Page 14 - IFV Jan Feb Issue 2025

Lifestyle

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF

THE WILDS, JOHANNESBURG

Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) recently marked the 100th
anniversary of The Wilds, an iconic nature reserve in Killarney. Originally

donated to the city in 1924 by the Johannesburg Consolidated Investment
Company, The Wilds was created to provide a peaceful sanctuary for residents
and visitors, allowing them to connect with nature and enjoy views of the city.

he area was landscaped in 1937, Public/private partnerships More than a park
using plants from the Empire Thanks to the ongoing restoration efforts According to Thanduxolo Mendrew,
TExhibition rockery, and became a supported by public/private partnerships, MD of JCPZ, The Wilds is more than a park;
calm retreat for city dwellers in the busy The Wilds now attracts hundreds of rather it is a living heritage that needs to
metropolis of Joburg. Later, in 1950, it was visitors weekly, offering a tranquil space be protected and preserved for future
dedicated to General Jan Smuts, declared for picnics, exhibits, photography, yoga, generations. “We honour the decades of
a national monument in 1981 and a meditation, art classes, community events stewardship, community involvement and
designated conservation area in 2006. and guided walks. This rejuvenation long-serving employees of JCPZ who have
Today, JCPZ manages The Wilds with stands as a powerful example of how kept The Wilds thriving. This achievement
support from volunteers, private citizens these partnerships can safeguard the highlights the power of collaboration
and community groups, who contribute heritage, conservation and sanctity of in maintaining green spaces and
to its upkeep. Artist and activist James urban green spaces. reaffirms our commitment to conserving
Delaney is a well-known volunteer. In Community members, private sponsors, Johannesburg’s natural heritage,” he
2019, The Wilds was awarded a Blue volunteers and JCPZ have joined forces to states.
Heritage Plaque by the Johannesburg revitalise the park, adding improvements He adds that JCPZ is committed to its
Heritage Foundation in recognition of its such as enhanced safety, marked trails, mission of protecting and maintaining The
historical and cultural significance. educational signage and expanded Wilds, which stands as a symbol of what
Over the past century, it has witnessed programs. These efforts are key to is possible when communities unite to
several transformations, evolving from a maintaining the unique biodiversity of The preserve and enhance their environments,
landscaped park into a vital conservation Wilds – its rich ecosystem of indigenous ensuring that future generations will
site. Today its rich history and diverse plants and birdlife that play an important inherit green spaces that inspire, educate
ecosystem are preserved to ensure it role in Johannesburg’s environmental and nurture.
remains a place of discovery and respite heritage.
for future generations. Information and photo supplied by
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo
www.jhbcityparksandzoo.com

12 • Jan / Feb 2025 • The Villager