Members of the Wildlife Animal Protection Forum of South Africa (WAPFSA) have expressed their concern about the reopening of the Bloemfontein Zoo in a letter to the National Council of SPCA’s.
This is a copy of the communication:
On the 1st of August 2025 it was reported that a sum of thirty million rand has been allocated over three years for infrastructure upgrades improved amenities and restoring the Bloemfontein zoo’s operation capacity. “We have appointed a consultant and he is busy designing the first phase of the refurbishment Head of Community Services at Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, Dr Thabang Thinda”
WAPFSA members are extremely concerned to read that this vast sum of money has been allocated to the refurbishment of the Bloemfontein Zoo. We are writing to seek your absolute assurance that this facility will not be refurbished as a zoo to exhibit any wild animal species.
On the 3rd October 2024 the NSPCA confirmed that their application to the High Court of South Africa, Free State Division, Bloemfontein would prevent the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality from re-opening the zoo unless they comply with stringent conditions, which the NSPCA believed were unlikely to be met.
The order, which was granted on the 19 September 2024 states that the Mangaung Municipality is prohibited from receiving any wild or exotic animals without the necessary permits. Additionally they are restricted from receiving any threatened or protected animals unless granted permits in terms of the Threatened or Protected Species (TOPS) Regulations, including registering as commercial exhibition facility.
Furthermore, the Zoo cannot reopen unless there is a sufficient budget to lawfully and sustainably operated the facility, along with an official resolution duly passed by the municipal council. The NSPCA further stated that the Free State Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA) cannot in properly considering the animal welfare implications issue any permits in good faith unless significant changes are made to the now defunct Bloemfontein Zoo.
The NSPCA stated that there is no place for archaic practices like zoos which hold no bona fide education for conservation purposes, this will not be the end of the NSPCA’s fight against zoos in South Africa and we will continue to serve the best interests of all animals kept in these synthetic and inadequate environments.
In October 2024 WAPFSA member organisations stayed at an urban hotel in Bloemfontein called the Protea Hotel Willow Lake The property of this hotel borders onto the grounds of what was the Bloemfontein zoo. The tiny enclosures are derelict and overgrown. The only remaining animals were buffalo which could not be relocated or moved because of the threat of a tuberculosis contamination.
The organisations were informed by senior hotel staff that representatives from the Johannesburg Zoo stayed at the hotel for a prolonged period of time in September 2024.
WAPFSA is unsure what official role the Johannesburg Zoo is playing in the planning for the reopening of the Bloemfontein Zoo but according to a media report published on the 27th May 2024 Johannesburg Zoo representatives were/are involved. Mr Sello More, the City Manager accompanied by heads of Departments and a team from the Johannesburg Zoo, visited the Bloemfontein Zoo on the 24th May 2024 to obtain a progress report ahead of the re-opening.
“There is a lot of work happening on the ground and I am very impressed by the progress made to date. This facility belongs to the people of Mangaung, and we need to get it up and running soon.”
The Bloemfontein Zoo closed down because of financial difficulties and serious ethical concerns about animal welfare. WAFSA does not believe that the Bloemfontein Zoo can ever provide adequate space or is a suitable environment to house wild animals. There is also an increasing global awareness of animal rights and welfare which negatively impacts public perception and their support for zoos in general.
© Image: EMS Foundation – Bloemfontein Zoo 2024
©WAPFSA 2025. All Rights Reserved.
WAPFSA strongly recommends that the facility be restructured as botanical garden offering residents and visitors to Bloemfontein stunning scenery, diverse flora and themed gardens.
Diverse flora will naturally attract a wide variety of birds and insects. This could be developed into a secure facility for residents and visitors to Bloemfontein to enjoy safely without compromising the welfare and wellbeing of wild animals. The new facility can be used as an income generating venue for events, concerts, exhibitions and relaxation. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens in the Western Cape is an excellent example of a globally recognised hub for plant conservation.