Groote Schuur Zoo

Groote Schuur Zoo was an animal park in Rondebosch located on the slopes of Devil's Peak that once covered about 2 hectares. Stone remnants, concrete structures, and a distinctive lion enclosure remain from the original complex.

Cecil Rhodes established the initial menagerie in 1897, which became an official zoo in 1931 and operated through the late 1970s. During this period it served as a center for keeping exotic animals in South Africa.

The zoo influenced the region's wildlife when Himalayan tahrs and European starlings escaped and established populations that still exist in South Africa. These animals shaped the local ecosystem and remain part of the landscape today.

The site is accessible through the Old Zoo Parking Lot on Rhodes Drive, right next to the University of Cape Town. Since it is an abandoned location, visitors should proceed carefully and stick to stable paths.

The remaining lion enclosure combines architectural elements reminiscent of a Greek amphitheater with a flagstone floor featuring inlaid Dutch pentagonal stars. This unusual design reveals a blend of European influences in the zoo's construction.

Inception: 1931

GPS coordinates: -33.96200,18.45900

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:01