Millions of Joburg budget goes to the city's Zoo, says Mayor
City of Johannesburg Executive Mayor, Dada Morero, has disclosed that the city invests nearly R5 million into the Johannesburg Zoo, highlighting its commitment to animal conservation and the zoo’s long-term sustainability.
"We spend just under R5 million on the zoo so that we can attend to the animals' medicine and food needs," said Morero.
At sunrise, the Johannesburg Zoo came to life, bathed in golden light as vibrant animals stirred amidst the lush scenery whilst the mayor addressed the media on Tuesday morning, highlighting the zoo's vital role in the city's development, particularly within the tourism sector.
The 2024/25 budget for the City of Johannesburg is R83.7 billion which includes the capital budget, revenue, electricity tariffs, sanitation, waste removal and property rates.
Morero, alongside Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) managing director Thanduxolo Mendrew, toured the 55-hectare zoo, sharing insights into its evolution.
JCPZ has a multi-year capital budget of R125.3 million for upgrades to the zoo, parks, and cemeteries.
This budget is part of the City of Johannesburg's overall budget, which also includes funding for other infrastructure and services.
- Conservation -
Johannesburg Zoo has more than 2 000 animals including endangered species and according to Morero, the zoo has conservation, agriculture, and research programmes.
"These programmes help us understand better on how to invest and properly take care of animals," Morero added.
The mayor further revealed that the zoo is part of the International Union on Conservation of Nature, and it has the frozen zoo which helps with preserving the animals' eggs and understanding its DNA.
"I think in the future it (frozen zoo) will contribute towards our research and animal conservation."
- Challenges -
Adequate water provision for the zoo came under the spotlight as Gauteng experience water woes as it fails to meet the demand. However, Morero said measures are in place to make there's water and electricity.
"We have boreholes for water provision for not only the animals but for irrigation of our gaderns, the zoo has partnered with City Power to ensure that there's sufficient energy because we require electricity throughout to ensure that the fences powered," Morero responded to questions by Jacaranda FM News.
- Visitor experience -
As the festive season is around the corner, which presents itself with its own set of challenges, the mayor assured prospective visitors of the city and the zoo of a safer December time.
"We have upped our game as we have deployed more law enforcement officers especially when it comes to road safety, and we have collaborated with SAPS to deal with the inner city," Morero concluded.
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