Three new vehicles will take visitors around the zoo in safety and comfort, replacing the old tractors and trailers.

Launching the ferries: Joburg's mayoral committee member for environment, Prema Naidoo, and representatives from the Joburg Zoo, Heather Feverbach and acting CEO Sannie Kungoane

THREE new ferries will carry visitors around the Johannesburg Zoo in greater safety and comfort. The more luxurious ferries take over from the old trailers, and are able to 40 passengers at a time.

Speaking at the inauguration of the new ferries, the mayoral committee member for environment, Prema Naidoo, said they were an important step towards achieving safety.

"The safety of our passengers has always been our major concern and I am pleased to say, it is a great opportunity for continuing the expansion of this service."

A lower ramp on the new ferries allows visitors to get on and off the vehicles easily, and a door keeps passengers safe while moving. Secure and comfortable inside, they also give passengers a better view of the passing sites.

In the past, Johannesburg Zoo took visitors around the enclosures on tractors pulling trailers. Each tractor had two trailers with long seats, on which the public would sit facing sideways.

"Although the old system was much loved, there were safety concerns," explained the visitors' services manager, Deona Brough. "This new ferry system has a canter pulling the trailers. The trailers have forward-facing seats and a door to keep the passengers safe."

The old carriers were used for the various zoo tours, including bitrthdays, parties, children's and senior citizens' tours.

Visitors interested in using the ferries need to book; the Johannesburg Zoo can be contacted on 011 646 2000 or by email on This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . The zoo is on Upper Park Drive, Forest Town.

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