1. The Heart of Africa
The Heart of Africa is based on a central African experience, the jungle
will teem with wild creatures like Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Pygmy Hippo’s,
Mandrill Baboon, Bongo, Red River Hogs and a large array of birds and
small primates. The feel of the experience will be wooden walkways
through thick undergrowth. Selectively placed viewing decks will
surprise and delight visitors with up close experiences with the animals
of the jungle. The huge trees in the Zoo will provide the canopy. A
large lush clearing in the middle of the jungle will be the perfect
place for a picnic or out door entertainment.
2. The Spice Route
The Spice route spreads from China to Madagascar and will take the
visitor on this incredible journey. The route will take the visitor from
Madagascar – Arabia – India - Nepal – South East Asia. Already the
Johannesburg Zoo has one of the best collections of Lemurs in the world,
this will be expanded allowing for the breeding of these endangered
creatures. Arabia and the deserts will house Symitar Oryx and other
desert dwellers, though forests with Orangutans and on to the Water
Buffalo and Black Buck of India. The treatment of buildings and paths
will give a taste of the mysteries of the East.
3. Southern Safari
By far the largest and most significant Zone in the Zoo is Southern
Safari. This is the place to show case the best of South African
Wildlife in a concentrated way. Savannah grasslands, predator
playgrounds and the magnificent Anglo Gold Lion enclosure will ensure an
unforgettable experience. The big 5 will be the anchor tenants, however
the Zoo offers the ability to see our unique, shy and elusive species
that most visitors to our country would otherwise miss, Aardwolf, Hyena,
Bush Baby, Wild Dogs and Cheetah.
4. Extreme Environments
A funky and quirky zone designed to tease the senses and to teach
children of the adaptations that animals undertake to survive in extreme
environments. Extreme Environments will contrast the environments of our
wild places and the creatures that adapt to that environment.
Diametrically opposed Polar Bears and Camels, Penguins and Meerkats,
those that love the temperature at close to zero and those that like it
hot. The visitor will shiver with the Polar Bears and sweat in the
deserts and truly experience the extremes in which animals survive on
our planet.
5. Amazonia
The Amazon Jungle is a very different jungle to the African Jungle; the
animals will mainly be small primates and multicolored birds. Huge walk
through aviaries will present Macaws and Parrots in large numbers. The
sounds of Howler Monkeys will echo through this jungle lending an exotic
air to this wild place. The other creatures are more elusive, Sloths,
Ant Bears and Marmosets. Over time the Zoo will bring a large predator,
like Panthers to complete this zone.
6. Entertainment area, Retail, Restaurants
7. Farmyard and Party Venue
The current Farmyard is old and depicts a Euro centric farm concept. The
new Farmyard will fall within the Southern Safari Zone but will have a
character of its own. The Farmyard has been designed to be an African
farm with architecture and design elements of Zulu and Pedi farms. The
party venues will be a number of small venues, which can be hired for
children’s parties, these will all follow the theme of African farms. A
real working vegetable garden and farm animals will be part of the
Farmyard.
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