East London Zoo image

East London Zoo

Tourist attraction Zoo

Zoo featuring over 300 animals, including lions, tigers & primates, plus a 19th-century home. People often mention animals, kids, cages, time, empty, great, Animals, money, water, looked,


Address

Beaconsfield Rd, Parkside, East London, 5201, South Africa

Contact

+27 43 722 1171

Rating on Google Maps

3.10 (580 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Tuesday: 9 am to 4 pm
  • Wednesday: 9 am to 4 pm
  • Thursday: 9 am to 4 pm
  • Friday: 9 am to 4 pm
  • Saturday: 9 am to 4 pm
  • Sunday: 9 am to 4 pm
  • Monday: 9 am to 4 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: animals (71) kids (19) cages (16) time (12) empty (12) great (10) Animals (9) money (7) water (7) looked (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 sazib i. 5 years ago on Google
    Very nice place. I like it. Is it in East London town. Enter fee only R25. U can go for visiting every day 8am to 4pm. They got all kinds of animals. They got some small place to playing small kids. They is shop to buy drinks, cips, coffee. That's really very good place. U can go some time they to fresh your mind.......
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Leeza B. 4 years ago on Google
    There is no place for zoos in 2020. All you will learn is that it’s ok to imprison innocent animals. Animals are not commodities they are sentient beings that need to be loved and respected. Education comes from learning about animals in their natural environments not in prisons. Watch documentaries.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Roxy G. 6 years ago on Google
    They deserve ZERO stars !! Animals conditions at this place are revolting, they are on their death beds. The poor bears can’t even lift their heads. Do not support this place or any other zoo for that matter , it is a money making business.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Blake A. 1 year ago on Google • 140 reviews
    The zoo was clean but needs more maintenance, but animals that are left seem healthy and well feed. There are a lot of empty cages that are just overgrown and left empty, which makes it look worse.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Penelope M. 5 months ago on Google • 40 reviews
    Had a great time. Animals not too far from each other. Kids under 3 years don't pay. R65 for adults. Bring your own food. Only one shop that sells food.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Antonio G. 4 years ago on Google
    It is sad to see what is happening to our zoo. When I was younger I remembered our zoo to being a wonderful and spectacular place to visit. I remembered the animals being well fed and their cages were well maintained. Now these animals are being neglected and their cages are unmaintained. I would love to see change in our zoo. To see the animals happy.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 stacey-lee b. 2 years ago on Google • 22 reviews
    1.Definitely enclosure improvements 2.Animals are in good condition 3. Unfortunately not many animals to see but the main ones are there. 4. Children's play area is well maintained 5. Unfortunately the train was not active nor were the boat rides Although there were some let downs, it's a great place to spend the day. Take a picnic basket and a blanket and enjoy lunch while the kids play.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Dalene J. 2 months ago on Google • 56 reviews New
    We had a lovely visit to the zoo. The atmosphere and the vegetation is really worth the effort to walk the walk. Sadly many empty cages, but definitely worth he R65
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Malixole S. 3 years ago on Google
    The zoo is really trying hard to recover itself to its former glory days. I however noticed that they still need a financial support from the public to assist with the daily operations, especially taking care of the animals.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Emily M. 4 years ago on Google
    Would literally give 0 stars if I could. Animals do not look cared for and their enclosures are so badly maintained. Honestly disgusting, these animals need to be saved and moved to a better maintained zoo. Please don't take your children to the East London zoo, it is not educational it's just cruel.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Takudzwa S. 3 years ago on Google
    No to animals imprisonments
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Dane S. 4 years ago on Google
    They really seem to be trying hard to keep things running well. The fact there are places who look after animals that have been injured or can’t reenter the wild is fantastic. Also a great place for kids to go and run off their energy.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Funeka G. 4 years ago on Google
    This place needs to be revamped not interesting at all
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Lani's C. 11 months ago on Google • 25 reviews
    Most animal enclosures are overgrown with weeds and bushes, the water is disgusting. You can hardly find your way to the wolves, and when you do get there they can hardly wait to see you. The one was terrified but the other one was dying for attention. The small shop is useless too and can be closed down too. The animals need to be removed to another place. One Vervet monkey has a broken finger that no one has ever noticed or tried to fix. The male lion can hardly walk, the Jaguar looks like he's ready to kill, in 3 years time his enclosure is still not suitable for him! No man show some compassion for the animals!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ronel P. 2 months ago on Google • 53 reviews New
    The Zoo is awesome. Lovely animals and they take very good care of them.

