National Zoo's weekend programme for Heritage Day

"Heritage Day weekend also marks national braai day," said National Zoo marketing manager Craig Allenby, "and our programme seeks to combine both the leisure and heritage aspects of this period of observation. Our cultural heritage and its diversity should be celebrated, so too, should South Africans recognise the immense natural wealth that we have been blessed with." The conservation of our fauna inheritance is one of the critical roles that zoos perform over and above the educational and leisure aspects of a zoo's utility."

Testing the waters

The National Zoological Gardens have married leisure and conservation in its Heritage Day weekend festivities, which, says Allenby, sees the destination testing the waters for future, similar events. "The concept of a zoo, as many still know it, is rapidly changing. Not only have enclosures become more animal friendly, but tourism is a critical component in funding several conservation programmes. It is, thus, in our interest to develop a product that continues to attract a traditional visitor base, but simultaneously increase our market share."

Restaurant-managed braai

The event programme includes storytelling sessions in which Rudyard Kipling's famous Just So stories among others will be told, traditional carnival fare with face painters, jugglers and balloon sculptors while conservationists will demonstrate Komodo Dragon enrichment exercises, horse cart rides, Cape Fur Seal educational demonstrations and informative talks during feeding times among other activities. Picnic spots are available as well as a restaurant-managed braai. Visitors do not pay for any additional entertainment bar the entrance fee to the venue.

"The objective is to deliver a great day out to families," said Allenby, "at great value."