Zoo wall collapses
PARKVIEW – Flash floods cause Joburg Zoo wall to collapse leaving animals exposed.
A boundary wall at the Johannesburg Zoo on Jan Smuts Avenue collapsed on 9 November as a result of the flash floods that left parts of the City severely damaged and caused a number of deaths.
Eyewitnesses, who were driving on Jan Smuts southbound, reported that the antelope within the zoo were visible from the road after the wall gave way.
The heavily flooded road was closed for several hours to allow the water to subside and reopened the following afternoon on 10 November.
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo spokesperson, Jenny Moodley last said Joburg Zoo had vets and emergency teams on site after the collapsed wall. “Predator enclosures have been assessed and are intact. All enclosures will continue to be closely monitored to ensure the safety of animals in our care.”
City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) spokesperson, Nana Radebe urged motorists to drive with extreme caution on Jan Smuts. She added that Joburg EMS were on high alert and firefighters were checking the levels of water hourly in areas that have streams.
No injuries were reported at the zoo.