  • 2/5 Vuyisa Q. 2 years ago on Google • 8 reviews
    Sad state of maintenance. I went for nostalgia and childhood dreams. The zoo is possibly on its last legs, unless urgent interventions happen to preserve and maintain the infrastructure. ⚠️ Came back with multiple bug bites, some with severe side effects (take bug spray or Tabard especially if you're with kids)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Joldan W. 4 years ago on Google
    I tell u ,those animals are in a slave camp, rescue team needed
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 gerrit e. 4 years ago on Google
    A huge disappointment. There is nothing to see. More than half of the cages are empty. I will never go there again. I am sure it will close doors soon.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Sarah-Lee F. 2 years ago on Google
    Popped into the Zoo with the kids. Maintenance was being done, quiet a few staff members walking around and very friendly. Bring tabbard, lots of mosquitoes near the water side. Kids loved seeing the animals and the play area is lovely. If comparing this to a private establishment with huge amounts of money injected into the animals and facilities you will be disappointed. It's not what it used to be back in the 90's, but still a lovely outing. Prices are a little off from the website. Children are R38 each and adult R59.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Zak L. 4 years ago on Google
    Animals not looked after
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Lutho M. 4 years ago on Google
    It's really downhill now
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Peter-Pet 3 years ago on Google
    This placr has soo much potential Wish people would support more
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Solilwela Z. 4 years ago on Google
    It's a jail because animals are living in a confined space
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Adan A. 3 years ago on Google
    Just i6 veiw part of earth located in east south Africa nothing makes more change in the world world
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Liliana G. 3 years ago on Google
    No more ZOOS or animals in captivity, let them free, where they belong, one day you might suffer the loss of your freedom, and then you will think back and understand how these animals felt! Bless you all that support these voiceless creatures! Greetings from California! PS I wanted to give no stars.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Sanelisiwe M. 4 years ago on Google
    The zoo is safe, but the animals are few and they look like they are sick or something like that, they are not exciting like they were before.... Otherwise is a great place freshen your mind and do some activities
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Regan M. 4 years ago on Google
    I can only give 1 star, but if i could, i would give ZERO because what this zoo is doing is absolute torture to these animals. They must be let go. and i understand that they just cant let these animals go freely but i feel that something has to be done. either the animals go or better management of them!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Kim J. 4 years ago on Google
    This was an awful experience. The place dirty, dirty nappies and plastic. Two animals showed signs of zoochosis. The jaguar ,pacing up and down and the gorilla was sitting swaying from side to side. This is mental frustration from boredom. The benches were broken and paint peeling. The bear just slept and it was 12.30. Could also be zoochosis. The vegetation totally neglected and a kids party with music was starting as we left. Wild animals dont do music 💔💔 I'm going to support close east London zoo group.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Ollie O. 4 years ago on Google
    I am not convinced that the staff is capable of running any zoo for that matter. I would be ashamed to be associated with this zoo or it's managment for leaving these animals in a horrible environment as this. Food, water and cleanliness is the key to a successful zoo.... Wake up!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Nathan S. 4 years ago on Google
    Great play area for the kids but you do need to accommodate yourself in terms of a picnic basket as they dont really cater for that. This is however a great way to get the kids outdoors
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pesky M. 2 months ago on Google • 12 reviews New
    The tour guide was very sweet and very patient with us. It is very informative for the kids and for us as well.

  • 3/5 Luvo S. 2 years ago on Google
    There were no tour guides to explain about the animals, where they are from, and whether they would survive in the wild. The children had fun, we saw big cats apes,and the variety of birds there.

  • 1/5 Sihlangule N. 2 years ago on Google
    There’s no one to help, they just take your money and let you go…

  • 5/5 Asanda Lawrence D. 2 years ago on Google
    The Zoo is very clean outside and inside, i love to take a wake and be suprise with different types of Animals....

  • 3/5 Al. Z S. 4 years ago on Google
    It's OK

  • 1/5 Nomusa M. 2 years ago on Google
    There is only few animals the place needs maintenance

  • 3/5 Hannes D. 2 years ago on Google
    Even though it is dry i feel the personel can keep the place at least tidy

  • 1/5 Theresa Arendse (. 2 years ago on Google
    That place needs a big upgrade. Gardening,empty cages and lots more. Only few animals. Not worth the price you pay. Staff is friendly but the place is a disaster.

  • 1/5 TARYN C. 2 years ago on Google
    What an absolutely shocking and disgraceful place. Took my daughter and nephews and it was horid. The grass hasn't been cut, the place is filthy, broken empty cages overgrown with weeds. Absolute disgrace don't waste your money. I feel so sorry for the poor animals (those that are left). You should be shut down.

