One of Durban’s oldest and most beloved family attractions, the Mitchell Park Zoo, is set to undergo a much-needed facelift starting April 1, as part of a major rehabilitation project led by the eThekwini Municipality.
Closed temporarily to the public, the 100-year-old zoo will soon see a transformation aimed at improving safety, aesthetics, and sustainability.
The decision follows significant damage caused by recent floods and years of wear from adverse weather conditions.
“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,” stated the municipality.
Safety was a key concern prompting the closure.
According to the City, public safety concerns, including unsafe playground equipment and exposed concrete surfaces, necessitated the closure. This was exacerbated by the flood damage.
While the internal repairs will be funded by the City, several aspects of the revamp, including the fencing, paving, and play area, have been sponsored by local businesses.
Among those contributing are the Woodford Group and, On the Verge, in collaboration with the community and the City’s Parks, Recreation, and Culture (PRC) Unit.
New flowerbeds are being planted, and unsafe playground structures are already being removed.
“New equipment, sponsored by the Woodford Group, will be installed in the play area,” the municipality confirmed.
Mitchell Park Zoo currently houses 701 animals across 91 species, including 328 birds, 75 mammals, 45 reptiles, and 253 fish and others.
All animals will remain on-site during the upgrades, though many will be moved to different enclosures to accommodate construction. A few bird species will temporarily relocate to the Umgeni River Bird Park.
“Their wellbeing will remain of paramount priority during this period,” assured the City.
In the meantime, residents and tourists looking for outdoor family fun over the school holidays are encouraged to visit nearby alternatives, such as the newly upgraded People’s Park at Moses Mabhida Stadium, Jameson Park, Botanical Gardens, and Gugu Dlamini Park.
The City expressed optimism that the restoration will “create a safe, engaging, and sustainable space for the community,” and promises to keep the public updated as the project progresses.
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