How we started
In the 1980’s The Polar Bear Trust was started. The Trust was established to build the polar bear enclosure. In 1993 the Trust was renamed to The Johannesburg Zoo Trust and operated as Friends of the Johannesburg Zoo Trust (FOTJZT). FOTJZT were involved in tour guiding, fundraising, special events, news magazine and animal adoptions. By 2002 interest had gradually diminished and activities were taken over by Zoo Management. In 2009 a voluntary group formed to resurrect Friends of the Zoo under the name “Zoo-Nited”, however, this project was unable to get off the ground. JoburgZoo Friends was formed in 2020. JZF aims to have greater appeal to Millennials & Gen Z via building an online community as well as creating interest in the Zoo
Our Vision
To be an integral partner of the Johannesburg Zoo by operating as a professionally positioned volunteer organisation in support of the Zoo’s strategic objectives.
Our Mission
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To manage and deliver projects identified by the Zoo & JZF via a wish list system;
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To enable individuals and organisations to associate more closely with the Zoo through their involvement in projects and Zoo activities;
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To contribute towards raising public awareness of the needs and role of the Zoo;
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To increase the number of volunteers serving the Zoo and expanding its activities;
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To act as a creator of employment through a Tour Guide Intern scheme.