The Pan African Association of Zoos and Aquaria has recognised the improvements at the Johannesburg Zoo, awarding it world-class status.

Ike Ngwena, chairman of Joburg Zoo board and Dr Mark Pening the chairman of Paazab handing over the plaque

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HE Johannesburg Zoo has earned world-class zoo status, after its upgrades met standards set by the Pan African Association of Zoos and Aquaria (Paazab).

Paazab members attended a celebration at the zoo on Friday, 6 July to hand over a plaque that signified partnership between the organisation and the Joburg sanctuary.

"We are gathered here today to reap the fruits of our seeds; everybody here deserves to celebrate for their job well done," said Sophia Mtshali, Johannesburg Zoo's programmes director.

Dr Mark Pening, the chairman of Paazab, said: "We had an honest evaluation and the team worked hard to impress the inspectors. The biggest challenge for the Johannesburg Zoo is to keep their position."

Paazab
Paazab sets out a code of ethics for zoos and details how they can be improved. Its aim is to ensure zoos and aquaria in Africa maintain world-class standards in conservation.

The organisation was formed in 1989, with the Johannesburg Zoo one of the founding members. There are now 33 members from nine African countries. Paazab is an associate member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquaria (Waza).

For a zoo to be affiliated to Paazab, it has to be open to the public, provide educative and research programmes, hold cultural exhibitions and preserve living animals.

Many things were scrutinised for the zoo to receive the status, said Ike Ngwena, the chairman of the Johannesburg Zoo board. It looked, for instance, at the consistency of staff who provide clean water for the animals; that the animals' diets were good enough to maintain their health and vigour; that the animals' shelters were comfortable and that animals could rest.

To meet these requirements, the zoo extended the animals' enclosures.

Councillor Prema Naidoo delivers a speech

Among the familiar faces at the celebration was that of the member of the mayoral committee for environment, Prema Naidoo, who praised the people who had made the zoo what it is today. "The zoo is a place where everyone can come and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. The environment is an investment in the future."

He congratulated the team on behalf of the City, explaining the value of having a strong team to ensure the environment was looked after.

"I'm very proud - I feel like a father at a graduation ceremony," Ngwena said, explaining that it took a lot of effort it took to get the zoo to where it is today. "When Jenny [Jennifer Gray, the zoo's chief executive] introduced the amount of work we needed to do to achieve the status, everybody was determined to work together towards that goal. Hard as it seemed, she made it known that the target was achievable."

And Gray was just as proud. "Everybody here contributed to turning this old, challenging zoo into something of a world-class standard. It was an incredible journey."

Preparations
Speaking about the preparations for the Paazab inspection, she said: "The whole of the zoo had to be improved for the inspection by seven officials. After two days, the inspectors found nothing that was non-compliant. I had to drive around the zoo with inspectors and I saw so many new things; I had to pretend they'd been there all along."

Jennifer Gray, chief executive officer of the zoo, gives Mary Frances Geddes an award for her 35 years in service

As part of the celebration, Gray handed out certificates to those members of staff who had worked at the zoo for 25 years or more.

"It's wonderful to see someone is recognising my services. My passion is nature and so working at the zoo extends my passion," said Mary Geddes, the longest-serving member of staff, with 35 years at the zoo under her belt. Alex Lekolane was also honoured for his 30 years at the zoo.