"Once in Their Lifetime": Joburg Zoo Announces Free Entry for Pensioners
- Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo has announced free entry for pensioners, removing admission costs for older residents
- JCPZ says the initiative will help pensioners experience the zoo and make lasting memories with their families
- Pensioners are encouraged to contact JCPZ for eligibility requirements and visiting arrangements
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Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) has announced free entry for pensioners, giving older residents the chance to visit the zoo without the financial barrier.
Thanduxolo Mendrew, the Managing Director of JCPZ, shared the details of the initiative on 2 October 2026. He said the offer was designed with a clear purpose: to make sure elderly Johannesburg residents could experience the zoo's animals alongside their families before it becomes too late. Mendrew said:
"Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo is committed to ensuring that every resident has the opportunity, at least once in their lifetime, to experience the wonder of seeing a lion or an elephant in a safe, protected setting."
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Free zoo entry for Joburg's older residents
The initiative reflects a broader effort by JCPZ to make the zoo more accessible to communities who might not otherwise be able to afford a visit. For many pensioners living on fixed incomes, entrance fees can be a genuine obstacle. This programme removes that barrier entirely.
Mendrew framed the offer as more than just a day out. The goal, he said, was to help older residents build lasting memories with the people they love, in a setting that brings families together.
The Johannesburg Zoo is home to a wide variety of animals, including lions, elephants, and hundreds of other species, and remains one of the oldest and most visited attractions in Gauteng.
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Pensioners interested in taking advantage of the offer are encouraged to contact Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo directly for full details on eligibility and visiting arrangements.
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Source: Briefly News
