Mitchell Park Zoo

Description

Mitchell Park Zoo, also known as Mitchell Park or Mitchell’s Park, is situated in the Morningside suburb of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. Holding claim to being the only zoo in Durban, Mitchell Park was initially established as an ostrich farm in 1910. After an unprofitable start, other animals were introduced and it became home to many large animals; most notably an Indian Elephant called Nellie, who was given to the zoo by the Maharajah of Mysore in 1928. She could blow a mouth organ and crack coconuts with her feet.

Facilities

• Mini Zoo with animals like giant tortoises, buck, crocodiles, raccoons, wallabies, monkeys, and a variety of birds in the walk-through aviary. Be sure to visit Admiral, an ancient tortoise that first came to the park in 1915.
• Picnic lawns and braai areas, with plenty of room to enjoy a game of cricket or Frisbee.
• Playground with jungle gyms, swings, slides, and other equipment for small children.
• Blue Zoo tea garden
• Alley’s Snacks
• Bandstand venue that can be booked for parties and other events, at a cost of R130 for 4 hours.
• Wheelchair friendly

Staff members at Mitchell Park can often be found teaching children about the animal and plant life found at the zoo, and educating visitors on how to preserve our natural wonders so that future generations may also enjoy them.