  • 4/5 minenhle k. 2 years ago on Google
    Loved the zoo but quite a few of the animal shelters were empty 😔. I'd definitely go back though.

  • 2/5 Anika K. 2 years ago on Google
    Going to this zoo after a very long time was exciting. But that excitement was killed by the time we got to a few animals cages. Many were empty, some places you were not even sure if they were animals or you should go there. All the big cats looked dull. This place is truly on its last legs if nothing is done. The place really as so much potential with its rides includes.

  • 3/5 Onga M. 1 year ago on Google
    Its a thrilling experience for kids and anybody who's never seen some wild animals in person. However, some animals are none existent currently (maybe will come back in future not sure, the zoo also seem to be under some works currently Inside there is a kiosk for a couple of snacks at an affordable price. They also have a private vanue you could hire out for a personal event. Current Prices Adult- 59 Children -38 Pensioners -38 Scholars in group -24 No pets allowed or teasing the animals.

  • 5/5 Nolie J. 2 years ago on Google
    I love the fact that you have an option to go to the park side for free and i use that alot and take gorgeous pictures and the stuff members are amazing

  • 2/5 Ayanda T. 2 years ago on Google
    Not in the best of shapes although it seems most cages have been adopted and some have multiple supporters/ adopters. The koi ponds waters are green and not clear so one cannot see fish clearly. Facilities like game rides for kids in a state of disrepair. The tuck shop sells beverages and snacks at double the prices. One better wear long pants an long sleeve top if you want to minimize mosquito bites 😜 😤

  • 2/5 roberto h. 1 year ago on Google
    Some animals out of their enclosures amde the experience a little unsettling. Alot of the displays are empty without any indication thereof. So you spend time trying to see animals that aren't even there. This place has so much potential!

  • 5/5 Kholeka D. 1 year ago on Google
    We had a nice time. We enjoyed the weekend away

  • 5/5 Rochelle L. 1 year ago on Google
    On the 06.11.2022 my family and I decided to visit the East London Zoo. The animals were well looked after and fed with fresh fruit & vegetables. The cages were so clean, with running clean water fountains in certain cages. The Zoo was so clean, no litter in sight. We decided to have a picnic in the park, with lots of entertainment for the kids. Had a absolute blast, and definitely will recommend the Zoo to anyone wanting to visit.

  • 1/5 Nico L. 1 year ago on Google
    Would not recommend this place to anyone. Few animals and the place is not kept neat at all. Such a pitty as the park has huge potential to become the "Goto place" for family outings as it once was before.

  • 4/5 Devon B. 1 year ago on Google
    Very nice place to take the kids. The animals are well fed and looked after, unfortunately not the variety of fauna that used to be on display but great enclosures and great space for families.

  • 1/5 Sixolile S. 1 year ago on Google
    Personally I would not recommend anyone to go there , it's a waste of money. Yes the half the animals looked good and well fed but it was a struggle to know your way around the zoo as there was no tour guide or maps given, the workers looked like they do not enjoy their work as when we ask our way around the zoo they responded like they did not care , the Tuckshop did not have any food . I would recommend to go there if you want to have a picnic and not for the animals

  • 1/5 Kiara B. 9 months ago on Google
    Animals are fed well, barely any animals left, was told you can't feed animals anymore, ducks and that all gone. Shop wasn't opened, everything so over grown no wolves cages in a state and broken. Train, boats and play grounds needs to be fixed and needs huge maintenance.

  • 2/5 Luncedo S. 9 months ago on Google
    This zoo has to a) be closed down or b) come under new management. There were no attendants educating or monitoring guests, most animals were missing or seemed to be going under some sort of stereotypy (Google it). The facilities are not well taken care of - there are many overgrown shrubs, fences that should be better maintained or buildings that need to be painted. As a result of no monitoring some guests were feeding various birds and even boars bread and worst of all - intimidating animals (even a bloody lion) by hitting the fences or making loud sounds. Not a good experience, avoid it by all means possible.

  • 4/5 Dion P. 5 months ago on Google
    We took our grandson to the Zoo and we were pleasantly surprised at the variety and quality of the animals that we saw. Sadly, the facilities were a bit run down but at least the grass was being cut and it seems that something is being done about the place.

  • 3/5 Samson M. 4 years ago on Google
    Friendly staff, lots of wild life toi explore, very accessible in CBD.

  • 5/5 Wardiya E. 5 years ago on Google
    This is the perfect place for little kids and families. You do need loads of time to truly enjoy it.

