Free entrance to Joburg Zoo as they celebrate World Elephant Day and Lammie’s birthday
PARKVIEW – World Elephant Day is marked on 12 August, it highlights the preservation and protection of elephants by engaging and tackling the current-day plight of the species.
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) welcomes the public to visit the zoo for free on 12 August to observe World Elephant Day. World Elephant Day is dedicated to the preservation and protection of elephants by engaging with the current-day plight of the species.
JCPZ will also take the opportunity to pay tribute to Lammie, who was born at the zoo, who will be celebrating her 40th birthday on the eve of World Elephant Day and officially welcome new elephants Mopani and Ramadiba. Member of the mayoral committee (MMC) for Community Development councillor Nonhlanhla Sifumba urged visitors to take advantage of the free access to learn why zoos are important to nurture green and conscientious citizens.
“Every child should enjoy a life-altering experience of a face-to face visit with an elephant to fully value and respect the interdependencies between humans and the planet’s dwindling ecology,” said Sifumba. She further explained that the zoo is a member of the PanAfrican Association of Zoos and Aquaria (Paaza) which guides and accredits all African zoos and aquaria to become effective and credible centres for animal welfare, conservation, education and research. “On 12 August, visitors will be able to see how the zoo operates, this is in order to ensure the best care for its animals and its visitors.”
The event will include a number of talks and exhibitions on environmental education and medical nourishment and enrichment programmes that the zoo provides for its elephants in line with stringent legislated practices required for all zoos.
Visitors are also reminded that the zoo will only provide free access on World Elephant Day and visitors should arrange their own transport and snacks. The formal programme will commence from 10am with talks by industry specialists in elephant management.
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https://www.citizen.co.za/rosebank-killarney-gazette/237488/elephant-turns-39/
