By Selloane Ntshonyane
- Johannesburg Zoo will charge only R22 per person on 22 August, compared with the usual R135 for adults and R81 for children and pensioners.
- Father Zolani Gumbi says the special could help his family of 10 enjoy the zoo without spending hundreds of rands just to get inside.
A trip to Johannesburg Zoo can cost a family hundreds of rands before they have even bought food or paid for transport.
But on Saturday, 22 August, visitors will need just R22 each to get through the gates.
The Johannesburg Zoo is offering the discounted entrance fee as part of its 122nd anniversary celebrations.
The R22 on the 22nd special started in March and gives visitors entry for R22 on the 22nd day of every month.
This month could be especially attractive to families because 22 August falls on a Saturday.
The normal entrance fee is R135 for an adult and R81 for children and senior citizens.
That makes the R22 special a big saving for families who want a day out but are watching every rand they spend.
Thanduxolo Mendrew, Managing Director of Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, said entertainment costs can make family outings difficult for many households.
He said the special gives residents who would normally struggle to afford a zoo visit the chance to enjoy a full day out without putting too much pressure on their family budgets.
For Zolani Gumbi, that saving could make a huge difference.
Gumbi has a family of 10, including his child, nieces and nephews.
He said the last time he considered taking everyone to the zoo, entrance fees alone would have cost R918.
With the special, entry for 10 people would cost just R220.
“It would make it easier because we are a family of 10, that’s including my child, nieces and nephews. So I won’t spend a lot when just spending R22 for entrance,” Gumbi said.
A family outing is already a major expense for him.
Gumbi said his family usually spends about R2,500 on a day out once food, games and transport are included.
The cheaper entrance fee therefore leaves more money for those other costs.
But Johannesburg Zoo says a visit is not only about entertainment.
Children can also use the day to learn about animals, nature and protecting the environment.
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo has an Environmental Education and Awareness Unit that works with schools and communities.
Its programmes teach people about protecting and conserving natural resources.
According to Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, the unit reaches more than 80,000 people every year.
The zoo also runs programmes including Zoo School and Zoo to You.
These programmes teach people about animals, conservation and the environment.
Zoo to You takes some of that learning directly into communities.
The zoo is also part of the global Reverse the Red movement, which works to prevent the disappearance of threatened species and protect nature.
Young people can also learn about possible careers.
During National Science Month in July, the zoo hosted 480 Grade 9 and Grade 12 learners.
The learners were introduced to environmental science, technology and other science related subjects.
They also received information about further studies after matric and possible career choices.
For families such as Gumbi’s, however, the first saving happens right at the gate.
Instead of paying hundreds of rands just to enter, a family can use the R22 special to spend a Saturday learning about animals and enjoying time together without the entrance fee eating deeply into the household budget.
Pictured above: Johannesburg Zoo is offering visitors R22 entry on 22 August as part of its 122nd anniversary celebrations.
Image source: Johannesburg Zoo
