National Zoological Garden

14/09/2026

🌳 2026 Tree of the Year: Red Ivory 🌿

Meet Phyllogeiton zeyheri, commonly known as the Red Ivory, Purple Ivory or Pink Ivory tree.

This beautiful indigenous tree can grow up to 12 metres tall and is recognised by its spreading crown, smooth grey-to-light brown bark and striking red to purple young branches. Its small yellow-green, star-shaped flowers are followed by sweet, fleshy fruits that turn yellow to reddish-brown when ripe. 🌱❤️

🐦 Attracts birds
🦋 Attracts insects
☀️ Full sun
💧 Drought resistant
🌳 Evergreen / semi-deciduous
🍒 Edible fruit
🌿 Medicinal use
🪵 Useful wood

The Red Ivory is another wonderful example of South Africa's rich indigenous tree diversity. 🌍💚

How many of these beautiful trees have you spotted? 👀🌳

13/09/2026

12/09/2026

🎁🌿 GIVE THE GIFT OF NATURE ALL YEAR LONG! 🌿🎁
Looking for a meaningful gift for someone special? Give them a SANBI Gift Membership and open the door to a year filled with nature, discovery and unforgettable experiences! 💚
A Gauteng Region Membership provides access to:
🌿 Pretoria National Botanical Garden
🦁 National Zoological Garden of South Africa
🌺 Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden
🎟️ Gift Memberships:
• Adult – R650
• Scholar – R325
• Student – R480
• Pensioner – R480
🎁 The gift that keeps giving, all year long!
👉 Sign up online at www.webtickets.co.za
🌱 Learn more about SANBI at www.sanbi.org

11/09/2026

Komodo Dragon 🐉

10/09/2026

Can you ID? 🤔

09/09/2026

09/09/2026

📚🦁 SCHOOL BOOKINGS ARE OPEN! 🦒🐘

Make your next school outing an educational adventure at the National Zoological Garden of South Africa! 🌿🐾
Give learners the opportunity to explore wildlife, discover biodiversity and learn more about conservation through an exciting experience at the Zoo.
🎓 Ready to plan your school visit?
👉 BOOK HERE: https://nzg.plnktn.io/.../337addf2-0a5e-49da-a8c1...
📅 Book your school group today and make learning an adventure!

08/09/2026

🌳 Meet South Africa’s 2026 Tree of the Year!

Introducing Afzelia quanzensis, commonly known as the Pod Mahogany, Lucky Bean Tree, peulmahonie (Afrikaans) and inkehli (isiZulu). 🌿
This impressive indigenous tree can grow up to 35 metres tall and is known for its spreading crown, beautiful coppery new leaves, sweetly scented flowers and distinctive woody pods containing shiny black seeds with bright red arils. 🌱✨
🐦 Attracts birds
🦋 Attracts insects
☀️ Thrives in full sun
💧 Drought resistant
🌿 Medicinal uses
🪵 Useful wood
The 2026 Tree of the Year is a wonderful reminder of the incredible diversity and value of South Africa’s indigenous trees. 💚
📍 Discover biodiversity for life at the National Zoological Garden!
🌳🇿🇦