Johannesburg Zoo Animals List
Your guide to the animals, costs, and experience at one of South Africa’s most popular wildlife attractions
Introduction
The Johannesburg Zoo (often called Joburg Zoo) is a major zoological attraction in Johannesburg, South Africa. Covering about 55 hectares, the zoo is home to over 320 species and approximately 2 000 individual animals from around the world. It’s a favourite for families, tourists, school groups, and anyone interested in wildlife and conservation. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
Visitors can explore diverse exhibits featuring mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and more — from big African icons like lions and elephants to exotic and endangered species. This post covers common questions visitors have, including what animals you might see and how ticket pricing works.
Main Information – Animals You Can See
The Johannesburg Zoo features a wide variety of animals across many animal groups. While the full list contains hundreds of species, here are highlights from major categories:
🐘 Big Mammals and Iconic African Animals
- African Elephants – the largest land mammals on Earth. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
- White Rhinoceros – one of Africa’s two rhino species you can see here. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
- African Buffalo and Zebras – classic savannah species. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
🦁 Big Cats and Carnivores
- Lions – including rare white lions, bred successfully here. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
- Cheetahs, Leopards and Pumas – each with unique adaptations and fascinating behaviour. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
- Siberian Tigers – the largest tiger species in the world, endangered and impressive to watch. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
🐒 Primates and Small Mammals
- Red Pandas and Honey Badgers – unique and charismatic smaller mammals. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
- Meerkats, African Wild Cats, and Bat-eared Foxes – great for family visits and photography. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
🐦 Birds, Reptiles & More
- Bird species ranging from cranes to smaller birds. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
- Snakes, lizards, tortoises and crocodiles in dedicated reptile areas. (Facebook)
- Amphibians such as frogs, as well as fish and invertebrates, are part of the zoo’s ecological displays. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
🦓 Other Interesting Animals
- Pot-bellied pigs and farmyard animals — good for younger visitors. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
- Axis Deer and smaller ungulates like antelope and duikers. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
Fun Fact: The zoo has modern exhibits designed for animal welfare, as well as educational programmes and tours that help visitors learn about species behaviour and conservation. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
How Fees Work – Ticket Prices & Concessions
🎟️ Standard Entrance Fees (valid from 1 July 2025)
Below is an overview of the regular ticket prices at the Johannesburg Zoo: (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
| Visitor Category | Price (ZAR) |
|---|---|
| Adult | R132 |
| Child (ages 3-12) | R78 |
| Senior Citizen | R78 |
| Student (Weekdays, ID required) | R78 |
| Differently Abled | R50 |
| School Groups (Mon–Fri) | R50 |
| Welfare Groups (Weekdays) | R55 |
📍 Zoo opening hours: Daily from 08:30 to 17:30 (last entry usually around 16:00). (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
🚗 Additional Costs
- Parking: Cars R19, buses R32 (approximate). (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
- Annual Passes: Available (e.g., adult pass ~R991). (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
- Optional activities: Behind-the-scenes tours, evening tours, and more for additional fees. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
🎉 Special Offers
Occasionally the zoo runs discounted entry days (e.g., R21 on the 21st of the month during anniversary promotions). These offers are seasonal and may vary. (Time Out Worldwide)
Tips for Visitors
Here are practical tips to make the most of your zoo visit:
🐾 Plan Your Time
- Arrive early — the zoo is large and walking between exhibits takes time.
- Check the feeding schedule or animal talks if available (weekends/public holidays).
👟 Comfort Matters
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and a hat — the zoo involves lots of outdoor walking.
- Bring a refillable water bottle (some kiosks available, but check current food services). (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
📸 Extras to Enhance Your Visit
- Golf carts are available for rent on-site if you prefer not to walk too much. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
- Picnics are allowed — there are open spaces if you want to eat outdoors. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
🧒 Great for Families & Groups
- School groups can book educational programmes and specialised tours. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
- Annual passes are worth it if you visit multiple times in a year.
Conclusion
The Johannesburg Zoo offers an excellent way to see a wide range of animals — from Africa’s iconic wildlife to exotic and endangered species — all in well-maintained and educational exhibits. With transparent entrance fees, options for discounts and annual passes, it’s a fun and informative destination for families, school outings, and visitors interested in nature and conservation. (JHB City Parks and Zoo)
Whether you’re planning your first visit or coming back with friends or family, knowing what animals you can see and how the fees work helps you save and enjoy your day out to the fullest.
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