Zoo assures public that animals will receive the highest standard of care during lockdown
SAXONWOLD – MMC for Community Development Margaret Arnolds says that animals at the zoo will continue to receive a high standard of care during the lockdown.
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) assures the public that the zoo animals in their care will continue to receive the highest standard of care during the lockdown period.
The zoo and local parks closed on 19 March amidst the global call for hygiene, isolation and limiting social contact to deal with the coronavirus.
MMC for Community Development Margaret Arnolds said, “The unprecedented move is aimed at protecting the well-being of visitors, employees and the animals in our care.”
All events at the zoo, in parks and nature reserves, have been cancelled. Amenities within these facilities including restaurants and shops have been closed.
Arnolds said that the zoo requires a 24/7 presence. The head of the zoo will remain at the facility during this period. Dedicated safety, health, environment and quality officers will continue to monitor high-risk activities. All operational employees have been retained as part of the critical service offering at the zoo.
Employees have been adhering to stringent sanitising requirements, particularly around personal protection, preparation of meals for animals and in the veterinary hospital.
Security officers have been posted at all entrance points and within the facility. The officers are also sensitising visitors that the zoo is closed for their safety and that the animals will continue to receive the highest standard of care by committed caregivers who form part of the critical staff component at the zoo.
Community members have voiced their concern regarding the closure of parks and nature reserves.
Arnolds said, “The global call for residents to stay at home and to refrain from entering public spaces must be taken seriously.”
Notices advising park users that facilities are closed are being placed in parks and nature reserves and, where possible, play and outdoor fitness equipment will be cordoned off with danger tape.
Residents who illegally access facilities that are not fenced are reminded that transgressing regulations promulgated as part of the Disaster Management Act could be fined.
Arnolds also appealed to residents to refrain from posting photos of illegal visits to parks during the lockdown period. “Transgressions will not be tolerated. You will be held accountable as it is compounding the confusion that parks are open to the public.”
Arnolds added that mass cooperation by all residents, visitors and employees is necessary to ensure that loss of life is contained.
Residents requiring information on Covid-19 should contact the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) on 080 002 9999.
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