Groote Schuur Zoo

Located on the slopes of Devil's Peak, the zoo complex spans 4.9 acres with remnants of stone enclosures and concrete structures.

Cecil Rhodes established the initial menagerie in 1897, which transformed into an official zoo in 1931 and operated until the late 1970s.

The zoo shaped local wildlife as escaped Himalayan tahrs and European starlings established populations that remain in South Africa today.

Visitors can access the abandoned structures through the Old Zoo Parking Lot on Rhodes Drive, adjacent to the University of Cape Town.

The remaining lion enclosure combines architectural elements of a Greek amphitheater with flagstone designs featuring Dutch pentagonal stars.

Inception: 1931

GPS coordinates: -33.96200,18.45900

Latest update: March 13, 2025 08:39