  • 3/5 Sis Pumzile M. 3 years ago on Google
    Some animals on the notice board are not at the Zoo

  • 3/5 Mandla K. 3 years ago on Google
    Currently closed

  • 4/5 Sibani G. 3 years ago on Google
    Nature of life

  • 2/5 Maria J C. 4 years ago on Google
    Don't dislike the place animals look well fed but the park itself is in a bad condition long grass and bushes not been cut all though there is beautiful plants

  • 1/5 Deana B. 4 years ago on Google
    The conditions the poor animals are living in, was heartbreaking. That place needs an upgrade as well as better care for the animals.

  • 5/5 kate c. 4 years ago on Google
    Was fantastic

  • 3/5 Bulelani M. 4 years ago on Google
    There was tour guide at the time, so we had to walk around alone... Not cool

  • 1/5 Chwayitisa B. 4 years ago on Google
    Unhealthy and hazardous conditions for animals. Deteriating infrastructure and sick animals

  • 1/5 shaun T. 4 years ago on Google
    Sad it has gone so backwards

  • 2/5 Cynthia N. 4 years ago on Google
    Not enough animals, as expected.Not much to see but empty cages.

  • 1/5 Mohamed P. 4 years ago on Google
    Very few animal, filthy place, high price, broker cages.

  • 1/5 Azinda E. 4 years ago on Google
    Its horrible!!! Can't believe south Africa's zoo's looks so horrible!! People should be ashamed of themselves...!! Those animals deserve beter

  • 1/5 Henry F. 4 years ago on Google
    Such a waste of money I feel so sorry for those animals. The place is dirty and such a mess. The shop/restaurant is pathetic. No1 should ever go there

  • 5/5 Melisia M. 2 years ago on Google
    The animals were well taken care of, and the premises was very clean. Staff very friendly and kind. Only light snacks available from the kiosk

  • 2/5 tim n. 4 years ago on Google
    No longer what it used to be.

  • 5/5 Blackvanilla M. 4 years ago on Google
    Greatest place I visited ever

  • 5/5 bongani d. 4 years ago on Google
    Short of animals

  • 2/5 Phumeza M. 4 years ago on Google
    It is very dirty . Even the animals there are not health . Only playing grounds that attracted my children .

  • 1/5 vergil g. 4 years ago on Google
    The place is been known for its bad treatment against animals

  • 4/5 Aderito M. 4 years ago on Google
    Building man i need the job

  • 3/5 Carrie F. 4 years ago on Google
    Would have been great but animals looked unhappy

  • 5/5 mfundo N. 4 years ago on Google
    Had a great time with my family

  • 5/5 Rohit Singh B. 4 years ago on Google
    For place for kids for fun and to explore wild animals

  • 4/5 Lugo B. 4 years ago on Google
    Food is great

  • 4/5 Leanne H. 3 years ago on Google
    Animals are in brilliant condition, nice to see some positive changes happening. Well done to staff for keeping everything shipshape during the pandemic.

  • 5/5 sikelela n. 3 years ago on Google
    Fun place to take your kids . Also enjoyable for adults

  • 1/5 Mvuzo N. 3 years ago on Google
    On it's death bed.

  • 3/5 Lwazi G. 2 years ago on Google
    There are enough animals. They also look good and healthy. Some are even overweight, especially the lioness. There is also a large playing area for kids. The place needs maintenance here and there but it is worth a visit.

  • 1/5 Wanda O. 2 months ago on Google • 2 reviews New
    EL Zoo South Africa is situated in a large lush green park however, badly maintained. Walkways full of leaves and weeds, pond areas the water green with a smell. Some buildings and structures dilapidated and an eye sore. In my childhood there was a small electric train for kids rides, now its standing there in ruins. Many enclosures empty. We could see pieces of fruit in some cages but, the drinking water dirty, not cleaned for weeks. The kiosk was closed at picnic areas there was garden benches but, grass very long. My heart is very sore for the few animals still there. Years ago this was a beautiful area for families to take their kids or just to spend time outdoors. PLEASE Buffalo City Municipality, Schools, Non-Profit organizations, SPCA do something take this challenge on for 2024 and restore this area for the well being of the animals OR rather relocate the animals and close the Zoo.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Nangamso Asanda M. 1 year ago on Google • 1 review
    The WORST experience we had, a lot of the cages are empty. The ponds are dirty with green water. Many of the animals or caged alone with no other animals of the same species. The animals have no energy for people. There are no boards or signs to guide the tourists. It is in its worst appearance. A definite waste of our time and money
    1 person found this review helpful 👍


Call +27 43 722 1171 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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