UPDATE: Joburg Zoo closes its doors due to strike, call for volunteers

Workers at Joburg Zoo downed their tools on 4 March to participate in an unprotected strike, causing the zoo to shut its gates and turn all visitors and school groups away.

The zoo has called on residents to volunteer to assist with the feeding and care of the animals.

The Zoo is currently experiencing labour unrest and needs volunteers to assist with our animals – interested? Jmoodley@jhbcityparks.com

— JoburgParksZoo (@JoburgParksZoo) March 4, 2016

Their reason for striking remains unclear at this stage because police at the scene advised media not to approach them, but posters lying at the main gate alluded to racism by management and poor working conditions.

The unprotected strike was confirmed by Joburg City Parks and Zoo spokesperson Jenny Moodley, who stated by 2pm on the day that police had contained the situation and that zoo management was mediating with the workers to return to work because the strike was illegal.

“We would like to apologise to all affected visitors and residents for any inconvenience caused,” said Moodley. She also said that that acts of violence and vandalism committed that morning were considered criminal and disciplinary action will be taken against those responsible.

“We had full contingency plans in place to assure that the zoo enclosure is safe, including its volunteers who were looking after the well being of the animals,” said Moodley.

Six busses filled with school children were denied access to the zoo in the morning and the groups decided to wait at Zoo Lake in the hopes that the gates would reopen while the children played in the park for a number of hours.

There was strong security presence throughout the strike, including members of Rosebank and metro police, as well as riot control.

“Initially we had a crowd of 50 people demonstrating,” said spokesperson for Rosebank Police, Sergeant Bongi Mdletshe. “There were sporadic acts of vandalism and they tried to stop working staff and volunteers from feeding the animals.”

Strikers were said to have also switched off all electricity and water supplies to the zoo.

“When public order policing members were brought in, the group quietened down and discarded the sticks and placards they were carrying,” Mdletshe stated. mediation between management and the strikers then resumed peacefully.

Details: www.jhbzoo.org.za

Initial report 4 March, 12.38pm

According to a tweet by the Joburg Parks Zoo, the zoo has shut their doors today because of striking workers.

It is believed that the workers are striking because of a wage dispute. The Johannesburg Zoo also stated in the tweet that there are plans in place to ensure the care for the animals at the zoo are taken care of.

View the tweet below:

We are currently experiencing labour unrest, the zoo is closed today, contingency plans are in place to ensure the animals are cared for.

— JoburgParksZoo (@JoburgParksZoo) March 4, 2016

According to reports, visiting pupils from various schools were turned away at the zoo earlier this morning.

Joburg City Parks and Zoo spokesperson, Jenny Moodley, has confirmed that the gates Johannesburg Zoo are closed today due to labourers embarking on an unprotected strike over wage disputes.

It has been reported that school children and visitors are currently being turned away.

“We would like to apologise to all affected visitors and local residents for any inconvenience caused,” said Moodley.
Moodley stated that they are currently applying for an urgent interdict to see that the striking workers either return to work or disperse at 2pm.

“We have full contingency plans in place to assure that the zoo enclosure is safe, including volunteers who looking after the wellbeing of the animals. We are also working closely with Parkview Police, who have been amazing in protecting the zoo and its staff from intimidation, violence and vandalism,” Moodley continued.