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FEATURE

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

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15 Landscape SA • Issue 144 2024