National Zoological Garden

16/11/2025

15/11/2025

🌊🐠 Visit the Aquarium at the Zoo!

Discover South Africa’s only inland aquarium, right here at the National Zoological Garden.
Dive into a world of fish, penguins, amphibians and more — without going to the coast!

14/11/2025

Honoured to share a moment with the legendary John Kani, just after he received the Living Planet Award at the WWF South Africa 57th Annual General Meeting. 🌍✨

This prestigious award celebrates his outstanding contribution to biodiversity management, conservation, and strengthening the vital relationship between people and nature.

Congratulations on this truly well-deserved recognition! 🌿👏

14/11/2025

🌿 Important Notice: We Are Going Cashless! 💳

The National Zoological Garden, Pretoria will be transitioning to a cashless payment system for a faster, safer, and more convenient visitor experience.

🗓 Phase Roll-Out: From 1 October 2025
✅ Fully Cashless: By 1 January 2026

All payments will only be accepted via cards and digital platforms.

We appreciate your cooperation as we move towards a modern and secure payment process.

13/11/2025

🌿 NZG Staff Attend Animal Welfare Workshop at Johannesburg Zoo 🦓🐘

From 7–10 October 2025, five dedicated employees from the National Zoological Garden (NZG) attended a Modern Animal Welfare Workshop hosted by the Johannesburg Zoo.

The four-day programme focused on modern animal welfare concepts, environmental enrichment, positive reinforcement training, and behavioural problem-solving — all aimed at improving the lives of captive wildlife.

The workshop was facilitated by Wild Welfare and Wild Welfare US, in collaboration with various organisations such as MHERA, SAAKA, and institutions including the Two Oceans Aquarium, Lory Park Zoo, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, and others.

Participants explored behavioural management through engaging theoretical and practical sessions, covering:
🐾 Operant Conditioning
🐾 Positive Reinforcement Training (PRT)
🐾 Environmental Enrichment Planning
🐾 Behavioural Problem Solving and Safety

Through hands-on practicals — including target training for various animal species — participants learned how to create responsive environments that promote choice, control, and overall wellbeing for animals in human care.

This valuable experience deepened our understanding of animal emotions and empathy, strengthening our commitment to enhancing animal welfare at NZG.

A heartfelt thank you to Johannesburg Zoo for hosting this insightful and inspiring workshop! 💚

13/11/2025

Can you ID? 🤔

12/11/2025

10/11/2025

From ZooClub Member to Mechanical Engineer

SA Biodiversity South African National Biodiversity Institute and National Zoological Gardens of South Africa proudly congratulate Sthobiso Dumisani Mtshweni Dumisane Mtshweni on his recent graduation with a BSc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Johannesburg.

Sthobiso Dumisani Mtshweni ’s journey started with the Bio-Science Course at the National Zoological Garden, where his passion for science and conservation grew earning him a Gold Medal at the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists and later leading him to mentor other ZooClub members in mathematics while motivating learners at Bio-Science certificate ceremonies.

Today, as a graduate , Sthobiso Dumisani Mtshweni is living proof of how programmes like the Bio-Science Course and ZooClub can spark a lifelong curiosity for science, innovation, and conservation.

The Bio-Science Course is open to learners in Grades 8–12 and offers hands-on experience in biodiversity, animal husbandry, DNA studies, penguin breeding, and aquarium management. Upon completion, learners can join the ZooClub, a youth development programme that nurtures future conservation leaders through exciting learning and volunteer opportunities.

If you would like your child to take part in this journey of discovery, contact:
Karabo Mabuse
[email protected]
012 339 2728

10/11/2025

Ever dreamed of owning a wild animal? 🐾
Now you can — by adopting an animal at the National Zoological Garden (NZG)! 🦓🐒🦜
With adoption fees from just R150 to R1 230 per year, you’ll help care for your favourite animal and support the zoo’s conservation work.
🌿 Your adoption includes:
🎟️ Free zoo tickets
📜 A personalised adoption certificate
💚 Special recognition for adoptions of R1 500 or more!
Adopt your wild child today and make a difference!

https://www.pretoriazoo.org/adopt-an-animal/
📩 Contact Heloise Stanworth to find out more.