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Bloemfontein Zoo - A Wildlife Sanctuary in the City
If you are looking for an activity or attraction in Bloemfontein to keep you busy through the day, make your way to Bloemfontein Zoo. A lovely sanctuary for a variety of fascinating wildlife, Bloemfontein Zoo is one of the top attractions in the city. Stroll through the zoo and take in all the sights or enjoy a picnic with your family whilst surrounded by animals. Bloemfontein Zoo is a great outing for the entire family.
Bloemfontein Zoo, established back in the year 1920, is well-known for its collection of primates. It is also home to the renowned Big Five along with tigers, hippos, panthers and antelope. Interestingly, Bloemfontein Zoo was a pioneer in the breeding of the liger, an interesting cross between a lion and tiger. Covering some 15 hectares, the zoo keeps about 65 mammal species as well as a grand selection of birds. Zoos provide visitors the unique opportunity to see both indigenous and exotic animal species up close in reproduced natural habitats. Zoos also often play a role in the conservation and preservation of endangered species. Whilst walking around Bloemfontein Zoo you will see everything from elephants to big cats and colorful birds.
Bloemfontein Zoo shot onto the international scene in 2005 when it was discovered that one of its chimpanzees had developed an unfortunate habit, smoking. Charlie the chimp began the habit after mimicking visitors smoking. He even went so far as to hide the cigarettes when the keepers were around. Great efforts were made to help him stop the habit and the public were encouraged not to provide him with cigarettes.
'Friends of the Bloemfontein Zoo' is a group of people who are keenly interested in nature and animals. Members of the group assist in the conservation of wildlife as well as by helping the Bloemfontein Zoo in its breeding programs. Friends of the Bloemfontein Zoo organize a number of activities, for example Zoo Snoozes where you can sleep over, as well as the opportunity to touch a cheetah. All money raised at these events goes toward the betterment of the Zoo. For a day of wildlife fun, visit Bloemfontein Zoo.