Drakenstein Lion Park
Location: Drakenstein, Western Cape
A zoological park originally established to care for lions that cannot return to the wild. While more specialised than a general zoo, it operates as a managed wildlife facility with enclosures and visitor viewing areas focused on big cats and related educational displays.
More information: lionrescue.org.za
Johannesburg Zoo
Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng
A well‑established urban zoo set within botanical gardens, housing hundreds of species from around the world. It focuses on animal welfare, enrichment and education programmes and includes immersive exhibits designed to mimic natural habitats.
More information: www.jhbcityparksandzoo.com
Lory Park Zoo
Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng
A smaller but beloved zoo offering close‑up viewing of a mix of mammals, birds and reptiles. It's known for interactive programmes, educational talks and a relaxed setting suitable for families and children.
More information: www.lorypark.co.za
Mitchell Park Zoo
Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
A classic city zoo in Durban with shaded enclosures and walk‑through aviaries. While smaller than the major national zoos, it offers engaging encounters with small mammals, birds and reptiles in a landscaped park setting ideal for families.
National Zoological Gardens of South Africa
Location: Pretoria, Gauteng
The largest zoo in South Africa and one of the country's oldest zoological institutions. It features extensive enclosures and diverse exhibits of mammals, birds, reptiles and aquatic life. The zoo blends animal conservation, public education and family‑friendly experiences across wide landscaped grounds.
More information: www.pretoriazoo.org
World of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary and Monkey Park
Location: Hout Bay, Western Cape
Although with a strong bird focus, this large sanctuary functions like a traditional zoo with thousands of animals including a wide array of birds and small mammals. Its walk‑through habitats allow visitors to see species from Africa and beyond up close.
More information: worldofbirds.co.za
Questions after the interview:
At the end of an interview there is usually an opportunity where you can ask any questions you might have. This is a great opportunity to show the interviewer that you are interested in the position as well as the company. It is a good idea to prepare a few questions before the interview – this can be done while you are doing research on the company.
Your questions should show the interviewer that you are a good candidate for the position. Try and avoid questions that are based on your personal needs and preferences, for instance:
- How much leave will I get in a year?
- Will I be considered for promotion in my first year?
- When will I get an increase?
- What time can I leave in the afternoon?
These questions are inappropriate at this stage and will probably raise concerns on the side of the interviewer. Should you be the successful candidate then all these questions will be answered in your letter of appointment so don’t waste this opportunity by asking these basic questions.
If the position is an entry level job or very junior then you are welcome to ask questions in line with the position, for instance:
- Why did the previous person leave the position?
- What would the successful person be tasked to do in a typical day?
- How does this position fit into the department and / or company?
- Could you explain the company structure to me?
- Is there any further education assistance or support?
If the position is more senior then you can prepare question around the following themes:
- current issues that will face the successful candidate;
- inter-personal challenges in the department;
- any process, technology or people challenges that needs to be attended to urgently;
- key result areas that need urgent attention in the first few months;
The above information should get you started. Prepare a few questions so that you can show your worth. Good luck with your interview!
