From the Zoo Trot to Moonlight Tours, a Myth Busters Tour and a Paddy's Day frog hunt, there are plenty of things to do at the Johannesburg Zoo.

Runners will be able to watch 200 species of animals at the zoo, instead of the usual morning jog dodging cars

TAKE a trot round the zoo, checking out its 200 species of animals, instead of the usual morning jog dodging cars.

With its regular Zoo Trots, the Johannesburg Zoo is helping people get fit, while enjoying the sights and sounds of nature. And it is all in the heart of bustling Joburg. The fun run or walk takes place around the zoo every second Sunday of the month throughout the year; it is open to everyone over the age of three.

It can be seen as complementary to the vision of Executive Mayor Amos Masondo to use sports as a way of forging relationships and bringing together a divided people. Over and above its ability to unite people, Masondo believes that sport encourages healthy lifestyles and keeps youngsters away from delinquency.

Keeping fit
"The Joburg Zoo supports a healthy lifestyle," confirms Sandra Hlungwani, the zoo's public relations and marketing officer. "If one of your new year's resolutions was to keep fit, this is an ideal opportunity for you."

It has partnered in the venture with the Rocky Road Runners Club, one of the most established running clubs in South Africa, which offers support for runners.

Hlungwani says it is a good way for families to enjoy getting fit, while viewing the zoo's 200 animal species. "The trot [gives] visitors or participants a chance to see the beautiful zoological gardens. Come and trot the turf to see our amazing animals."

It is designed to help Joburgers keep fit, enjoy the zoo's surroundings and to encourage them to walk or run amid nature, she explains.

Participants who have completed three trots each get a medal. "Everyone [above three years] is welcome to participate. And participants are urged to complete as many rounds as they wish."

On Zoo Trot days, the gates open to walkers or runners at 7am. They are urged to meet promptly in the zoo car park on Upper Park Road, just off Jan Smuts Avenue. Runners or walkers need to pay a levy of R21 to enter either the 5km or 10km Zoo Trot, and parking costs R10. No domestic animals are allowed in the zoo.

For further information, telephone Lebo at the Johannesburg Zoo on 011 646 2000 extension 216, by fax on 086 509 4981, or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Moonlight Tours
Other fun activities planned at the zoo throughout the year include Moonlight Tours, which take place every weekday from 5.15pm to 8pm. Each tour costs R70 per person, but is free for children under three - people of any age are encouraged to take a tour.

Runners will take in the beautiful scenery of the zoo

The price includes the zoo's entrance fee and parking fee. People taking the tour may bring picnic baskets, torches and cameras. They are also advised to wear comfortable shoes and to bring a jacket or umbrella in case the weather changes.

Meet at the Upper Park Drive entrance to the zoo promptly at 5.15pm. From there the first stop is the Education Centre, for a slideshow presentation from 5.30pm about nocturnal animals.

And then it's off on a guided tour around the zoo to visit its nighttime residents.

The evening ends around a bonfire. Bring your own picnic baskets, although the zoo supplies marshmallows to toast on the fire as well as coffee, tea and hot chocolate. And then it's a short trip back to the gate at 8pm.

Tickets for the Moonlight Tours are R70 each; children under three have free entrance. A minimum of 15 people is required for a tour to take place. For further information, telephone Lebo at the Johannesburg Zoo on 011 646 2000 extension 216, by fax on 086 509 4981, or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Animal Myth Buster Tour
Find hippos that sweat blood, bewitched owls and porcupines that shoot quills, and put other myths and old wives' tales to rest on Johannesburg Zoo's Animal Myth Buster Tour.

The intriguing nighttime tour takes two-and-a-half hours and costs R45 per person; patrons are encouraged to bring along picnic baskets, although the zoo supplies refreshments and marshmallows to toast on the fire.

A minimum of 15 people is required for a tour to take place and pre-booking and upfront payment are essential. For further information, telephone Lebo at the Johannesburg Zoo on 011 646 2000 extension 216, by fax on 086 509 4981, or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

There will be a St Patrick's Day celebration on Paddy's Day - Monday, 17 March, from 5pm until 8pm.

The day comprises a family sunset stroll around the zoo, with frog experts on hand to speak about conservation efforts and the threat of extinction facing the amphibians. Adults pay R36 each, while children and pensioners pay R21.

Pre-booking and upfront payment for the St Patrick's Day tour are essential. For further information, telephone Lebo at the Johannesburg Zoo on 011 646 2000 extension 216, by fax on 086 509 4981, or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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Related links:

• Johannesburg Zoo