TL;DR
Discover Lory Park Zoo in Midrand, your intimate animal sanctuary offering interactive wildlife experiences with big cats, birds, and more.
Open daily from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with tickets around R120 for adults and R90 for children. Enjoy daily animal feedings, a lovely tea garden, and family-friendly attractions in a clean, welcoming environment.
Lory Park Zoo Midrand: What Makes It Special?
Lory Park Zoo Midrand is much more than a typical zoo—it’s a well-loved animal sanctuary established in 2000 that focuses on close-up encounters with animals and birds in a safe, caring environment.
Nestled at 180/1 Kruger Rd, President Park, it offers a unique chance to interact with majestic big cats like lions and tigers and a diverse collection of birds, including owls. Unlike larger zoos, Lory Park prides itself on intimacy, educational experiences, and conservation awareness with well-kept enclosures that respect animal welfare guidelines.
Visitors can expect engaging animal feeding sessions—particularly thrilling are the big cat feedings held on weekends and public holidays, scheduled at 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM. For families, children especially delight in petting tame residents such as bunnies and being photographed alongside these friendly animals.
Opening Hours and Best Time to Visit
Lory Park Zoo is open every day of the week, including weekends and public holidays, from 10:00 AM until 4:30 PM. This schedule ensures ample time to explore the sanctuary at a relaxed pace. For the most dynamic experience, plan your visit around the animal feeding sessions, particularly midday when the action peaks.
Pro tip: Arriving early helps beat the crowds, especially on weekends when local schools often bring children for educational day trips.
Ticket Pricing and How to Book
Tickets can be purchased directly at the entrance on the day of your visit. For group bookings or special events, it’s recommended to contact the zoo in advance at +27 11 315 7307. They also have a social media presence for updates on special encounters and events (Instagram @lory_park_midrand).
What to Expect: Animals and Experiences
The zoo boasts a variety of animals, from colorful birds and small mammals to impressive big cats like lions, tigers, and panthers. Unlike larger zoos, Lory Park does not feature very large animals like giraffes and elephants, focusing instead on species that allow for interactive experiences and close encounters.
- Animal Encounters: Supervised opportunities to feed and pet some tame animals, including rabbits and reptiles, are very popular among kids and adults alike.
- Birds of Prey & Owls: The sanctuary is particularly noted for its owl sanctuary and the daily educational owl talks and shows.
- Big Cat Feeding Sessions: Scheduled several times on weekends, these are a highlight where visitors can watch the lions and tigers being fed and learn about their behavior from knowledgeable guides.
Visitors tell me the atmosphere is friendly and intimate, perfect for families seeking a relaxed day out with many opportunities for learning and photography. The well-maintained Tea Garden on site serves light meals, snacks, and refreshments—a great place to relax mid-visit.
Visitor Reviews & Insights
Having read through dozens of recent visitor reviews and talked to people who’ve been there, here are a few genuine insights:
- Many visitors praise the zoo’s cleanliness, animal welfare standards, and the staff’s friendliness.
- Families appreciate the interactive animal feeding and the variety of birds and smaller animals accessible for petting.
- Some have noted the size of the zoo is modest, but this keeps the experience manageable and less overwhelming for young children.
- There’s a shared concern regarding smoking near animal enclosures by some visitors, a point potential guests may want to be aware of.
Practical Tips for Visiting Lory Park Zoo
- Arrive Early: Get the most out of the feeding sessions and animal talks.
- Bring Your Camera: The close encounters provide ample photo opportunities.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: The zoo walkways are easy but plan for a few hours.
- Consider Packing a Picnic: Although there is a tea garden, bringing your own food can enhance your family day out.
- Parking: Safe and secure on-site parking is available.
Getting There & Contact Info
Address: 180/1 Kruger Rd, President Park AH, Midrand, 1685, South Africa
Phone: +27 11 315 7307
Official Social Media: Instagram @lory_park_midrand
Frequently Asked Questions About Lory Park Zoo Midrand
What are the zoo’s opening hours?
Lory Park Zoo is open daily from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM, including weekends and public holidays.
How much do tickets cost for adults and children?
Adult tickets cost about R120, children aged 2-12 pay R90, and pensioners get a discounted ticket at R70. Children under 2 enter for free. Tickets are purchased at the entrance, with no advanced booking required for general visits.
Can visitors interact with animals?
Yes, supervised close encounters and feedings with tame animals like bunnies, reptiles, and big cats take place. These experiences are especially popular during scheduled feeding times on weekends.
Is the zoo family-friendly?
Absolutely. The zoo is a safe, manageable size for families with young kids. There is a play area for children and many interactive, educational animal experiences tailored to families.
Are there food and refreshment options on-site?
Yes, the zoo features a Tea Garden serving snacks and light meals. Visitors also have the option to bring their own food for a picnic, making it perfect for a laid-back family day out.
Is the zoo accessible for people with disabilities?
The zoo provides accessible pathways, but it is recommended to contact them beforehand to discuss specific needs and accommodations to ensure a smooth visit.
