheetahs, the intricate social interactions of suricates, the conservation crisis that rhinos are currently experiencing and other intriguing facets.

Guests will meet with their respective guide at the National Zoo’s service entrance in Boom Street, Pretoria, by no later than 18h30. They will be accompanied to their venue and then take you on a one-hour walking safari. On return to the venue, the guests are welcome to braai and prepare their meal, eat, and enjoy the rest of the evening.

Guests are expected to vacate the premises by 23h30.

The National Zoo will provide a venue with table-and-bench units and braai stands. Guests to provide their food, drinks, and other refreshments as well as crockery and cutlery. Charcoal for the braai and wood for the bonfire also needs to be provided by guests.

Sunset Safaris take place on Fridays and Saturdays from 1 September to 31 March.

Click for more information:
https://www.pretoriazoo.org/visit-the-zoo-at-night/

04/12/2024

Are penguins birds and can they fly?

Yes, penguins are birds, although they are flightless birds. Lots of people think penguins are mammals rather than birds because they can't fly, and we see them swimming underwater or waddling on land instead.

02/12/2024

The National Zoological Garden in Pretoria has a course for high school learners during the school holidays!🔬⚗🤩

COURSE DATES:
09 - 11 December 2024
17 - 19 December 2024
06 - 08 January 2025

What is this all about? To put it simply, by attending this course you will explore lots and lots of SCIENTIFIC things about LIFE on Earth – hence the name “Bio-Science”. We will discover these slowly but surely in a fun and participatory, exploring way, using our eyes, hands and brains to unfurl the intricacies of nature. Cool!! But this not where it ends.

We will also look at the applications of all this in our modern world. What does it take to become a veterinarian? Or would you rather like to become a geneticist? Or a zoo manager? What is the role of a biobank? Or a databank? How does an understanding of DNA contribute to improving people’s lives?

The Directorate Biodiversity Education and Public Engagement of the National Zoological Garden in Pretoria will offer this Bio-Science course during the school holidays.

The course is offered for learners from grade 8 – 12.
This course teaches learners about biodiversity, the environment, bioscience and conservation while giving the opportunities to have hands-on experiences and exploring the facilities in the zoo. The Bio-Science course aims to give learners a knowledge and especially an understanding of biodiversity and life sciences.
It also prepares them for possible careers in these fields. After successfully completing the course, learners may join the ZooClub, a group of young volunteers. This club meets regularly, undertakes excursions and participates in life science competitions.
https://www.pretoriazoo.org/initiatives/youth-courses/

01/12/2024

29/11/2024

25/11/2024

The National Zoological Garden in Pretoria has a course for high school learners during the school holidays!🔬⚗🤩

COURSE DATES:
09 - 11 December 2024
17 - 19 December 2024
06 - 08 January 2025

What is this all about? To put it simply, by attending this course you will explore lots and lots of SCIENTIFIC things about LIFE on Earth – hence the name “Bio-Science”. We will discover these slowly but surely in a fun and participatory, exploring way, using our eyes, hands and brains to unfurl the intricacies of nature. Cool!! But this not where it ends.
We will also look at the applications of all this in our modern world. What does it take to become a veterinarian? Or would you rather like to become a geneticist? Or a zoo manager? What is the role of a biobank? Or a databank? How does an understanding of DNA contribute to improving people’s lives?
The Directorate Biodiversity Education and Public Engagement of the National Zoological Garden in Pretoria will offer this Bio-Science course during the school holidays.
The course is offered for learners from grade 8 – 12.
This course teaches learners about biodiversity, the environment, bioscience and conservation while giving the opportunities to have hands-on experiences and exploring the facilities in the zoo. The Bio-Science course aims to give learners a knowledge and especially an understanding of biodiversity and life sciences.
It also prepares them for possible careers in these fields. After successfully completing the course, learners may join the ZooClub, a group of young volunteers. This club meets regularly, undertakes excursions and participates in life science competitions.
https://www.pretoriazoo.org/initiatives/youth-courses/