Please click on the various sections on the map below to read more information about the development plan.
Themed Layout 
The Zoo has created a themed layout to start the process of rebuilding the Zoo into an adventure experience. The theme is “Explore our Wild Places.” The Zoo will create zones, which will transport the visitor from the middle of Johannesburg to the wild places of the World. Once inside a wild zone the visitor will be immersed into an adventure, they will be lost in the wild place, which they will explore with all their senses. The plants of that wild place will surround them; they will hear the birds and smell the fragrances. Along their journey they will encounter the wild animals that come from that part of the world.

Schematically there are 6 zones envisaged which will make optimal use of the existing infrastructure and plants. In addition a number of other elements are considered:
  • A Natural Science laboratory. This will be an environmental building with solar power and recycled water. High school students will be able to look at various animals and features in great depth including microscopes, a post mortem room and research laboratories. 
  • A sky train to distribute visitors around the 54-hectare Zoo. 
  • A retail node to provide an up market restaurant and shopping experience. This will be a commercial development, feasibility the current retail 
  • A tower ride, which will enable visitors to see the Zoo and the Northern Suburbs of Johannesburg from above. 
  • The Children’s Farmyard will fall outside the zoning and an option exists to charge a separate entrance for the farmyard. The farmyard infrastructure will be expanded to cater for children’s parties. 

Phasing of the Development: 
The phasing is dependent on the ability to source funding. During the 2004/05 financial year the capital allocation to the Johannesburg Zoo was R5.2 million. This funding was used to commence the Heart of Africa with the construction of the Ape house expansion and the Forest Floor. The Carnivore curve complex and elephant enclosure were upgraded in the Southern Safari Zone. Both of these upgrades dealt with animal welfare considerations and operational aspects. 

Concept design has been undertaken on the entire development plan. As funding becomes available detailed designs are undertaken. The ideal phasing would see entire zones constructed simultaneously, however, this entails large expenditures. Within each zone the critical animal welfare projects have been identified and these will be undertaken first with the Capital grants from the City. 

Throughout the development time frame improvements to furniture, visitor facilities, signage, fencing and gardens will be undertaken. The bulk of this will be funded through repairs and maintenance and operational budgets. The development plan and particularly the zone themes, provide the guidelines and templates for all work within the Zoo.

Funding considerations will change the current program. Construction will be undertaken on logical steps to ensure minimal disruption to visitors.