Durban's Mitchell Park Zoo closes for rehabilitation project
The eThekwini Municipality leads a transformative and much-needed upliftment project at the Mitchell Park Zoo.
What's your fondest memory of the iconic Mitchell Park Zoo?
If you're from Durban or the surrounding areas, chances are you have some cherished memories of visiting Mitchell Park Zoo. And if you haven't had the chance, get ready to create new ones as the 100-year-old zoo gets its long-awaited uplift.
The eThekwini Municipality is leading a rehabilitation project to improve safety while focusing on aesthetics and sustainability. The decision to focus efforts on the Zoo came from the significant damage caused by the floods.
As reported by IOL, the municipality stated, "The park, which is more than 100 years old, was among the City's facilities affected by the recurrent adverse weather conditions over the years.”
READ MORE: Mitchell Park Zoo closes doors for repairs
Safety has been identified as the top priority in the rehabilitation project.
According to the city, public safety concerns – such as unsafe
playground equipment and exposed concrete surfaces – led to the closure
of the zoo. The damage caused by the floods further highlighted the
urgency of these upgrades.
The city, in collaboration with several local businesses, will fund the much-needed renovations to this beloved Durban landmark.
Wondering about the animals during the upgrades? Don’t worry! They’ll remain on-site throughout the renovations, though some will temporarily be relocated to secure enclosures.
A few of the birds will move to the Umgeni Bird Park during the process, but this is just a short-term arrangement to facilitate the upgrades.
"Mitchell Park Zoo currently houses 701 animals across 91 species, including 328 birds, 75 mammals, 45 reptiles, and 253 fish and others," says IOL.
It's reassuring to hear the city confirm that the well-being of the animals will be a top priority throughout the renovation process.
If you were hoping to visit the Mitchell Park Zoo during the school holidays, we're sorry to tell you that it’s currently closed for upgrades.
However, there are plenty of alternatives for a fun day out with the kids. You can visit Essenwood Park in Berea, the newly renovated People’s Park at Moses Mabhida Stadium, Jameson Park, the Botanical Gardens, or Gugu Dlamini Park.
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