The eThekwini Municipality has said Mitchell Park and its zoo in Morningside will be temporarily closed to undergo repair work from April 1.
It said while internal resources will be utilised to fund the repairs, revamp work for fencing, paving, and the play area has been sponsored.
This decision follows concerns raised about the state of the park and the welfare of the animals in the zoo. The municipality stated that the park, which is over 100 years old, is among the City's facilities affected by recurrent adverse weather conditions over the years. The park also sustained significant damage during the recent floods.
"To restore the park to its superior state, the Parks, Recreation, and Culture (PRC) Unit will close it to the public. Public safety concerns, including unsafe playground equipment and exposed concrete surfaces, necessitated the closure. This was exacerbated by the flood damage."
The restoration work will be undertaken in partnership with organisations such as the Woodford Group and On the Verge, bringing together local businesses and community members in supporting the park’s restoration and enhancement. The PRC Unit is working on the flowerbeds and removing hazardous playground equipment. New equipment, sponsored by the Woodford Group, will be installed in the play area.
A contractor will commence revamping the park’s fencing, including the zoo, in April, the municipality said.
Regarding the zoo, the City said it has 328 birds from 70 species, 75 mammals from 9 species, 45 reptiles from 7 species, and 253 fish and others from 5 species.
"These animals are cared for seven days a week by a dedicated team of animal keepers and support staff who feed them and clean their enclosures. While all animals will remain on-site during the revamp work, they will, however, be moved to different enclosures within the park as work is undertaken," the municipality said.
It said some birds may temporarily move to the Umgeni River Bird Park as repairs and renovations are undertaken to the aviaries. The City said other parks will be available to use during the upcoming school holidays, including the newly revamped People’s Park at Moses Mabhida Stadium, Jameson Park, Botanical Gardens, and Gugu Dlamini Park.