This as the Department of Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (Destea) temporarily closed the gates to the Bloemfontein Zoo, on Tuesday (17 December 2019) to the public,  following repeated complaints about the state of the facility and the number of animals left inside the zoo. The OFM News team did visit the zoo, mere minutes after it was closed down on Tuesday and staff were still inside the building.

Mangaung Metro spokesperson, Qondile Khedama, confirmed to OFM News that officials from Destea handed down documentation to the Free State municipality that includes Botshabelo, Thaba’ Nchu, Dewetsdorp and Wepener revealing their intention to issue a compliance notice. Khedama says the municipality is still going through the contents of said documentation to ensure compliance. He adds “unfortunately the zoo is temporarily closed until further notice”. For now, there is no indication as to how long the zoo will be closed down for, despite it being the holiday period. Destea is yet to comment on the matter, but is expected to do soon.

Concerned residents have expressed their outrage, relief and concern at word of the shutdown on social media. Many have raised questions regarding the rumoured relocation of the zoo to the municipal land located in Kwaggafontein on the N8, just outside of the Free State capital.

OFM News