The Mangaung Metro Municipality in the Free State has allocated R30 million over a three-year period for the refurbishment of its Bloemfontein Zoo.

Spokesperson Qondile Khedama says the funds will also be used to ensure the Municipality’s adherence to animal regulations.

Khedama says the municipality has acquired veterinary and environmental specialists to prevent animal cruelty and ensure their welfare.

This comes after the zoo was closed in 2019 following regulatory issues that were raised by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), and public outcry of the terrible state the animals were in.

Khedama says the reopening of the zoo is expected to take place in 2027.

“Look, we have other role players who are doing some sort of oversight. Such as the SPCA, and any other person who takes an interest in the livelihood of animals and there were issues regarding the enclosures, which are part of some of the things that we are currently working on. There was a need for refurbishment of the facility itself, and that is one key area where the money will be spent on.”

Some residents of Bloemfontein in the Free State have expressed their excitement over the Mangaung Metro Municipality’s intention to reopen the Zoo.

One resident had this to say, “I think it’s a good thing that the zoo is reopening, because imagine going to Johannesburg to see the zoo.”