The National Zoological Garden of South Africa, commonly known as the Pretoria Zoo, is in a dilapidated state despite millions spent on its rehabilitation.
The National Zoological Garden in Boom Street is the largest zoo in South Africa and the only one with national status. It has been ranked among the world’s top zoos.
It was founded by J. W. B. Gunning in 1899 and is located on an 85-hectare site in South Africa’s capital.
Half of the zoo is situated on relatively flat ground, while the other half is located on the slopes of a hill.
The two areas are separated by the Apies River, which flows through the zoo. Two bridges provide access over the river.
Around 6 kilometres of pathways are laid out in the zoo, and golf carts are available for rent for those who prefer not to walk.
A cable car links the top of the hill to a point near the entrance at the bottom, and it offers visitors two restaurants.
The 85-hectare Zoo in Pretoria houses 3117 specimens of 209 mammal species, 1358 specimens of 202 bird species, and 3871 specimens of 190 fish species.
It also showcases 388 specimens of 4 invertebrate species, 309 specimens of 93 reptile species, and 44 specimens of 7 amphibian species.
An Aquarium and Reptile Park also form part of the Zoo facility in Pretoria. The Aquarium is the largest inland marine aquarium in the country.
More than 600,000 people visit the Pretoria Zoo annually, making it one of South Africa’s most popular tourist attractions.
From 2004 until early 2018, the zoo was managed by the National Research Foundation (NRF), reporting to the Department of Science and Technology.
This changed on 1 April 2018. Today, the Pretoria Zoo is managed by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI).
Pretoria Zoo facilities enhancement project
Over the years, Pretoria Zoo made headlines for its dilapidated state and the crime in the surrounding area.
It has faced a documented slow-motion decline characterised by infrastructure decay and security concerns over the last decade.
A recurring theme in reports from 2020 to 2024 is the state of the Apies River, which flows through the zoo.
Articles describe it as covered in rubbish and carrying heavy pollution from the Pretoria CBD, which is affecting the animals’ environment.
Another problem was crime. The zoo’s location on the edge of the Pretoria CBD has been cited as a major deterrent to visitors.
In early 2024, holidaymakers visiting the facility complained about broken roofs, empty enclosures, and green, muddy water ponds.
At the time, the South African National Biodiversity Institute admitted that when they took over in 2018, they inherited old infrastructure.
SANBI launched an infrastructure overhaul and allocated over R105 million specifically for facility enhancements.
As of the end of 2025, R96.5 million had been used between June 2021 to December 2025, SANBI said. The group highlighted many of the successful projects it has done to date, including:
Renovation of Food and Beverages Infrastructure
- Waterhole Building – roofing-done, waterproofing-done, piping-done, painting and finishings done. The building is available for public use.
- Mountain Kiosk – finalised with new roof and operation.
- Picnic Kiosk – finalised with new roof and operational.
- Duku Duku Restaurant – Bathrooms upgraded and back to full operation.
- Flamingo Restaurant – Roofing done, tilling contracted, all items have been refurbished and completed.
Renovation of various animal enclosures, which also addresses biosecurity issues: the bird enclosures have been refurbished to take care of biosecurity improvement, which reduces the risk of transmission of Avian Influenza.
“This includes our parrot, owl and Southern ground hornbill enclosures. In addition, our farmyard duck and chicken enclosures. Our Wattled crane camp, which was previously open-air, has also been refurbished,” it said.
Small primate complexes received new roof structures, including the baboon enclosures, which were heightened, and thatch roofs over the viewing area were replaced.
Aquarium tanks and the reptile park roof were renovated, it said.
Outside the animal enclosures, public facilities have also been improved, including the parking area, the introduction of a trackless train, and most of the ablution facilities.
Two ablution facilities are functional but will be prioritised for refurbishment in the new financial year, the group said.
“We call on the private sector to join the NZG’s efforts.”
BusinessTech visits the Pretoria Zoo
BusinessTech visited Pretoria Zoo in February 2026 to assess the facility’s condition and determine whether it is world-class.
Despite the extensive list of renovations, we found the zoo remains run-down and many of its facilities poorly maintained.
The cable cars are not functional, and the facilities at the top of the hill have been closed for a while.
Although it was clear that many animal enclosures have been upgraded, others are dilapidated and overgrown.
The pathways in the zoo were mostly well-maintained, but in some areas, they were not in good condition.
There were also buildings in poor condition, with many overgrown areas which lacked proper maintenance.
SANBI told BusinessTech that the remaining funding of close to R10 million will be used for outstanding infrastructure projects, which it said are currently underway.
These include the boundary fence, walkways and raptor aviaries, which will be the focus for the 2026/27 financial year.
“The national zoological garden has embarked on a process to implement a public-private partnership with a transactional advisor, which will address some areas, including the cable car, new gate and restaurants,” it said.
The photos below show what BusinessTech found during its visit to the National Zoological Garden of South Africa in Pretoria.
Pretoria Zoo photos from February 2025
